Justin Leonard, director at Igus UK, looks at the development of modular joints for robots and some of their applications. With pressure across many industries to work more efficiently, there is increased demand for simple lightweight and cost-effective robotic systems. The challenge of developing strong, cost effective and lightweight joints for robotics and for integrating […]
When it needed to automate the assembly of a moulded plastic spigot, a leading Automotive parts manufacturer asked industrial automation expert ALPHR Technology to devise a solution that would be cost effective, compact, reliable and easy to maintain. After carefully analysing the application, the ALPHR Technology team concluded that a solution based on an Omron […]
KUKA Robotics UK has signalled its ambitions to help develop innovative, new automated production processes for the high value manufacturing sector. The Black Country-based industrial robot supplier is now a member of the MTC (Manufacturing Technology Centre) at Coventry’s Ansty Park. Pictured are Ian Walker (seated), general sales manager at KUKA Robotics UK, with Ken […]
When Hertfordshire-based Clamcleats needed a robot to automated the degating of injection moulded components for plastics rope cleats, but without the programming headache of traditional robotic solutions, it turned to RA Rodriguez. Traditional robots can substantially boost productivity but generally they are large devices that are application-specific and complex to program. They need high production […]
FANUC says its new R-30iB robot controller will save up to 77% floor area, is easier and faster to program, saves power and maximises productivity. Overall volume of the compact new R-30iB design is reduced by 68%, measuring just 500mm x 600mm x 470mm. The design provides further benefit in multi-robot systems where the controller is […]
ABB’s robotics business has signed Mike Wilson as its new General Industry Sales Manager for the UK and Ireland. Mike is tasked with growing and managing sales of ABB’s robots and robot systems for non-automotive applications, such as mechanical engineering, electrical & electronics, aerospace, pharmaceutical and medical. Mike is a well-known figure in the world […]
Highlights of Omron’s stand at the 2012 PPMA show will be an example of the company’s SCARA robot series and an example of its recently launched Delta robot system, controlled by the powerful Sysmac NJ Machine Automation Controller. With central themes including solutions for product handling, data integration and 100% product inspection, the Omron stand […]
ABB’s UK robotics business officially welcomed its two newest fully-qualified apprentices at a special awards ceremony held at its Milton Keynes site. George Matthews and Daniel Taylor received their certificates after each completing a four-year HNC course, which included a three-year placement with ABB working on its robot products and systems. The certificates were jointly […]
If you’re looking for an entry level industrial robotic arm that offers a greater payload and a longer reach, then check out the Universal Robots UR10, available from RA Rodriguez. The new robot can handle double the payload of its smaller counterpart, the UR5, but is much lighter. RA Rodriguez says it is therefore easier […]
Mitsubishi Electric has extended its RH range of MELFA SCARA robots with the launch of the new F series, which the company says sets new benchmark standards for speed, flexibility, ease of integration and simplicity of programming. Combining a wide area of coverage with the industry’s fastest cycle times, the cost-effective F Series can boost […]
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, […]