Robotics may conjure up the idea that the human workforce is on the decline. Nothing could be further from the truth. The latest study by the International Federation of Robotics forecasts that two million jobs are to be created worldwide in the next eight years because of the robotics industry. Engineering UK also insists a […]
In the automotive industry, engine and gearbox shafts, shock absorber rods, cylinder or exhaust tubes for example come in a variety of diameters. To manoeuvre these parts, m ajor European automotive components manufacturers use Lantec-designed and built automation systems equipped with the company’s pneumatic grippers and clamps. Thanks to their unique construction Lantec angular grippers […]
KUKA has appointed table tennis superstar Timo Boll as its Chinese brand ambassador. Boll, the most successful German table tennis player ever, enjoys great popularity in China, where he will represent the KUKA brand. KUKA and Timo have a lot in common: Boll stands for almost unrivaled speed, precision, and flexibility – qualities that are […]
SensoPart has expanded its subminiature sensor series. The range now offers LED sensors, in addition to laser sensors, including a proximity switch with adjustable background suppression and a blue light version for strongly light-absorbing objects. The LED proximity switch FT 10-RH is a special highlight amongst the new sensors: it offers adjustable background suppression which […]
2012 was a record year for Robot sales with 2,476 industrial robots being sold from the major suppliers, but 2013 has almost matched this figure at 95% of last year’s sales with 2,305 units being sold, reports the British Automation and Robot Association (BARA). Once again the automotive and automotive components sectors have been the […]
With the development of a new system architecture based on POWERLINK, SEPRO’s VISUAL3 control platform provides optimal control performance and accuracy for robots, regardless of their size and payload. SEPRO now has the freedom to implement new and more complex algorithms. The company also has the capability to place a slave module anywhere on the […]
ABB says its newly launched IRB 6660FX transfer system can increase the productivity of medium sized tandem press lines by more than 25% when compared with conventional 6-axis robots. Suitable for both new and existing press lines, a dual action unit has been integrated into the IRB 6660 to create a 7-axis robot, which allows […]
Trio Motion has introduced a new 4-page brochure that highlights the powerful yet simple to implement programming capabilities available to OEMs and machine builders for robotic and kinematic transformations across its advanced MC4 series and Euro series Motion Coordinators. Simply titled Robotics on MC4xx Motion Coordinators, the brochure outlines the different types of robots in […]
ABB says its new Integrated Vision system delivers greater reliability for vision guided application of robots at 25% of the traditional set up time. Easy to program, the system provides seamless integration with the PC-based ABB RobotStudio software, enabling operators to automatically select features, set parameters and operate the vision system under real world conditions. […]
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, […]
Accelerated deployment of robots in UK food industry
Chris Sumner, Managing Director of FANUC UK and Vice President of FEC reckons the UK food industry is warming to robotics. And he is not alone in this view, which is backed up the latest figure from the British Automation and Robotics Association (BARA) and the International Federation of Robotics (IFR). The adoption of robotics […]