RA Rodriguez reports that industrial robots, in particular the Universal Robot, are becoming an increasingly important part of its business. By comparison with other robotic equipment on the market, RA Rodriguez says the Universal Robot distinguishes itself as being compatible for tasks that require human interaction, easy to use, reasonably priced and light weight for […]
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 […]
ABB has launched an online return on investment calculator to help UK small to medium size enterprises (SMEs) discover the cost and productivity benefits offered by industrial robots. Available here on the ABB website, the calculator demonstrates how companies can often recoup their outlay on robots within just two years through enhanced levels of performance […]
Robotic handling systems and packing technology can help manufacturers to improve their competitive edge, improve product quality, reduce waste and increase throughput, with significant increases to the efficiency of packaging lines. Pacepacker Services recently held an open day event to show just that, demonstrating a 25m² bulk solids automated packing line featuring the latest sack, […]
Gantry robot, positioning, linear motion, speed control, palletising and handling systems are now all part of the comprehensive range of automation solutions from Micromech Systems. These gantry robot and broader automation solutions address applications in a wide range of industries, including food and beverage, pharmaceuticals, packaging and automotive. A Micromech gantry robot can be developed and […]
FANUC has added a new 3kg payload parallel link (delta) robot to its high-speed Genkotsu series. The company says the M-2iA fills a gap between existing 1kg and 6kg arms, providing a large work envelope combined with high throughput performance to meet the needs of mid-range assembly and handling tasks. Two variants of the M-2iA […]
Highlights of Omron’s stand at the 2012 PPMA show will be an example of the company’s SCARA robot series and an example of its recently launched Delta robot system, controlled by the powerful Sysmac NJ Machine Automation Controller. With central themes including solutions for product handling, data integration and 100% product inspection, the Omron stand […]
KUKA says its new KR Agilus range of high speed, small robots has been designed to deliver short cycle times and high levels of accuracy for a wide variety of applications. Specially developed for working in tight spaces, it will be of particular interest within the packaging industry for handling and pick and place tasks. The […]
Greencore Prepared Meals, Warrington, has successfully implemented its first automated packaging line for its high output lasagne products without any disruption to production. The end of line system comprising two Kawasaki FD50 robots, conveyors and guarding was delivered, installed and made available for commissioning during a single weekly hygiene shift. Other than checkweighers and metal […]
Increased flexibility for shelf ready packaging lines is being offered by food packaging automation specialists Abar with its new LR-80TCR Loading System. A FANUC Robotics M10-iA robot is the core automation component of the LR-80TCR allowing loading speeds of thermo formed or top sealed rigid trays at speeds of up to 200 ppm. Each new […]
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
... Read More »
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, […]