Goudsmit Magnetics of Waalre has developed a new magnetic gripper, specially intended for high temperature applications, such as those in the bakery industry. Utilising magnetism and compressed air, these grippers can be used for positioning and placing baking tins on the infeed conveyors as well as for destacking lids from a magazine. The low weight, […]
Chris Sumner, MD of Fanuc UK considers why robotic uptake within the bakery sector has been lower than that in other manufacturing sectors. The bakery sector is extremely broad, covering anything from ingredients, mixes and blends to bread, rolls, cakes and pre-made snack foods. Robotic uptake within the bakery segment has traditionally been lower than […]
The Robioss robotics research team based at Poitiers University has developed a new generation of dexterous robotic hand. With 16 joints and 16 actuators, the robotic hand can reproduce complex human movements such as grasping and fine manipulation. Mounted on a Stäubli robot arm and controlled by the B&R Automation PC 910, this robotic hand is […]
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 […]
Food and drink manufacturers are this week backing calls to boost UK food production following reports that the nation’s self sufficiency is on the slide and within a generation over half of the UK’s food will be imported. Dennis Allison (pictured right), managing director of Pacepacker Services, explains why it pays UK food producers to […]
In the last 12 months there has been a noticeable uptake in robotics in the food processing sector. Although way behind the rest of the EU and US markets in terms of sales, global food security, volatile commodity prices and the much reported grocery price wars are all driving manufacturers towards the same conclusion; efficiency […]
With their SafeROBOTICS functions, B&R says its controllers open the way for new solutions for cooperation between humans and robots. These solutions built on SafeROBOTICS will be the focal point of B&R’s stand at the Anuga FoodTec trade fair in Cologne, Germany, 24-27 March. Pictured right: B&R will present SafeROBOTICS solutions at Anuga FoodTec 2015. […]
Following a recent surge in enquiries from food packers for versatile palletisers, FANUC is working with automation specialists Festo and Pacepacker to develop systems which can handle bags, boxes, crates, trays and slip sheets by means of a single robot arm! “Food packers with space and budget constraints are looking for compact palletising systems capable […]
Ten years ago UK food prices were far lower than they are today – and since the bank collapse of 2008 many people have lower incomes. Food processers are aware of this and are increasingly looking to robots and automation to address their operating efficiency. “There is a constant drive for improvement in food processing,” […]
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 […]
igus introduces new humanoid robot
Humanoid robots are beginning to support industries in various ways, but what do they really bring to the table? Motion plastics specialist, igus is offering its first humanoid robot, ‘Iggy Rob’. According to estimates, 20 million humanoid robots could be in use in industry by 2030. The demand for this technology is increasing rapidly among […]
igus introduces new SID1 robotic dog
Robot dogs are being used for a variety of tasks, ranging from preserving heritage sites to assisting in manufacturing plants. igus has introduced its own quadruped robot, the SID1 bionic robot. Advancements in robotic dogs designed for surveillance and security purposes are showcasing the rapid development and deployment of technology. These quadruped robots are equipped […]
RARUK Automation to offer collaborative 7th axis
Leading automation distributor, RARUK Automation, has announced a new partnership with Thomson, a Regal Rexnord Brand. The global leader in mechanical motion technology recently launched the Movotrak CTU (cobot transfer unit). RARUK Automation, known for supplying Universal Robots collaborative robots (cobots), can now offer Movotrak CTU as a complimentary product to its customers. The Movotrak […]
Live pick-and-pace demo at MachineBuilding.Live
For 2025, a key attraction at MachineBuilding.Live is the expanded number of Action Areas where leading experts from across the machine building and factory automation spectrum will be providing live demonstrations of their latest technologies and innovations. The LG Motion Action Area will showcase a live precision pick-and-place demonstration in an industrial automation setting. Visitors […]
Cobot boosts out-of-hours productivity at EMS
Based in Dorset, Electro Mechanical Systems (EMS) is a supplier of small DC motors and linear actuators. Equipped with the latest CNC machine tools and a dedicated gear cutting suite, EMS manufactures bespoke actuation systems for a range of industries. In order to boost output and keep production running after working hours, EMS has deployed […]
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 »
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 […]
Automation and robotics for brewing and beverage
ABB and its machine and factory automation business, B&R Industrial Automation, will exhibit brewery and beverage technologies together at drinktec 2025, the world economic summit for the beverage and liquid food industry, giving visitors a chance to see how ABB technologies combine to optimise operations across the full production cycle. Spanning process control, adaptive manufacturing […]
Cobot sparkles in food factory cleaning solution
Samey Robotics and Rbot9 have chosen the FANUC CRX-10iA/L collaborative robot to power a game-changing cleaning system they have jointly developed for food factories. Named VOTTA, inspired by the Icelandic word for ‘certify’ and echoing the sound of ‘Þvotta’ (‘washing’), the system offers overhead, automated cleaning of large-scale areas without bulky structures or layout changes. […]
Unlocking the potential of robotic automation
Mike Wilson, general industry sales and marketing manager at ABB Robotics UK and Ireland, comments on how starting small could be the key to unlocking the potential of robotic automation in the UK. As someone with over 30 years of experience in robotics, it’s a source of great personal frustration for me to see the […]