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 […]
Martina Höller, electrical technology product manager at SMC, outlines four simple ways in which you can reduce the energy consumption of your vacuum system, focusing in particular on vacuum ejectors. With energy prices surging across Europe, efficiency has become a high priority for all manufacturing and process plants using vacuum handling systems. Using less energy […]
Integrating a controller that manages a machine and SCARA robots can mean faster development and greater reliability compared to connecting a separate robot controller to the machine’s PLC, says Trio’s president, Tom Alexander. The benefit of introducing SCARA (selective compliance assembly robot arm) technology to a machine process is an increase in throughput and precision, […]
Peter Swanson, managing director of adhesives and dispensing equipment specialist Intertronics, shares a hypothetical worked example of the ROI of a dispensing robot for an electronics CEM. The benefits of robotics are well known: improved productivity, efficiency, output, quality, and flexibility. In addition to their production benefits, they can improve health and safety and job […]
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 […]
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 […]
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, […]
Transition to the 4 bar standard with SMC
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 […]