Midlands precision aluminium diecaster JH Lavender has invested in a new robot cell in the wake of a raft of new long-term contracts from some of its major customers. A 1600 tonne automated diecasting cell featuring a 6-axis KUKA robot for unloading components has been added to a new 620m² diecasting hall at JH Lavender’s site in […]
Cognex reports that it has taken its advanced 3D vision tools, and incorporated them into VisionPro, its programming environment for OEMs and system integrators. For robot applications, VisionPro 3D will open up opportunities to solve more complex alignment applications. VisionPro 3D delivers accurate, real-time, three-dimensional position information to automate challenging robot applications. VisionPro 3D works […]
In today’s competitive environment, business profitability often relies on demanding production schedules that don’t always leave time for exhaustive or repeated equipment health checks. With manufacturers often lacking the resources, knowledge or time to regularly check robotic equipment, remote monitoring of a robots health anywhere in the UK with ABB’s Remote Service Technology is invaluable, […]
Greencore Prepared Meals, Warrington, has successfully implemented its first automated packaging line for its high output lasagne products without any disruption to production. The end of line system comprising two Kawasaki FD50 robots, conveyors and guarding was delivered, installed and made available for commissioning during a single weekly hygiene shift. Other than checkweighers and metal […]
Increased flexibility for shelf ready packaging lines is being offered by food packaging automation specialists Abar with its new LR-80TCR Loading System. A FANUC Robotics M10-iA robot is the core automation component of the LR-80TCR allowing loading speeds of thermo formed or top sealed rigid trays at speeds of up to 200 ppm. Each new […]
TM Robotics has launched Toshiba Machine’s THP550 SCARA, the first robot in a new range of machines set to compete with the flexipicker style devices already on the market. Its impressive speed and Ethernet connectivity make it ideal for robot synchronisation on a production line. As a result, two or more SCARAs can work together, […]
ABB is further enhancing its current palletizing market product line by introducing two new robots, three new grippers, and a comprehensive software program to complement its existing palletizing product range. “We are serious about serving this market,” says Klas Bengtsson, product manager at ABB Robotics. “The new complete range now addresses all integrator and customer […]
TM Robotics (Europe) has launched Toshiba Machine’s smallest ever SCARA robot, the compact and high speed TH180. The company says the robot is ideal for highly precise pick and place applications, like those found in the electronics, pharmaceutical and laboratory industries. The TH180 has a functional payload of 2kg, which is more than adequate for […]
TM Robotics (Europe) has launched the new Toshiba Machine TH1200A SCARA robot – the new robot is the largest in the Toshiba Machine family. The company says the new robot will find uses in heavy duty pick and place applications, such as packaging and heavy materials handling. The TH1200A has an impressive payload of 20kg […]
Ecotile, a manufacturer and distributor of interlocking floor tiles, has fully automated its manufacturing process using a single FANUC Robotics robot working between two Sumitomo (SHI) DEMAG injection moulding presses. Using advanced gripper design from systems integrator Hi-Tech Automation has allowed Ecotile to overcome handling issues associated with flexible PVC. Two years ago Ecotile made […]
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, […]