Tom Bouchier, managing director of Fanuc UK, says there has never been a better time for UK firms to invest in automation. Here, he outlines the key changes within the automation landscape that are prompting British firms to finally wake up to the benefits of automation. Despite our relatively small landmass, the UK is an […]
Marc Garner, vice president of the secure power division of Schneider Electric, examines the rise of digital transformation within industrial manufacturing. The industrial world has come a long way from the early days of steam power and the advent of the manufacturing era. Industry 2.0 brought electrification and mass production in the 1800’s propelled by […]
UK manufacturers across all sectors continue to face significant challenges as they strive to achieve full operational capability following the worst of the pandemic, the changing business landscape, and an ever-increasing cost burden. In addition, labour shortages in many areas continue to exacerbate the problem as increasing numbers of individuals re-assess their work/life balance, and […]
Stäubli’s Simon Jenkins looks at the changes in manufacturing concepts which will address the challenges faced by manufacturers not only today but in the future. The perception and vision of the ‘factory of the future’ continues to evolve with each new generation of technologies, as they in turn achieve the objectives and ambitions of the […]
Robots are continuing to advance significantly, creating a diverse ecosystem of solutions, which support an increasing variety of industries and applications. As a result, future-oriented factories are able to select robotic systems that meet the requirements and goals of virtually any activity. Thanks to its comprehensive range of robots, Mitsubishi Electric can help companies build […]
Stäubli’s Simon Jenkins looks at how the advent of robots designed for operation within primary pharmaceutical manufacturing areas are revolutionising a number of production processes. Robots have been an essential part of many manufacturing processes for decades; however, the pharmaceutical sector has historically been slower in adopting robot systems. Look closely at the processes and […]
Today, industrial robots are used in almost all industries – from automotive to plastics and medical technology. They bring many benefits to manufacturing facilities and are paving the way for the smart factories of the future. Nevertheless, there are certain limitations manufacturers should consider when choosing their robotic equipment. Here Neil Ballinger, head of EMEA […]
In the 1990s, could you have imagined the rise of the self-service checkout? This twenty-first century phenomenon is now a common sight in most supermarkets, and despite a few challenges – and more than a few “unexpected item[s] in the bagging area” – they are a change largely for the better. Like self-service checkouts, industrial […]
The manufacturing industry is currently experiencing a shortage of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) skills. At a company level, this can cause a decrease in innovation and reduce profit margins. This skill shortage is apparent in the UK manufacturing and engineering sectors, where 85 per cent of managers reported struggling to find a suitable […]
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 […]
Application phase for 10th vector award is now open
The application phase of the igus vector award 2026 has begun. Now in its tenth year, a joint initiative is honouring designers worldwide who use high-performance plastic energy chains to create cable guides that set new technological standards, with winners to receive up to 5,000 euros in prize money. The vector award has gained international […]
ESAB simplifies robotic welding deployment
ESAB has introduced the ROBBI 360, an enclosed cobot welding cell with a manual turntable that is designed to increase productivity, improve weld quality and enhance operator safety in robotic MIG/MAG welding. Engineered for manufacturers seeking to quickly deploy an automated solution for medium- and high-volume applications, the ROBBI 360 cobot provides flexibility and user-friendly […]
Powering the factories of the future
The combination of collaborative robotics and in-process digital metrology represents a strategic convergence for the manufacturing industry and factories of the future. On the one hand, collaborative robots make it possible to automate handling and assembly tasks flexibly and safely without the need for physical barriers and, on the other hand, digital metrology integrated into […]
Cobot installed at steering systems manufacturer
Steering systems manufacturer, Pailton Engineering, continues to modernise its manufacturing processes with a new collaborative robot (cobot) at its facility in Coventry. After a successful trial period, the company is installing a FAIRINO FR10 on the induction hardening ball pin cell, where it works alongside existing team members to support production. Designed to work alongside […]
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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Efficient palletising in the food industry
Intelligent automation with the Bosch Rexroth VarioFlow plus chain conveyor system and Hitmark Robotics solutions is delivering efficient palletising solutions for the food industry. In the food industry, solutions are in demand that increase efficiency, meet strict hygiene and safety requirements, and enable gentle product transport. Therefore, manufacturers are increasingly investing in modern automation that […]
ROBOTICS AWARD 2026 goes to GoodBytz
Presented annually at HANNOVER MESSE by Deutsche Messe, the ROBOTICS AWARD honours innovative robot assisted solutions in the fields of automation and logistics. This year’s award-winning solution features an advanced robotic kitchen that integrates lightweight, compact industrial robots manufactured by FANUC. The FANUC robots are specifically engineered to meet stringent food processing requirements, incorporating specialised […]
Automating the food sector: efficiency in action
The food and beverage industry has been slower to adopt automation than some other areas of manufacturing. Short-term supplier contracts and a reliance on cheap labour have proved obstacles to investment for some food producers, limiting their ability to grow their production capabilities. Fortunately, automation systems incorporating robotics from leading suppliers such as FANUC are […]
Packers and processors need to adapt to wonky veg
Following this morning’s BBC news report that fruit and veg will be smaller and look different as the summer’s hot and dry weather hits crops, Scorpion Vision is advising processors and packers of fresh produce to consider upgrading to AI-powered vision technology. Processing systems guided by classic machine vision do not have the intelligence to […]