FANUC says its new four axis M-2iA pick and place delta style robot is one of the few IP69K certified robot systems on the market able to withstand high pressure and temperature washdown procedures. A Genkotsu model, the Japanese word for fist, this parallel-link robot is as compact and dexterous as a human hand and […]
A project combining multi-axis robotics, 3D vision technology and development and integration expertise to automate baked product decoration has seen three companies win the Robotics and Automation category of the Food Processing Award 2013. This is a process that was previously done manually because of the non-uniform shape of baked goods. (Pictured) Collecting the Robotics […]
The growing importance of automation in British manufacturing has prompted the British Automation and Robot Association (BARA) to bolster its visibility. One of the steps it has taken is to introduce three new council positions to expand resources in its dealings with the Government and industry as well as financial and academic institutions. Two of […]
Gantry robot, positioning, linear motion, speed control, palletising and handling systems are now all part of the comprehensive range of automation solutions from Micromech Systems. These gantry robot and broader automation solutions address applications in a wide range of industries, including food and beverage, pharmaceuticals, packaging and automotive. A Micromech gantry robot can be developed and […]
FANUC’s LR Mate 200-iD robot range has two new additions; the 200iD/4S ideal for integration into confined spaces and the 200iD/7L for high speed handling applications where extra reach is required. Designed with compactness in mind for integration into special purpose machinery, the 200iD/4S has a footprint of 160 x 160 mm and weighs in at […]
Automation technology is proving it can mix effectively and unobtrusively with the heritage craft of barrel manufacturing at Speyside Cooperage in Alloa. Two Kawasaki robots and a purpose designed lathe are being used in the refurbishment process of traditionally built oak barrels. An independent cooperage, Speyside manufactures and refurbishes over 100,000 oak barrels a year […]
RA Rodriguez is pleased to confirm the arrival of a new release of software for the Universal Robot easy programming, even easier. It also introduces new features, including a force mode. Simple programming is one of the key attributes that makes the Universal Robot from RA Rodriguez such a good choice for any manufacturer regardless […]
Engineers, scientists and mathematicians in the Centre for Robotics Research (CoRe) at Kings College London are working on a number of different projects, each designed to take robot technology forward. Their time horizon is 25 years or more; the idea is not so much small scale improvements to existing technologies but the foundation of fundamentally […]
RA Rodriguez says its range of rotaryARM swivel arm modules from IEF Werner can be easily integrated with the company’s linear motion modules to create fast and cost effective automation systems with many advantages over traditional robots. The simple and compact design of this swivel arm module can be complemented by an integrated turning axis […]
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, […]
The challenges of today’s machine building industry
The ramping up of the low wage economies in the machine building sector means that OEMs often feel they are working under the shadow of the threat of cheap imports. In the first of a series of articles, Omron’s Robert Brooks and Karl Walker look at the ‘must-have’ features that will keep UK machine builders […]