Industries

Lessons learned from automation leaders and robot laggards

Lessons learned from automation leaders and robot laggards

Time and again we are reminded that we are in the age of automation. Annual statistics prepared by the International Federation of Robotics paints a positive picture for 2017, with a 31% increase in annual global shipments. However, the UK doesn’t make the top ten countries for investment. And despite an annual 19% increase, food […]

By October 4, 2018 Read More →
Easy handling of heavier loads

Easy handling of heavier loads

The MOTOMAN GP Series of robots from Yaskawa has recently been extended to include options which are suitable for applications with heavier loads up to 600 kg. Renowned for being one of the most compact and efficient range of robots for high-speed assembly, packaging and general handling applications, the Motoman GP600 is designed for heavier […]

By September 19, 2018 Read More →
Functional testing of nanosatellites using robots

Functional testing of nanosatellites using robots

Argotec, Italian aerospace engineering company, and Comau, worldwide leader in delivering advanced industrial automation products and systems, present ATENA, an innovative system aimed at testing and validating the functionality of nanosatellites. ATENA (Advanced Testing Emulator for Nanosatellite Arm) simplifies simulations of satellite performance, generally carried out through complex numerical analysis and tests of hardware, software, […]

By September 17, 2018 Read More →
Fanuc adds 6kg payload variant to SCARA robot range

Fanuc adds 6kg payload variant to SCARA robot range

Fanuc has extended its popular range of Selective Compliance Assembly (SCARA) robots to include a model capable of processing parts weighing up to 6kg. The SR-6iA is ideally suited for a variety of applications within a circular working envelope, including fast automated assembly, testing and inspection, packaging, and material handling. It is Fanuc’s largest SCARA […]

By September 6, 2018 Read More →
Unipick robots make a case for convenience

Unipick robots make a case for convenience

As a business model, convenience shopping is rapidly overtaking large format stores, with nine out of ten consumers claiming to have a visited a convenience store in the last month . Yet, the rise in popularity is placing food manufacturers and packers under greater pressure to supply retailers of all sizes with a good selection […]

By August 30, 2018 Read More →
Robotics is the future for the food and drink industry

Robotics is the future for the food and drink industry

According to a market research report by Association for Packaging and Processing Technologies entitled Trends in Food Processing Operations, half of the companies surveyed will be increasing their level of automation over the next three to five years. Despite this, many manufacturers admit they don’t know where to start. Here, Nigel Smith, CEO of industrial […]

By June 4, 2018 0 Comments Read More →
Fanuc robot welds large pieces in small spaces

Fanuc robot welds large pieces in small spaces

A new addition to Fanuc’s ARC welding robot range is set to make automated welding more viable for manufacturers with compact floor space, but large workpieces. The ARCMate 100iD/10L can be used to boost the productivity of high-batch production lines, particularly those working with pieces larger than 1,500mm diameter. Its repeatability and quality-control capability make […]

By May 18, 2018 0 Comments Read More →
TM Robotics: Automating the plastics industry

TM Robotics: Automating the plastics industry

One of the biggest challenges for robotics manufacturers is the perception that the technology is here to take the jobs of humans – but that is simply not the case. Unfortunately, the notion that automation poses a threat to jobs often overshadows the potential benefits of investing in the technology. Here, TM Robotics founder and […]

Smart cup for composites handling from Simmatic

Smart cup for composites handling from Simmatic

Pre-impregnation composite materials – or pre-preg composites as they’re usually known – typically take the form of heavy, floppy sheets that resemble the thick felt used for roofing purposes. Their flexibility and weight means that pre-preg composites are notoriously difficult to handle. When a pattern maker asked Simmatic to devise a reliable way of lifting […]

By April 26, 2018 0 Comments Read More →
SMAC micro gripper handles fragile parts

SMAC micro gripper handles fragile parts

New from SMAC Moving Coil Actuators is the MGR6 Series Micro Gripper. The SMAC MGR6 Series Micro Gripper has a very low moving mass with two independent axes, and, thanks to a patented Soft-Land routine, is capable of light, controlled forces. It can be used as an end effector on third party robots. The unit […]

By April 23, 2018 0 Comments Read More →