Vision technology has long played a pivotal role in robotic solutions, helping manufacturers to increase efficiency and accuracy in applications such as quality checking, measurement and product location. However, recent developments in vision innovation, combined with a lowering of costs, means that this is now a great time to invest in robotic technology with vision […]
The word “automation” often conjures images of tangled cables, crowded control cabinets and layers of software, each performing a small part of a larger system. Yet as production lines evolve, this complexity can hold progress back. Here, Bradley McEwan, business development manager at Beckhoff, explains why simplifying control architecture can unlock higher performance, faster development and […]
Automation can bolster the UK’s sovereign defence capabilities, as Oliver Selby, head of sales at FANUC UK, explains From Trump to the Ukraine invasion, Covid restrictions to the growth of AI, violence in the Middle East to the rise of the far right in Europe, it’s clear that we are living in turbulent times. Amid […]
In light of the recent news about the planned acquisition of ABB’s robotics unit by SoftBank, Samantha Mou, a Senior Analyst for industrial robotics at market intelligence firm Interact Analysis notes that the other ‘Big 4′ robotics vendors may now accelerate their activities in the AI robotics space. “Considering the intensive competition in traditional robotics, […]
The wave of smart manufacturing is sweeping across the industry, bringing with it a seismic shift that is characterised by hyper-connectivity, relentless automation and unprecedented data-driven precision. However, manufacturing plants and factories are not just filled with machines; they’re teeming with thousands of non-human identities (NHIs), from robotic arms and PLCs to IoT and IIoT […]
Machine builders are being urged by Mitsubishi Electric to begin preparing now for the changes that the Cyber Resilience Act (CRA) is set to bring when it comes fully into force in 2027, or face being shut out from selling their products into European markets. First introduced by the European Union (EU) on 10 December […]
The plastics sector is facing a new struggle on a number of fronts. Reports abound of UK moulders auctioning off equipment to raise funds; dealing with workshop capacity of up to 50%; and, in the worst cases, even entering into liquidation., Sam Carr, ROBOSHOT Sales Manager for FANUC UK, outlines the four key challenges facing […]
Just over one month after the release of the Government’s Advanced Manufacturing Sector Plan, Professor Mike Wilson, Chief Automation Officer and co-founder of the West Midlands Robotics and Autonomous Systems (RAS) Cluster, reflects on how significant funding commitments should be allocated to shape the future of UK industry. The West Midlands has long been at […]
Logistics plays an important role in efficiency for a wide range of facilities, requiring a digital transformation journey that links data with other critical information, as Victoria Swift, segment marketing manager for logistics at Schneider Electric explains. Logistics operations make a big contribution to industrial facilities’ efficiency, yet it can quickly fall down the priority lists […]
Application phase for 10th vector award is now open
The application phase of the igus vector award 2026 has begun. Now in its tenth year, a joint initiative is honouring designers worldwide who use high-performance plastic energy chains to create cable guides that set new technological standards, with winners to receive up to 5,000 euros in prize money. The vector award has gained international […]
ChocoMatic comes to life with igus 7th axis
When customers tap a screen to choose their favourite chocolates, Roose Automation’s ‘ChocoMatic’ robot arm travels along a linear track, selects each chocolate, and delivers them without human intervention. Behind this playful, hygienic automation lies a clever piece of engineering: the 7th axis from igus. Roose Automation wanted to give its robot arm the freedom […]
Cost-effective robotic automation products
Mouser Electronics announces a distribution agreement with igus, a global leader in industrial and automation products. With over 60 years of design experience and a strong reputation for quality, igus offers a range of technically advanced “motion plastics” designed for Industry 4.0 and 5.0. The igus product portfolio includes flexible cables, robotic components, motor control […]
RARUK Automation demos cobot palletising solution
On 11-12 February 2026, Packaging Innovations and EMPACK will be returning to the NEC in Birmingham. RARUK Automation will be showcasing the PE10 Robotiq Palletising Solution designed specifically for Universal Robots collaborative robots (cobots). Palletising is a repetitive and strenuous task that poses risk of injury to workers. For manufacturers looking to increase efficiency, palletising […]
New off-the-shelf and modular palletisers
End-of-line palletising is a task commonly automated across a range of industries, due to bottlenecks and the risk of repetitive strain injury (RSI) to workers. RARUK Automation can now offer two simple approaches to palletising automation, from partner Robotiq. RARUK Automation is the exclusive UK representative for Robotiq, a Canadian manufacturer of end-of-arm tooling and […]
Comau presents advanced automation at ITSA 2025
Comau showcased its advanced automation technologies at Industrial Transformation Saudi Arabia, (ITSA) held from December 1 to 3 at the Riyadh International Convention and Exhibition Centre (RICEC) at Booth number 1-535. As the region’s leading platform for industrial innovation, the HANNOVER MESSE-backed event brought together global and local stakeholders committed to accelerating smarter, greener, 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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Bridging the gap in food and beverage plants
Food and beverage plants increasingly operate with a blend of equipment generations: legacy machinery that has served reliably for years, and newer automation technologies designed to enhance efficiency, traceability and sustainability. This hybrid setup gives manufacturers flexibility to modernise gradually, but it also presents a growing challenge: how to maintain ageing assets while integrating more […]
FANUC robot pairs hygiene with high performance
To meet the growing demand for food and cleanroom applications, FANUC has unveiled the latest model in its LR Mate industrial robot range. The compact and powerful LR Mate 10-11A Food/Clean has a 10kg payload and is compliant with ISO 4 Class cleanrooms. This makes it ideal for use in highly controlled environments across sectors […]
ChocoMatic comes to life with igus 7th axis
When customers tap a screen to choose their favourite chocolates, Roose Automation’s ‘ChocoMatic’ robot arm travels along a linear track, selects each chocolate, and delivers them without human intervention. Behind this playful, hygienic automation lies a clever piece of engineering: the 7th axis from igus. Roose Automation wanted to give its robot arm the freedom […]
Top three robotic trends for 2026
From small-scale food producers to tier-one automotive suppliers, a growing number of businesses are investing in robotics to boost efficiency, ensure consistent product quality, address labour shortages and enhance health and safety. Oliver Selby, head of sales at FANUC UK, highlights three key robotic trends for 2026 that are set to take industrial automation to […]