When there’s a need to add bespoke functionality to a production line, the end user and the equipment supplier are often faced with having to choose between a conventional solution and one that uses industrial robots. Bob Hinchcliffe, technical director at automation expert Stelram Engineering examines the pros and cons of both approaches. Conventional approaches […]
Jonathan Wilkins, marketing director of obsolete industrial parts supplier, EU Automation discusses the new job roles that automation is bringing to engineering and manufacturing. Before we even knew the extent to which technology could change our lives, Albert Einstein said, “I fear the day that technology will surpass our human interaction. The world will have […]
If you’re considering introducing industrial robots into your production line, then you should consider both the advantages and disadvantages of industrial robots, before making a decision. Advantages of Industrial Robots 1. Increased efficiency: Industrial robots are able to complete certain tasks faster and better than people, as they are designed to perform these tasks with […]
Early this month ABB, a supplier of robotics, process automation, and electrification components, acquired B&R Automation, an industrial software and automation hardware company. This is the latest acquisition that ABB has made in recent years. In 2012, ABB acquired Thomas & Betts for $3.9 billion, followed by Power-One Inc in 2013 for $1 billion. So […]
Despite ongoing fears and speculation that robots could steal British jobs, new data reveals that the majority of industry professionals (63.3%) have never witnessed job losses as a result of the introduction of robots or automated processes. Furthermore, over a third (36.7%) stated that robots have often resulted in job creation within their place of […]
Industrial robots are automated moving devices with multiple axes. Motion paths, sequences and angles can be freely programmed and controlled by sensors. Robots can also be fitted with grippers and other tools, enabling them to manipulate objects and carry out production tasks. Robots are well suited to carry out many different automated tasks and make […]
Thanks to faster computation and higher storage capabilities, intelligent autonomous robots aren’t science fiction anymore. They are already at work within industry today. In the future, up to 60% of our jobs are expected to be automated. How will this development transform manufacturing and the maintenance of machinery in the future? In the latest edition […]
What determines the choice of palletising robot to handle product X at point Y on the line? With a choice of 20+ FANUC robots arms all capable of performing palletising tasks, Andrew Armstrong, UK sales and marketing manager at FANUC UK picks out some of the main criteria that factories should consider in order to […]
Winning a large retail contract is a coup for any food manufacturer. However, supermarket price wars and changing food presentations to gain and maintain the interest of consumers, means that many manufacturers are being squeezed out of the market. Paul Wilkinson, business development manager at Pacepacker Services, looks at how automation can help. Today, most […]
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 […]
Greater reach and flexibility for industrial automation
With Thomson’s Movotrak Cobot Transfer Unit (CTU), Rodriguez is offering a collaborative reach extension for cobots for the first time. The solution extends the workspace by a movable 7th axis and enables a cobot to be deployed at multiple stations within a production line. This allows production processes to be structured more flexibly and robot […]
Regal Rexnord announces collaboration with FANUC
Regal Rexnord has announced a strategic collaboration with robotics and automation leader FANUC to deliver a fully integrated collaborative robotics solution that combines expertise from many of its brands. The solution leverages Thomson linear motion technology alongside Boston Gear gearheads, Huco couplings and Kollmorgen motors and software, enabling FANUC CRX users to deploy the Thomson […]
Rodriguez brings Cobot Transfer Unit to AMB
From 15 to 19 September 2026, Rodriguez will be showcasing the MovoTrak Cobot Transfer Unit (CTU) at AMB in Stuttgart. With the MovoTrak CTU, Rodriguez is offering, for the first time, a collaboratively designed range extension for cobots. The solution expands the working area by adding a movable 7th axis and enables a cobot to […]
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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Endoline appoints new engineering manager
Endoline Automation has appointed Christopher Tracey as engineering manager, reinforcing the company’s continued investment in its in-house expertise as demand grows for its end-of-line packaging systems in the UK and international markets. Christopher’s appointment reflects Endoline’s continued growth and commitment to investing in its engineering capability. He will lead the engineering team while working alongside […]
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 […]
The future of robotics and automation
As an expert manufacturer of engineering parts that help to keep hundreds of different automated processes up and running, electronic repair specialist Neutronic Technologies is understandably very interested in where the future is going to take us. Is it going to take hundreds, if not thousands, of years for us to reach the kinds of […]