When most people think of robotics on the factory floor, they often picture large automotive assembly lines with industrial robots performing repetitive tasks away from human workers. However, this model has rarely suited specialist manufacturers, where the challenge has been finding automation that is flexible enough for their ways of working. Here, Suraj Jandu, lead […]
The future of manufacturing will not be defined by machines alone. It will be defined by the businesses that understand how to combine technology, expertise and people to create smarter, safer and more productive operations. This is the message from the experts at Total Automated Solutions. Across the UK, manufacturers face increasing pressure. Skills shortages, […]
With more than 60% of UK manufacturers increasing investment in automation, end-of-line packaging systems are evolving far beyond traditional throughput-focused machinery as manufacturers look to improve productivity, operational resilience and flexibility within increasingly complex production environments. Andrew Yates, Managing Director at Endoline Automation, explains. Across sectors including food and beverage, e-commerce and consumer goods, end-of-line […]
UK manufacturers continue to face increasing pressure from rising costs, skills shortages and the need to improve operational efficiency. Many businesses have already introduced automation into their operations, but modern manufacturing is moving beyond standalone automated systems, say the experts at Innomech. Today, the focus is on connecting systems, processes and people to create greater […]
In light of the recent news that Fanuc has announced significant investment to create production capacity for robot manufacturing in the U.S., Samantha Mou, Senior Analyst at market intelligence firm Interact Analysis, commented: “FANUC America’s $90M investment is part of a growing trend where robot manufacturers are bringing production closer to key markets, and the […]
If control was the language of the 20th century, coexistence will define the 21st. The next wave of industrial progress will be built on a more sustainable, human and resilient way of creating value – and Europe has the potential to lead this progress globally, as Fernando Colás, chief executive officer at OMRON Industrial Automation […]
FANUC UK’s vice managing director, Andy Armstrong, has highlighted the importance of sustainability and automation in driving a resilient, smart and globally competitive UK manufacturing sector. Speaking on the first day of ‘The Future of Precision Engineering’ event – held at FANUC’s Coventry headquarters on 27-29 January 2026 to showcase the latest advances in injection […]
With Packaging Innovations & Empack 2026 just around the corner, Mike Wilson, Chief Automation Officer at the Manufacturing Technology Centre, argues that robotics innovation is key to productivity, resilience and long-term packaging sector growth – and why a cultural shift is long overdue. As the saying goes, if you’re not moving forwards – you’re going […]
As industrial AI moves from hype to infrastructure, five trends are emerging that will define real operational impact in 2026, revealing why success will depend on process redesign, domain-specific intelligence, and frontline trust. The adoption of AI in industrial contexts is still recent, with limited pilot implementations and proofs of concept despite high expectations. As […]
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, […]
How ready are suppliers for new robot safety standards?
Questions about the updated robot safety standard ISO 10218 are becoming increasingly common in the robotics industry. Central to the discussion are CE certification requirements in Europe, as ISO 10218 is the key safety standard for industrial robots under the CE marking framework. Samantha Mou, Senior Analyst at Interact Analysis, discusses the regulatory direction of […]