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 […]
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" /]
Although way behind the rest of the EU and US markets in terms of sales, the UK food industry has taken a sudden interest in food industry robot technology over the last 12 months, writes John Rainer, regional sales manager for Fanuc UK (pictured left). We predict that food industry robot sales to this sector […]
To demonstrate the benefits of robotics within the food industry, FANUC has developed a food grade robot picker cell, combining both an articulated arm food grade robot and a delta style food grade robot. The IP67 certified food picker cell (measuring 4×2.2m and 2.35m tall) is designed to orientate and pack a wide variety of unpackaged […]
A new design of robot gripper was one of the highlights of the Festo stand at this year’s PPMA show. The MultiChoiceGripper is a flexible gripping concept that offers variable gripping based on the human hand. Pictured: Festo’s MultiChoiceGripper robot gripper picks up a ball using the centric grip. The form-fitting Fin Ray fingers on […]
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 […]
Industrial logistics robot sales are growing fast, with a new study from Reportstock and WinterGreen Research estimating that the market will reach $31.3 billion by 2020. The report says that industrial logistics robot markets are becoming increasingly diversified, and that these robots will achieve significant growth in every sector. As production of goods and services […]
From batch control to a food safe robot, from energy management to direct reporting in to your ERP systems, Mitsubishi Electric offers a wide range of solutions and services that address the challenges of the food and beverage industry – from increasing product diversity, shorter product life cycles and fluctuating order quantities to stricter statutory regulations […]
At Automatica 2014, Denso Robotics introduced the new VS H202/UV series hygienic robot designed for use in cleanroom environments. The new hygienic robot has a hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) spray and ultra-violet (UV) light resistant surface, making it ideal for the pharmaceutical and medical fields. Additionally, the hygienic robot design features round forms and a screw-less surface […]
ChocoMatic comes to life with igus 7th axis
When customers tap a screen to choose their favourite chocolates, Roose Automation’s ‘ChocoMatic’ robot arm travels along a linear track, selects each chocolate, and delivers them without human intervention. Behind this playful, hygienic automation lies a clever piece of engineering: the 7th axis from igus. Roose Automation wanted to give its robot arm the freedom […]
Cost-effective robotic automation products
Mouser Electronics announces a distribution agreement with igus, a global leader in industrial and automation products. With over 60 years of design experience and a strong reputation for quality, igus offers a range of technically advanced “motion plastics” designed for Industry 4.0 and 5.0. The igus product portfolio includes flexible cables, robotic components, motor control […]
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 […]
ChocoMatic comes to life with igus 7th axis
When customers tap a screen to choose their favourite chocolates, Roose Automation’s ‘ChocoMatic’ robot arm travels along a linear track, selects each chocolate, and delivers them without human intervention. Behind this playful, hygienic automation lies a clever piece of engineering: the 7th axis from igus. Roose Automation wanted to give its robot arm the freedom […]
Cost-effective robotic automation products
Mouser Electronics announces a distribution agreement with igus, a global leader in industrial and automation products. With over 60 years of design experience and a strong reputation for quality, igus offers a range of technically advanced “motion plastics” designed for Industry 4.0 and 5.0. The igus product portfolio includes flexible cables, robotic components, motor control […]
See automation in action at MachineBuilding.Live
As a result of their popularity at the 2024 event, the number of Action Areas at MachineBuilding.Live 2025 has been increased. On these special stands, leading experts from across the machine building and factory automation spectrum will be providing live demonstrations of their latest technologies and innovations. Many of them will be making their UK […]
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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FANUC robot pairs hygiene with high performance
To meet the growing demand for food and cleanroom applications, FANUC has unveiled the latest model in its LR Mate industrial robot range. The compact and powerful LR Mate 10-11A Food/Clean has a 10kg payload and is compliant with ISO 4 Class cleanrooms. This makes it ideal for use in highly controlled environments across sectors […]
ChocoMatic comes to life with igus 7th axis
When customers tap a screen to choose their favourite chocolates, Roose Automation’s ‘ChocoMatic’ robot arm travels along a linear track, selects each chocolate, and delivers them without human intervention. Behind this playful, hygienic automation lies a clever piece of engineering: the 7th axis from igus. Roose Automation wanted to give its robot arm the freedom […]
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 […]
Robots help food processors future proof their plants
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,” […]