The experts at Beckhoff UK explain how robotics and automation can optimise workflow in factories as complex as a Santa’s and relieve pressure on the elves. Santa’s workshop is known for being pretty busy 364 days a year, especially around Christmas season. Elves are at the heart of production, helping Santa meet demand, before the […]
To work efficiently, mobile robots need safe and reliable communication. The experts at HMS Networks outline the main communication and safety challenges, and provide an easy way to overcome these challenges to keep mobile robots moving. Mobile robots transport materials from one location to another and come in two types, automated guided vehicles (AGVs) and […]
The robots of today need one principal attribute: flexibility. Much of this flexibility comes courtesy of the end-of-arm tooling (gripper). Marcus Mazetti, global account manager at SMC, guides us through the factors to bear in mind when selecting gripper technology. Once the preserve of high-volume operations at automotive plants, we’re today finding that robots are […]
In recent years, the topics of energy generation, energy efficiency and sustainability have been prominent as industry continued its drive to achieve a greener future and make a tangible contribution to the objectives of ‘Net-Zero’. Today, we are in a world where these same businesses, which were already not only striving for energy efficiency, but […]
The robotics engineering industry needs to act now to address the widening skills gap within the sector by nurturing the next generation of talent, says industrial automation innovator Fanuc UK. It’s no secret that UK engineering and manufacturing are grappling with a serious skills shortage problem. The Institution of Engineering and Technology’s annual Skills Survey […]
Peter Newman, director at Brillopak, explains that automation should not be feared and that proven industry technology combined with proper planning can prevent myriad issues, while delivering significant performance increases. Investment in automation in food packing is no longer a medium-term aspiration, it is now a short-term business imperative. And with an optimum combination of […]
SMC is engaging with OEMs to prepare for the 4 bar landscape, asserting that end users can cut their energy costs by up to 29% in some instances, which creates a powerful USP for the OEM. OEMs traditionally design their pneumatic machinery and equipment for an operating pressure of 7 bar. “The shift to 4 […]
While the primary use for machine vision in the food industry has typically been for inspection purposes, the big opportunity lies in automation applications. As labour shortages continue to bite, food processors are backing AI-powered vision systems to automate the last remaining manual operations on packaging and production lines. Breakthrough solutions that overlay 3D machine […]
David Jahn, sales director at Brillopak explains why automation should not be feared and that proper planning can prevent myriad issues, while delivering significant performance increases. Your investment in end-of-line automation in food packing is no longer a medium-term aspiration, it is now a short-term business imperative. And with an optimum combination of class-leading technology […]
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 […]
igus makes predictive maintenance simple
Now more than ever, downtime is costly. To combat this, igus developed i.Cee, a smart plastics system that turns passive components into intelligent assets. By analysing data from sensors embedded in energy chains, bearings, and cables, i.Cee enables dynamic service life prediction, real-time alerts, and automated maintenance scheduling. Whether you are running high-speed packaging lines […]
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 […]
See automation in action at MachineBuilding.Live
As a result of their popularity at the 2024 event, the number of Action Areas at MachineBuilding.Live 2025 has been increased. On these special stands, leading experts from across the machine building and factory automation spectrum will be providing live demonstrations of their latest technologies and innovations. Many of them will be making their UK […]
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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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 […]
OMRON robots automate poultry packing line
CP Foods UK is a major poultry producer supplying leading retailers, manufacturers and foodservice operators across the UK. With operations rooted in food safety, quality, and adaptability, the company constantly seeks ways to respond to shifting retailer and consumer demands. In its UK facilities, CP Foods UK prepares and packages chicken products for a dynamic […]
Tackling the robotics and vision engineering skills gap
Parents who despair about the number of hours their children spend glued to video games should take heart; today’s gamers are likely to be the robotic and vision engineers of tomorrow, says Scorpion Vision. It’s no secret that the UK manufacturing industry is experiencing a massive skills shortage. Indeed, the latest ONS figures show that […]