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Robot, not cobot!

Robot, not cobot!

In the ever-changing landscape of automation, the term ‘collaborative robot’ (or cobot) has often been used to describe robots designed to work safely alongside humans. However, recent updates to the ISO 10218-2:2025 standard have shifted the focus from the robot itself to the application in which it operates. As highlighted by ‘The Robot Queen’ and […]

By May 8, 2025 Read More →
Shifting the narrative towards productivity

Shifting the narrative towards productivity

Productivity rates in the UK will need to rise if we are to remain a manufacturing force. The time to invest in automation is now, says Oliver Selby, head of sales for FANUC UK and Chair of BARA. The latest IFR figures show just how far British manufacturing has to climb in terms of automation […]

By April 16, 2025 Read More →
Cost-effective initiator in closing the skills gap

Cost-effective initiator in closing the skills gap

According to a late 2024 survey by the National Association of Manufacturers, nearly 60 per cent of employers cited “attracting and retaining a quality workforce” as a primary business challenge. With businesses struggling to find and keep skilled workers, companies are turning to a specific piece of equipment to plug the gap. Here Tom Cash, […]

By March 4, 2025 Read More →
Overcoming the reluctance to automate

Overcoming the reluctance to automate

Technological advancements in robotics are reshaping industries at an unprecedented pace and the adoption of automation has become a critical step for business success. Despite this, a substantial number of companies are hesitating to integrate automation into their operations. The experts at igus explore the reasons for this hesitation, and the solutions. Recent statistics reveal […]

By February 24, 2025 Read More →
Top five global robotics trends for 2025

Top five global robotics trends for 2025

The global market value of industrial robot installations has reached an all-time high of US$ 16.5 billion. Future demand will be driven by a number of technological innovations, market forces and new fields of business. The International Federation of Robotics comments on the top 5 trends for the robotics industry for 2025: 1 – Artificial intelligence […]

By January 27, 2025 Read More →
Robot technology boosts production efficiency

Robot technology boosts production efficiency

With modern manufacturers coming under growing pressure to cut costs and retain skilled staff in a challenging job market, businesses are searching for new solutions that allow them to maximise efficiency without compromising on quality or safety. End-of-line palletising, powered by innovative collaborative robots, presents a new way for manufacturers to streamline their operations and […]

By January 7, 2025 Read More →
2025: (Finally) The year of the robots

2025: (Finally) The year of the robots

2025 is going to be the year of the industrial robot in the United Kingdom. In fact, we are almost in a place where we could use the phrase ‘perfect storm’ without sounding hackneyed. Richard Stone, who is the founder of Stone Junction, a specialist technical PR agency, and who has been working with robot […]

By December 18, 2024 Read More →
Beware the automation skills gap

Beware the automation skills gap

Automation can enhance jobs, making them safer and quicker for humans. Nevertheless, reaping these benefits means closing a wide automation skills gap, explains Stephen Hayes, managing director at automation specialist Beckhoff UK. We are routinely told that millions of jobs will be lost to automation, but the real impact depends on how we manage the […]

By December 12, 2024 Read More →
Navigating upcoming changes to cobot safety regulations

Navigating upcoming changes to cobot safety regulations

Matt Androsiuk of Cobots and Machinery Safety (FANUC UK’s cobot safety partner) outlines how to navigate the updated robot safety standards and get ahead of the proposed changes, to ensure your applications remain compliant. Known for their ability to share the same workspace as human employees, collaborative robots (or cobots) are now a mainstay of […]

By December 9, 2024 Read More →
From optimisation to autonomy

From optimisation to autonomy

Fernando Colas, CEO of OMRON Industrial Automation Europe, discusses the top five manufacturing automation trends for 2025. As we step into 2025, the world of industrial automation is approaching a new chapter. According to OMRON’s SINIC Theory, which ties technological advances to societal change, we’re now moving from the Optimisation Society to the Autonomous Society. […]

By December 2, 2024 Read More →