The Cognibotics material-handling robot, equipped with Sics.AI’s vision system, has been running in production at Nowaste with stable performance and reliable uptime. Based on these results, Nowaste is now expanding robotized picking as a strategic component of its warehouse operations.

“The first cell proved what we needed to know – that robotised picking can handle a diverse product assortment and still deliver the robustness and stability our TPL operations require,” said Patrik Johnfors, Head of Implementation and Solution Design at Nowaste Logistics. “A second cell is a clear strategic step for us, making our warehouses more resilient to seasonal peaks and better positioned to future-proof operations as customer demands evolve.”

Scaling capacity with high-speed, long-reach picking

For TPL providers, this picking cell validates that reach and speed are key to delivering high, stable picking capacity, enabling multiple presentations, totes, and hand-off points to be placed within reach. This supports flexible layout design, efficient batching, and smooth handling of mixed product flows. Capacity scales naturally as customer needs evolve, allowing warehouses to add robot cells without reconfiguring existing infrastructure.

“Nowaste is a strong example of how a modern TPL provider uses robotization to strengthen its operations – where robustness, capacity, and layout flexibility are key,” said Fredrik Malmgren, CEO of Cognibotics. “This second order is also an important milestone for us; it marks the first time our software automation foundation Juliet & Romeo is running in full production on a material-handling robot cell, proving that our software-defined motion is ready to scale across real-world logistics environments.”

Software-defined motion and AI vision for real-world logistics

In the AutoStore setup, the Nowaste picking cell brings together Cognibotics’ high-speed, long-reach robot with an advanced AI vision system capable of handling a highly diverse product mix. Powered by Cognibotics’ automation foundation Juliet & Romeo, the cell manages real-time robot motion, gripping, and conveyor hand-off while simplifying integration with Nowaste’s warehouse management and control systems.

By using a software-defined motion platform, Cognibotics enables Nowaste to adapt layouts, product flows, and item types over time without hardware redesign, an essential capability for TPL providers serving multiple customers with evolving needs.

“Automation isn’t only about cost; it keeps operations running when demand spikes,” said Fredrik Malmgren, CEO, Cognibotics. “Our Juliet & Romeo software simplifies integration, and the HKM1800 enables true no-touch handling at the pick-to-pack station. Boozt can deploy faster and ship more orders per hour with consistent quality.

“This pilot is a major milestone,” Malmgren continued. “Together with Boozt, we are merging picking and packing to lift speed and efficiency, creating a strong business case for large-scale e-commerce logistics. The world’s fastest robot in the world’s largest AutoStore.”

Tobias Sjölin, CTO Fulfillment, Boozt, said: “I’ve been all over the world looking for robot arms. HKM1800 is in a class of its own. If the pilot delivers as expected, this becomes a scalable building block for future growth.”

In Boozt’s high-volume environment, HKM1800 connects seamlessly to AutoStore using advanced vision and high-speed tool-change capabilities. The robot moves items directly from bin to polybag or box, or both simultaneously, boosting order-line throughput while preserving layout flexibility.

Pilot scope

• Use case: AutoStore-linked pick-to-pack (multi-SKU order handling, tote presentation, item transfer, packing hand-off).
• Robot: Cognibotics HKM1800 – long-reach, high-speed arm with Juliet & Romeo software enabling fast item-handling changes and precise motion control.
• Integration: Compatible with existing AutoStore flows, vision, and tooling; modular cell fits current pack-wall designs.
• Expected results: Higher lines-per-labour-hour, consistent shift-to-shift output, and scalable capacity for Boozt’s growing volumes.

HKM1800 closes the gap between AutoStore and packing. Boozt gains elastic peak capacity without adding proportional headcount, plus a copy-exact automation cell ready for large-scale rollout.

Characterised by their exacting performance and historical red robot design, they also reflect Comau’s dedication to making automation more accessible to diverse and non-automotive industries. The compact, robust and versatile robots can easily access small spaces and tight areas that are difficult to reach with other robots. And because they are highly energy efficient, as certified in accordance with Fraunhofer procedure instruction, the S-Family of 6-axis articulated robots help companies achieve higher production quality and better performance with reduced energy consumption and costs.

S-Family robots are said to be perfect for applications requiring extreme accuracy and speed while ensuring full protection from elements including water, dust and other contaminants. With their best-in-class protective IP68 hollow-wrist design, the electrical and auxiliary cabling runs inside the wrist which allows the robots to enjoy greater agility while minimising the risk of damage.

Furthermore, Comau says they are the only robots to feature fully integrated arc and gigabit dressings, which help remove layout constraints, make assembly and installation easy, ensure faster response times and significantly reduce cable kinking, breakage and subsequent maintenance costs. So, in addition to automating welding, handling, foundry, automotive, and battery manufacturing processes, the S-Family can be easily used for food and beverage and general assembly applications. Finally, the robots can be mounted on the floor, wall or ceiling to optimise space without sacrificing performance.

