At AUTOMATICA in Munich, the International Federation of Robotics (IFR) reported that 179,000 industrial robots were sold worldwide in 2013, beating the record set the previous year. And IFR says we can expect further increases in 2014, with orders for the first four months of the year having grown considerably. According to the IFR world […]
The world’s largest civilian research and innovation programme in robotics will boost Europe’s position in the global robotics market and create hundreds of thousands of jobs. Launched at AUTOMATICA 2014 (pictured), the scheme sees the European Commission and 180 companies and research organizations operating under the umbrella of euRobotics. It will cover applications of robotics […]
The Scorpion 3D Stinger Camera is designed to be used in cutting-edge 3D Stereo Vision applications with or without structured light. It is compatible with the latest 3D version of Scorpion Vision Software and locates moving objects in 3D in real-time. The typical system contains two cameras with lenses, power and easy mounting. The standard unit is ready […]
As industrial robotics are used in new and alternative application areas in growing markets to meet increasing demand for automation, compound annual growth of over 5 percent is expected between 2013 and 2020, with the overall market growing from $26 billion in 2012 to over $41 billion in 2020. The forecast comes in a new […]
Programming robots to pick up particular objects and move them around is commonplace, but when those objects vary in size or shape, robots tend to get clumsy. But new robotic grasp technology developed by researchers at the University of Birmingham could help to change that. The research, which provides a way of ‘teaching’ robots to […]
Control of Europe’s most powerful non-military laser, plus a six-axis test piece handling robot and multiple points of distributed I/O at a new laser-based R&D centre is based on a Mitsubishi Electric iQ-controller. The laser-based research and development cell has been installed at the Manufacturing Technology Centre (MTC) in Ansty, West Midlands, to help keep […]
Pacepacker Services is inviting anyone working in handling foods or packaging goods to join them for an educational event on 17 June to see a wide range of pick and place robots in action. Hosted at the company’s Essex facility, the event will highlight six different robots, including food grade systems, in real-world applications. Including […]
A workcell measuring just 0.8 by 1 metre, with an ABB IRB 120 robot hanging upside-down from the ceiling, is used at global contact lens manufacturer CooperVision’s R&D facility in Southampton. The cell provides a reduced cycle time of 30 percent by enabling the faster transfer of contact lenses between the moulding and curing processes. […]
Handling and assembly robots are continually pushing the performance envelope in terms of load, speed and reach, and that places particular requirements on cable management. To meet these requirements in self-supporting applications, Murrplastik has introduced a new range of cable drag chains, with a one-piece design that is robust, easy to install and inexpensive. Murrplastik […]
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, […]
Automation opens up job opportunities
By 2030, it is reckoned that a third of British jobs will be automated. With experts suggesting that we can expect change on a scale akin to the Industrial Revolution in the 19th century, the process of integrating robotics into the workplace has already begun and the next 10 to 20 years will see a major […]