The Schunk EGL 70 mechatronic parallel gripper combines power and intelligence: with variable gripping force between 50 and 600N, the company says it is one of the most powerful and flexible mechatronic grippers on the market and was specifically developed for industrial applications. Since the finger position, closing speed, and gripping force are freely programmable […]
As the robotics community comes to recognise the potential for productivity improvements offered by alternative guarding strategies, Leuze Electronic has announced a new series of safety laser scanners – the RSL 400 series – that have been designed to offer extended functionality, greater versatility, and simple configuration via Bluetooth and Ethernet. The RSL 400 series […]
A robot systematically goes about its business on the rooftop of the John Deere European Technology Innovation Centre – in summer and in winter, in rain, heat, cold or snow. A debilitating outdoor mission that only one robot manufacturer had the confidence to take on, namely Stäubli. Headquartered in the United States, John Deere is […]
A new report from Visiongain Global looks at market prospects for industrial robots, processes and technologies in vehicle production from 2014 to 2024. Visiongain expects the automation and robotics in automotive manufacturing to reach a market value of $13.66bn in 2014. Visiongain says the period from 2014 to 2024 going to be challenging for the […]
Industrial robots are on the advance worldwide, and for a good reason: they are very versatile and enable short cycle times in production. But those benefits count for little if they cannot be easily, efficiently and effectively integrated into production lines. German integrator KUK-Automation has been providing robot integration services to customers for many years. […]
Tribopolymer specialist Igus’ latest video looks at the specifications of its new drylin room gantry. Used to implement three-dimensional applications, the room gantry is based on a flat gantry system with a vertical axis. With the limit switch assembly housed within a T-slot, the complete length of the room gantry profile can be used, enhancing […]
Robotiq has published a blog post ‘End Effector Gripping Strategies’ that presents numerous strategies that the company’s engineers have seen, and how a gripper can be best used in different applications. The blog post is supplemented with a 12-page downloadable eBook, ‘How to choose the right end effector for your application’. In particular, the blog […]
The benefits of robotic automation for mass production processes are well recognised and understood. Visit any modern automotive plant, for example, and you are likely to see rows of robots engaged in a broad range of activities, each playing their own specific role in production. Even in the UK, where the rate of robotic automation […]
Hannover Messe 2015, 13-17 April The world is at the dawn of a new age in industrial robotics. While industrial robots are mostly still large, heavy items of plant designed to rapidly process repetitive tasks from behind safety barriers in big factories, they are now also making their way into smaller factories, where they are […]
Motion plastics and low-cost automation at MACH 2026
igus returns to MACH with a comprehensive range of engineering innovations designed to improve machine reliability, reduce downtime and deliver long‑term cost savings for manufacturers across all industry. With the UK operation based in Northampton, igus develops lubrication‑free motion plastics that replace traditional metal components, increasing performance while eliminating the need for grease and maintenance. […]
RBTX DOBOT partner launch hailed a success
igus UK marks a major milestone in accessible automation with the successful launch of its RBTX partnership with DOBOT Robotics. The event brought together engineers, system integrators, manufacturers and automation specialists to explore how flexible robotic solutions can be deployed quickly and cost-effectively, without the complexity traditionally associated with industrial automation. Live demonstrations showcased collaborative […]
What role does AI play in art?
The River of Light festival in Liverpool showcased ‘Face Value’, a captivating installation co-created by PhD student Emma Brass from the University of Liverpool and Venya Krutikov, co-founder of The Kazimier and Invisible Wind Factory. Blending artificial intelligence, robotics, and visual art, Face Value invites visitors to confront how technology perceives and redefines reality. The […]
Automating with robotics at MachineBuilding.South
Industry commentators agree that UK manufacturers will need to increase their investment in robotics if they are to keep up with international competition. At MachineBuilding.South you can find out how, with numerous exhibits from robotics, control, automation and safety specialists. LG Motion (Stand 46) will be showcasing Techman Robot (TM Robot) collaborative robots at MachineBuilding.South with […]
Annual robot shipments to top 760k units in 2030
The industrial robot industry saw 5.1% growth in 2025, following a contraction of -2% in 2024, Interact Analysis reports. The market is now forecast to record steady growth out to 2030, at an average annual rate of 6.7%, rising from 549,555 units in 2025 to 761,303 units in 2030. The latest industrial robots report from […]
Universal Robots hosts Food & Beverage Masterclass
The Food & Beverage Masterclass, hosted by Universal Robots in June, 2026 at Riseholme Park in Lincoln, brought together industry professionals for a practical and engaging half-day event focused on end of line automation with collaborative robots (cobots). Designed to give attendees a clear understanding of how automation can be successfully implemented in food and […]
Customised robotics and automation systems: Astech Projects is an award-winning provider of advanced automated solutions. We work with clients worldwide to design and build robotics and automation systems that meet
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Gourmet-food-maker automates packaging process
Rockwell Automation has announced that Cranswick, one of Britain’s leading manufacturers of premium gourmet foods, has commissioned a new robotic end-of-line pick-and-place system using autonox Robotics. Every year, Cranswick produces millions of “pigs-in-blankets” (sausages wrapped in bacon) for the Christmas market. The final stage of the process – picking the sausages off the conveyor belt […]
Universal Robots hosts Food & Beverage Masterclass
The Food & Beverage Masterclass, hosted by Universal Robots in June, 2026 at Riseholme Park in Lincoln, brought together industry professionals for a practical and engaging half-day event focused on end of line automation with collaborative robots (cobots). Designed to give attendees a clear understanding of how automation can be successfully implemented in food and […]
Universal adaptive gripper for faster, gentler picking
Festo has introduced the HPSX Universal Adaptive Gripper, a pneumatic soft gripper engineered to improve speed, hygiene and flexibility in demanding food, pharmaceutical and cosmetics applications. Combining robust design, food-safe materials and adaptive silicone fingers, the HPSX directly addresses long-standing automation challenges where rapid, precise and gentle product handling is essential. “In developing the HPSX, […]
Robots help food processors future proof their plants
Ten years ago UK food prices were far lower than they are today – and since the bank collapse of 2008 many people have lower incomes. Food processers are aware of this and are increasingly looking to robots and automation to address their operating efficiency. “There is a constant drive for improvement in food processing,” […]