Using the Sydney Harbor Bridge as an example, Australian specialists have highlighted how service robots will soon revolutionize how steel structures are serviced. The robust lightweight robotic systems are planned to go into serial production at the end of 2014. At their core is a lightweight arm designed by SCHUNK, the competence leader for clamping […]
Pacepacker Services has expanded its Technical Department to support the growing demand for robotics within the food, bulk solids and aggregate industries. The move comes hot on the heels of the company’s 20+ new pick and place robot option launch at Foodex 2014. The appointment of two new engineers increases Pacepacker’s engineering manpower and further solidifies their […]
FANUC has realigned its UK divisions under one brand – FANUC UK Limited. This move allows the company to deliver a more integrated approach to automation solutions while becoming a smarter and more efficient partner to its customers. The rebrand, effective immediately, integrates FANUC’s three core UK businesses – FANUC ROBOTICS, FANUC FA and FANUC […]
With a maximum stroke of 3mm, the Schunk EGP 25-speed mechatronic gripper only takes 0.03 seconds for its fingers to close, which Schunk reckons gives it the fastest stroke to closing time ratio. This offers optimal pre-requisites for minimal cycle times. Claimed to be the smallest electric gripper with integrated electronics on the market, the […]
Renishaw has announced that the US Food and Drug administration (FDA) has issued clearance to market the neuromate frameless Gen II stereotactic robotic system. Dr Abed Hammoud, CEO of Renishaw Mayfield SA said: “We are excited to launch our newest generation neuromate robotic system in the US, which is the largest global market for medical […]
It is important to understand when to select a Cartesian handling system over kinematic and SCARA assembly and handling solutions, so Festo has produced a whitepaper which provides a technical comparison of the Cartesian handling system with these other technologies. The whitepaper gives a simple overview of the Cartesian handling system and kinematic handling system, […]
Machine builders facing ever increasing pressures to deliver machines that address requirements for increased productivity and reduced costs are coming to see the potential for robotic solutions. And the good news, says Omron’s Robert Brooks, is that today robots can be treated as standard automation components, easily integrated into production lines. When we think about […]
An ABB robotic welding cell is enabling agricultural machinery manufacturer Shelbourne Reynolds to dramatically reduce production times for its range of articulated hedge cutting tractor attachments. Handling the several hundred welds entailed in the production of the attachments, the cell has so far cut welding process times by 66 percent compared to the company’s previous […]
Implementing robotic loading and unloading has vastly increased capacity at Ryobi Aluminium Casting UK. Before automating the process, shift performances varied considerably, parts and tooling suffered damage and the bottom line was that the operator performance was setting the takt time, Now it is the robot that works to the programmed takt time. Ryobi Aluminium […]
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 equally suitable for low volume processes
A recent survey carried out on behalf of ABB Robotics UK reveals that many UK manufacturers have yet to be convinced about the suitability of robotic automation for low volume or bespoke production processes. Of the 221 companies that responded to the survey, 134 are not currently using robots. When asked to specify their reasons, […]