Having a machine ‘see’ a complex shaped part, then manipulate it whilst performing a highly accurate masking application is an example of a unique challenge presented in ‘future manufacturing technology’. For Astech Projects engineers, this future technology is all in a day’s work. In 2015, Astech Projects was approached by an aerospace manufacturer that needed […]
With its additively manufactured gripper fingers, Schunk has opened a new chapter of online sales in the field of mechanical and plant engineering. Automotive supplier ROS from Coburg uses the clever 3D design tool Schunk eGRIP for diverse robot handling in assembly systems. Just a few clicks are sufficient to upload the step or STL […]
Fanuc robots have been integrated into a ‘breakthrough’ selective automated broccoli harvesting system, which has the potential to revolutionise the UK vegetable industry in the face of spiralling production costs. Over 75,000 tonnes of broccoli are grown and harvested across the UK each year. Commercial growers typically rely on a team of seven people to […]
The latest introduction from RARUK Automation is Pick-it 3D Robot Vision that allows even the most complex 3D picking challenges to be set up and calibrated in a matter of minutes without the need for a robotic programming language. It is a fixed price, plug-and-play product that can be set-up and operated by anyone and is […]
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 […]
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 […]
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, […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
Application phase for 10th vector award is now open
The application phase of the igus vector award 2026 has begun. Now in its tenth year, a joint initiative is honouring designers worldwide who use high-performance plastic energy chains to create cable guides that set new technological standards, with winners to receive up to 5,000 euros in prize money. The vector award has gained international […]
Powering the factories of the future
The combination of collaborative robotics and in-process digital metrology represents a strategic convergence for the manufacturing industry and factories of the future. On the one hand, collaborative robots make it possible to automate handling and assembly tasks flexibly and safely without the need for physical barriers and, on the other hand, digital metrology integrated into […]
Cobot installed at steering systems manufacturer
Steering systems manufacturer, Pailton Engineering, continues to modernise its manufacturing processes with a new collaborative robot (cobot) at its facility in Coventry. After a successful trial period, the company is installing a FAIRINO FR10 on the induction hardening ball pin cell, where it works alongside existing team members to support production. Designed to work alongside […]
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 […]
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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Automating the food sector: efficiency in action
The food and beverage industry has been slower to adopt automation than some other areas of manufacturing. Short-term supplier contracts and a reliance on cheap labour have proved obstacles to investment for some food producers, limiting their ability to grow their production capabilities. Fortunately, automation systems incorporating robotics from leading suppliers such as FANUC are […]
Robotics and digitalisation in food manufacturing
In this workshop at Food Manufacturing Live, Dr Bhavnita Patel, business development manager at The MTC, explores how automation, robotics and digitalisation are reshaping food manufacturing, unlocking efficiency, improving quality and reducing waste. Bhavnita explains why companies must adopt these technologies now, despite barriers like cost and legacy systems. She looks at where these tools […]
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 […]
Food firms must seize the Brexit opportunity
While the use of robotics and automation in the UK food and drink industry has been steadily growing over the past decade, Britain is still lagging behind many of its international counterparts. As the lowest G7 nation, UK sits 22nd in the world robot league table with just 71 robots per 10,000 workers, behind nations […]