“Comau’s new S-Family of small, high-speed robots combines efficiency and technical excellence with the features and functionality required for effective deployment within new markets and dedicated application areas,” explains Nicole Clement, Chief Business Unit Leader for Advanced Automation Solutions. “Our commitment to making automation easier to install and use, especially within non-Automotive markets where automation is growing fast, is yet another way Comau is bringing the power of automation to an increasingly diverse sector of industries and applications.”

S-Family robots have been tested and certified for energy efficiency in accordance with Fraunhofer procedures, and are available in two different payload configurations (13 and 18 kg) with a 1700 mm reach and a repeatability of ±0.03mm.

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With some 25 years’ experience within the UK industrial automation industry, Neil’s key objectives include nurturing and securing new business opportunities and supporting the further development of the Schmalz brand of industrial segment product ranges within the UK market place. As a market leader in vacuum automation and ergonomic handling systems, the Schmalz product range is in demand across a diverse range of industry sectors and applications including logistics, the automotive industry, the electronics sector and in furniture manufacture.

Robot, cobot and automation solutions

The Vacuum Automation business unit offers a comprehensive component portfolio targeted at the robotics and automation sectors, which includes suction pads, vacuum generators, complete gripping systems and clamping solutions for holding workpieces.

Neil Turnbull explains: “When using small and collaborative robots, the gripper must meet special requirements: it must be lightweight, universally usable, and quick to integrate. Our robotics solutions are used for loading and unloading machines, order picking, palletising, and de-palletising, or for bin-picking applications.

“The full product portfolio includes standard and configurable end effectors, gripper kits, vision and handling sets, electrical and pneumatic vacuum generators, all fully supported by communication interfaces for bidirectional data exchange, with diagnostic functions for the handling process.”

Making light work of material handling

The company’s Handling business unit provides advanced handling solutions for multiple industry sectors including automotive, chemicals and pharmaceuticals, glass, wood, plastics, logistics, metal, solar and wind energy.

Neil Turnbull continues: “Our range of vacuum lifters and crane systems are at the heart of many different product handling systems. Tailored to suit specific market sectors, these solutions combine innovative product design, high quality, and performance with a comprehensive equipment specification.

“Our Vacuum lifters and crane systems also help address the ergonomics and health protection challenges faced by many companies, by making goods movement and transfer operations simpler, safer, and more efficient.”

Intuitive to operate and versatile in their application, the Schmalz Handling portfolio includes vacuum tube lifters for dynamic transfer of goods with high cycle frequency and chain hoist-based vacuum lifting devices for particularly heavy loads. Rope balancers are ideal aids for sensitive, precise positioning of loads.

Neil Turnbull concludes: “A key part of our offering to the UK industrial market is the engineering support available to our client base. Our UK based engineering team work with customers to specify and test products, ensuring that they meet the unique requirements of individual customers and their applications. The development of our unique, dedicated in-house test facility within the Manchester head office allows end customers to benefit from proven vacuum automation technology.”

In this video we see a small selection of Igus parts in action in material handling, from drylin linear systems to energy chains and readycables.

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This system requires no compressed air and complements the current generation of pneumatically-controlled magnetic grippers. The end-of-arm tool can be attached to robots and manipulators and holds a steel sheet or other product once gripped firmly in place, even during pick and place operations.

The energy-efficient magnet system has a bi-stable design, ensuring process safety even in case of power failure, an emergency stop or malfunction. With its plug-and-play design, the safe E-gripper requires little energy and eliminates the need for costly compressed air; something that the current generation of magnetic grippers do need. The gripper is mechatronically constructed and contains no moving parts. It is wear-resistant and has a long service life of more than ten million cycles.

Intelligent end-of-arm tool

The electrically switchable magnetic gripper was developed from market demand. Users do not always have compressed air available and want a safe and reliable system for automation processes. The magnetic gripper is equipped with a complete set of sensors, including inductive sensors for detecting product presence, as well as Hall sensors for signalling the on/off position.

If the workpiece is lost due to a collision or for any other reason, the PLC receives a real-time notification, so the line controller can react accordingly and the production process does not experience any serious disruption. Moreover, the E-Gripper is equipped with all-round visible LED lighting that indicates the status of the system with colours and light signals. This is particularly convenient for operators.

High productivity and long lifetime

The E-Gripper has a switching time of 350 m/sec, resulting in fast cycle times. The magnetic gripper holds products such as steel sheet firmly on a relatively small surface area and requires no changeover when changing product dimensions. The magnetic robotic gripper is a mechatronic product with no moving parts, resulting in no wear and tear. The only wear part is the friction ring, which is easily interchangeable and extends the life of the gripper.

The magnetic gripper has screw holes on the top and is easy to attach to a robotic arm as an end effector. Control is provided by internal electronics with integrated microprocessor and can be connected with only one cable for ‘power and logic’. The manual contains clear assembly instructions, making commissioning quick and easy.

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Stäubli Fluid Connectors has entered into a close partnership with Fipa for its end-of-arm-tooling. Fipa specialises in the development and manufacture of products in the area of vacuum and handling components as well as complete systems for handling processes.

