This month we look at the issue of programming robots within an Industry 4.0 environment, we highlight a new report that suggests robots are helping to create jobs in the electronics industry, we look at how robots are driving down costs in food manufacturing, and we look at a new, flexible gripping concept. [soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/161810637″ […]
Because they are constructed from standard off-the-shelf products, such as belt-drive/ball screw axes, servo-motors, drives and standard grippers, Pacepacker Services says the cost of Cartesian robot solutions can be much lower than traditional five and six axis robots. Since June 2013, Pacepacker Services has been working closely as a technology partner with Festo on twin-axis […]
If you want to see the latest in robotics technology for food packing and palletising applications at this year’s PPMA show, then visit the FANUC stand (C50) in Hall 5. Showcasing five different food handling robots, FANUC will present its biggest selection ever at a PPMA show this year. IP67 and IP69K certified robots will […]
The natural world often shows how maximum performance can be achieved with minimum energy consumption in a wide variety of ways. By transferring these principles to the development of new technological methods and innovative processes, engineers can better understand how automation systems can be more efficient. Festo says its advanced handling and kinematic robot systems […]
With efficiency high on every food manufacturer’s agenda, automation integrator Pacepacker Services hosted an educational workshop to highlight solutions for driving down manufacturing costs. The workshop showed visitors how automation can improve energy efficiency, including novel options for food manufacturers with tighter budgets. Leading food manufacturers and retailers, including Frederick Hiam, Huntapac Produce, Bakkavor and […]
Due to the recent rise of smaller dairy snack foods and a larger number of pack variants (such as different flavoured yogurts in a shelf ready multi-pack), FANUC reports that it is experiencing an increase in enquiries from the dairy industry for pick and place robot handling systems. “Until recently there has been an overriding […]
Combining 3D vision technology with the latest in SCARA robots has solved a tricky cake decorating problem. But it also opens up the potential to bring a new level of automation across a huge spread of industries outside of food and beverage. Quasar Automation wanted to create a system that can neatly apply icing or […]
Chris Sumner, Managing Director of FANUC UK and Vice President of FEC reckons the UK food industry is warming to robotics. And he is not alone in this view, which is backed up the latest figure from the British Automation and Robotics Association (BARA) and the International Federation of Robotics (IFR). The adoption of robotics […]
2012 was a record year for Robot sales with 2,476 industrial robots being sold from the major suppliers, but 2013 has almost matched this figure at 95% of last year’s sales with 2,305 units being sold, reports the British Automation and Robot Association (BARA). Once again the automotive and automotive components sectors have been the […]
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 […]
Boosting productivity and efficiency in bakeries
Small-scale operations or franchise bakeries which supply up to 200 outlets in their vicinity produce several products on one line. The automation potential of such bakeries is high, but is frequently underestimated or considered too expensive. However to increase productivity and minimise manufacturing costs, it is necessary to exploit precisely this potential. (Pictured) Mitsubishi Electric […]