Real Digital International, a specialist in digital print communications and a service provider to sectors that include retail, telecommunications, finance and healthcare, has installed a Universal Robot UR10 at its Croydon facility to help with the packaging of mobile phone SIM cards. As well as automating previously mundane manual operations, the robot, which was supplied […]
Automation consultancy GB Innomech has developed a new high speed automated product packaging system that will help SG Technologies – a global leader in the production of high performance magnetic components – to more than double the production capacity for one of its highest volume products. Innomech has designed the new system to automate a […]
At the PPMA Total Exhibition, on the FANUC stand (C50), FANUC is taking robotic safety a further leap into the future. A collaborative robot, or cobot, designed for working safely with human colleagues, will be challenged to work alongside a caged cell containing a conventional robot. Over the last couple of years, the first generation […]
FANUC Robotics UK has enlarged its M20-iA family of is based on the same kinematics and engineering as the existing M20-iA/10M and M20-iA/20M robots, but with enhanced payload that broadens its application envelope, making it an attractive investment proposition. The M20-iA/35M can be fitted with a multi-purpose gripper for high-speed pick and placing and for […]
The latest robot application for the Scorpion 3D Stinger camera is highlighted in this video, showing 3D box picking and identification, integrating the Scorpion 3D Stinger camera with an ABB robot. The Scorpion 3D Stinger camera is fast, accurate and reliable. In this application, a dense 3D image is generated by a Scorpion 3D Stinger […]
Access guards for robot cells are often complex systems with different individual components, which must be individually assembled and compatible. This also requires long installation and start-up processes. Pictured right: The palletizing robots in the Beumer robotpac series are typical systems in which MLDSET access guarding from Leuze Electronic is used. “Leuze Electronic has developed […]
An extremely small universal module Igus triflex RS is frequently used in packing systems. It mounts to preexisting fastening points on the robot and consists of a multi-axis energy supply, integrated spring rods and a cover for extra protection. Pictured right: The turnkey packaging plant employs a very compact Igus triflex RS universal module for […]
At PPMA 2015, Omron and its solution partners Applied Automation and HepcoMotion showed how advanced automation systems coupled with robotics technologies can deliver real return on investment. The modern packaging industry is becoming characterised by shorter production runs with higher numbers of product variants, resulting in lines handling more products than ever before and needing […]
Using an Omron delta robot with vision system technology, Applied Automation used a robot challenge as part of a demo cell to launch a new range of conveyors at PPMA 2015. The demonstration introduced the Carryline flexible plastic chain conveyor, with the spiral conveyor featuring in a machine set-up with a robot spelling challenge. The […]
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
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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, […]
Sumitomo Demag makes the case for IM robots
Many perceived ‘barriers’ to investment and integration in robotics and automation for injection moulding (IM) are based more on misconceptions and out-of-date information than on current realities. Here, Nigel Flowers, managing director at IM machinery supplier Sumitomo (SHI) Demag UK tackles some of those myths, with a focus on packaging moulding markets. Robotic automation in […]