The significant improvement in energy efficiency that welding robots bring to the table has spiked market demand in developed economies like North America and Europe. New analysis from Frost & Sullivan, Global Welding Robotics Fact Book, finds that the market earned revenues of $2.44 billion in 2014 and estimates this to reach $3.38 billion in […]
With a payload capability of up to 650kg and a maximum horizontal reach of 2.70m, the SMART NJ 650 robot from Comau has been designed to meet market requirements for robots that can efficiently manipulate components of significant size and weight. Surpassing the capabilities of the previous version, the SMART NJ 650 complete’s Comau’s range […]
In this month’s podcast we look at market prospects for robotics in the automotive industry, the suitability of robots for low volume processes, and the industrial robots that will be showcased at the Hannover Fair in April. [soundcloud url="https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/193168468" params="color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false" width="100%" height="166" iframe="true" /]
A new report from Visiongain Global looks at market prospects for industrial robots, processes and technologies in vehicle production from 2014 to 2024. Visiongain expects the automation and robotics in automotive manufacturing to reach a market value of $13.66bn in 2014. Visiongain says the period from 2014 to 2024 going to be challenging for the […]
In this month’s podcast we look at a report which suggests the global robot population is set to pass two million, and a further report that forecasts the industrial logistics robot market will top $31 billion. We also look at top tips for robotic safety. [soundcloud url="https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/193171840" params="color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false" width="100%" height="166" iframe="true" /]
Accelerating demand for industrial robots is set to continue, with 15% more robots installed in 2014 than in 2013, and forecasts for 12% growth for the next two years. That will see the global robot population in factories top two million by the end of 2017. These are the findings of the International Federation of […]
For spot welding applications where space is limited, either in standalone cells or in densely populated robot cells, and where faster welding speeds are important, Kawasaki Robotics the new B-Series robot. The latest in the company’s spot welding robot range, Kawasaki says the B-Series is a completely new design, built from the ground up. Kawasaki […]
Control of Europe’s most powerful non-military laser, plus a six-axis test piece handling robot and multiple points of distributed I/O at a new laser-based R&D centre is based on a Mitsubishi Electric iQ-controller. The laser-based research and development cell has been installed at the Manufacturing Technology Centre (MTC) in Ansty, West Midlands, to help keep […]
An ABB robotic welding cell is enabling agricultural machinery manufacturer Shelbourne Reynolds to dramatically reduce production times for its range of articulated hedge cutting tractor attachments. Handling the several hundred welds entailed in the production of the attachments, the cell has so far cut welding process times by 66 percent compared to the company’s previous […]
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, […]
Advances in robotics for the automotive industry
In an examination of the future challenges in robotics for the automotive industry, Dr Stefan Markus Baginski of BMW sees still a wide range of opportunities for using even more robots in automotive manufacturing. Breathtaking advancements and innovative technological developments in industrial manufacturing have caused a substantial increase in the number of robot installations during […]