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 […]
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, […]
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 […]