Fipa’s flexible product system, and its corporate philosophy, are a perfect match for Stäubli Fluid Connectors, and its own modular product concept. Armed with this joint expertise, the partners intend to develop solutions for future-oriented manufacturing concepts.

Martin Bergmüller, project manager for end-of-arm-tooling at Stäubli Fluid Connectors, commented: “Fipa is the ideal partner: we have established a strong partnership that is characterised by high standards of quality and solution orientation on both sides. The cooperation combines the skills of both companies into a strong proposal consisting of global availability, broad applications knowledge and excellent technical expertise.”

Norbert Ermer, head of the robotic tool changer business at Stäubli in Bayreuth, said: “Stäubli Fluid Connectors is known for its expertise in automatic tool changers and is now expanding its range to include material handling components and systems. Stäubli Fluid Connectors offers all functions and technologies for this from a single source. And we support our customers comprehensively right up to the fully assembled handling solution.”

Both system developers and system operators will benefit from this partnership: the components supplied are ideally matched to each other. From Stäubli’s point of view, this not only reduces interface problems but also eliminates time-consuming coordination with various points of contact.

Solutions for all applications and robots

The automation of material handling processes requires expertise and precise planning. Stäubli Fluid Connectors relies on their many years of experience in the development of individual solutions and offers comprehensive support: as an established supplier of automatic robotic tool changer systems – and now also of material handling solutions – the company has the product portfolio and the expertise to offer solutions even for particularly complex handling processes.

From the analysis of the framework conditions and application requirements, to the concept and CAD planning of the system, through to the delivery of all components, Stäubli Fluid Connectors offers a complete service package. Also, upon request, the solutions can be delivered fully assembled.

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The TM20 is the latest addition to the Omron family of TM cobots, which are known for their ease of use, reliability, and safety. It is designed to work seamlessly with other Omron products, including sensors, controllers, and software, to provide a comprehensive automation solution for industrial customers.

One of the key features of the Omron TM20 is its lightweight design, weighing in at just 33 kg. This makes it easy to integrate with mobile robots, providing greater flexibility and efficiency in industrial environments. The robot also comes equipped with special joint covers to protect it from cutting oil and other hazardous materials, making it suitable for use in machine tending applications.

“We are excited to launch the Omron TM20, which expands the capabilities of our cobot family and gives customers the ability to automate heavy payload applications,” says Fernando Vaquerizo, fixed and cobots product marketing manager at Omron Europe. “The Omron TM20 is designed to be easy to use, reliable and safe. It relieves operators from tasks that involve heavy lifting, while working safely side by side with people.”

Omron’s ROI calculator supports companies in the process of evaluating an investment in collaborative robots, including easy and affordable leasing opportunities. In addition, Omron offers a wide range of support services, including installation, training, and maintenance, to ensure customers get the most out of their investment.

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The i4L SCARA delivers quality along with scalability and integration flexibility. Thanks to a compact design and small footprint it is simple to install. The i4L offers easy integration with Ethernet or EtherCAT connectivity in the base, and together with the robotic integrated controller users can deploy multiple robots and reduce set-up complexity and programming time. Its speed makes it ideal for material handling tasks, while freeing human resources for other tasks that maximize productivity.

“Thanks to the EtherCAT models, we have taken our SCARA robots to the next level, comments Fernando Vaquerizo, fixed and cobots product marketing manager at Omron Europe. “They can be implemented in a wide range of applications allowing for more productivity within the workplace.”

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The YRC1000 robot controls are able to convert kinetic energy from the down and sideways movements directly into 400V AC at 50 Hz and feed it back into the grid. Depending on the movement pattern of the application, the robot’s energy requirements can be significantly reduced.

Reducing energy consumption in today’s highly competitive industrial environment is likely to be higher on most, if not all of today’s manufacturers’ agendas, especially due to current higher energy costs. With automation playing an increasingly important role in many applications maximising the efficiency of robots will be of significant interest across all manufacturing sectors.

Features such as regenerative braking can make a big difference to the efficiency of robots, recovering braking energy and feeding it back into the power grid without the need for additional hardware.

In applications such as handling, palletising, joining and processing, industrial robots make many down or sideway movements during which the servomotors dissipate energy thereby potentially generating electricity. Up until now, in older or other robot models on the market, the resulting energy has been converted to waste heat by control technology through electrical resistance and lost to the environment. In the Yaskawa solution the electric energy is fed back into the operator network – without the need for additional hardware so it can be re-used.

The extent of savings obviously depends on the specific application and the robot’s individual movement patterns, although realistically savings ranging from 8 to 25% can be anticipated which may result in annual feed-ins of about 2,800 kWh, equivalent to around 1600 kg CO2 and £1200.

In addition, the slim and compact design of Motoman robots with low moving masses and fast application of brakes during movement intervals enables the active position control to be switched off when not in use which increase the potential for greater efficiency.

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