At the Automatica exhibition in Munich, Goudsmit Magnetics will present an updated version of its magnetic gripper. This is used for picking up or holding items such as punched steel parts, blanks and perforated steel sheet in robotic applications, typically in the automotive industry. The ultralight magnetic gripper is fitted with permanent magnets and can […]
Over reliance on traditional welding and inspection techniques is harming productivity and consistency, according to a new white paper. Adapt and change – How adaptive control of resistance welding can cut production costs and improve product quality reveals that while welding is becoming increasingly automated, lack of adoption of new welding technology is holding industry back. […]
Comau has been awarded the “Volvo Quality Excellence Award” by Volvo Car Corporation, for an innovative industrial project undertaken five years ago that is still in full development. The award was given for a project related to the provisioning of production facilities for the XC90, S90 and V90 cars, in which Comau developed the commodities […]
SICK says its new PowerProx sensor offers unprecedented versatility to detect any object on a high-speed production line with just one range of sensors. PowerProx’s ability to detect small and flat objects too, no matter what the surface finish, will be useful in handling and assembly, for example in the automotive industry for reliable checking […]
A mobile fleet of Universal Robots will now receive daily work orders to solve ever-changing tasks with high mix/low volume electronics manufacturer Scott Fetzer Electrical Group (SFEG). The collaborative robots have optimised production by 20%, taking over monotonous and potentially hazardous tasks from employees now reallocated to more rewarding jobs. The fact that Universal Robots […]
Kawasaki Robotics has added a 1,000kg payload robot to its heavy payload M-Series range. Meeting an increasing demand for handling heavy loads, the new MG10HL with a compact design maintains rigidity and accuracy throughout its extensive motion range. The Kawasaki MG10HL allows applications such as handling automotive floor pans, or complete bodies, between processes to […]
ABB Robotics has introduced its highest payload, multipurpose industrial robot, the IRB 8700. The IRB 8700 robot has a reach of 3.5m and is capable of handling a payload of up to 800kg (1000 kg with the wrist down; 630 kg with LeanID). Designed for the ultimate in uptime, reliability and reduced maintenance, ABB says […]
PGN-plus Permanent is the latest innovation for the PGN-plus gripper from Schunk, employing a unique lubrication system. This provides faster, more even distribution of the lubricant in the PGN-plus Permanent gripper, even with short strokes. The complete contour of the patented multi-tooth guidance on the PGN-plus Permanent is equipped with grease pockets, which ensures a […]
For many years, the SCHUNK PGN-plus universal gripper has been considered a benchmark for gripping modules. Now with the new PGN-plus Permanent, SCHUNK, the competence leader for clamping technology and gripping systems is raising the bar. Its unique permanent lubrication provides a faster and more even distribution of the lubricant, even with short strokes. The […]
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
... Read More »
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, […]
Collaborative robots in the automotive industry
Here, Jonathan Wilkins marketing director of industrial automation supplier European Automation discusses the newest and perhaps most exciting realm of industrial robotics: collaborative robots. The world’s first industrial robot was an idea conceived after a conversation about science fiction novels between inventors George Devol and Joseph Eagleburger in 1954. Six years later, Unimate had secured […]