Industries

Food industry is at a robotics tipping point

Food industry is at a robotics tipping point

In the last 12 months there has been a noticeable uptake in robotics in the food processing sector. Although way behind the rest of the EU and US markets in terms of sales, global food security, volatile commodity prices and the much reported grocery price wars are all driving manufacturers towards the same conclusion; efficiency […]

By February 24, 2015 Read More →
Robots help to reduce manufacturing costs

Robots help to reduce manufacturing costs

ITW Imagedata is a specialist manufacturer of film ribbons and consumables for the global card industry. When it needed a new printer ribbon assembly machine for its highest volume products, it turned to Automation Consultancy GB Innomech. Seamlessly integrated into ITW’s existing production line, the new spool pairing and assembly machine is already helping the […]

By February 17, 2015 Read More →
SafeROBOTICS opens up food and beverage applications

SafeROBOTICS opens up food and beverage applications

With their SafeROBOTICS functions, B&R says its controllers open the way for new solutions for cooperation between humans and robots. These solutions built on SafeROBOTICS will be the focal point of B&R’s stand at the Anuga FoodTec trade fair in Cologne, Germany, 24-27 March. Pictured right: B&R will present SafeROBOTICS solutions at Anuga FoodTec 2015. […]

By February 14, 2015 Read More →
Auxiliary robot arm for wheelchair users

Auxiliary robot arm for wheelchair users

Articulated joints with grippers are increasingly being used to aid people with disabilities. The latest video from Igus shows how robolink technology, which integrates its multi-axis joints and drive unit, with a 3-jaw angle gripper can be used to create an auxiliary arm for wheelchair users. Featuring five DOF (degrees of freedom), with variable arm […]

By February 10, 2015 Read More →
Robot claimed to be the fastest in its class

Robot claimed to be the fastest in its class

Comau claims its new Racer 999 articulated robot is the fastest in its class, and can reduce cycle times by up to 25% when compared to the previous generation robot, thanks to increased fluidity of movement. Designed for a payload of 7kg, the robot has a cycle time of 0.702 seconds, and provides a reach […]

By February 3, 2015 Read More →
Automation payback – 10 tips for achieving a 12 month ROI

Automation payback – 10 tips for achieving a 12 month ROI

Providers of automation equipment regularly talk around how their machines deliver optimum performance, boost workplace efficiency and increase output. All good stuff. However, for most, if not all customers, the return on investment (ROI) figures can be a real deal breaker. Richard Gladwin, Technical Director at award-winning system integrator Pacepacker Services offers 10 powerful tips […]

By January 22, 2015 Read More →
Collaboration and low volume processes

Collaboration and low volume processes

In this month’s podcast we look at market prospects for robotics in the automotive industry, the suitability of robots for low volume processes, and the industrial robots that will be showcased at the Hannover Fair in April. [soundcloud url="https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/193168468" params="color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false" width="100%" height="166" iframe="true" /]

By January 10, 2015 Read More →
Robot arm handles bags, boxes crates and trays

Robot arm handles bags, boxes crates and trays

Following a recent surge in enquiries from food packers for versatile palletisers, FANUC is working with automation specialists Festo and Pacepacker to develop systems which can handle bags, boxes, crates, trays and slip sheets by means of a single robot arm! “Food packers with space and budget constraints are looking for compact palletising systems capable […]

By January 8, 2015 Read More →
Market prospects for robotics in automotive

Market prospects for robotics in automotive

A new report from Visiongain Global looks at market prospects for industrial robots, processes and technologies in vehicle production from 2014 to 2024. Visiongain expects the automation and robotics in automotive manufacturing to reach a market value of $13.66bn in 2014. Visiongain says the period from 2014 to 2024 going to be challenging for the […]

By December 5, 2014 Read More →
Room gantry from Igus for 3D movements

Room gantry from Igus for 3D movements

Tribopolymer specialist Igus’ latest video looks at the specifications of its new drylin room gantry. Used to implement three-dimensional applications, the room gantry is based on a flat gantry system with a vertical axis. With the limit switch assembly housed within a T-slot, the complete length of the room gantry profile can be used, enhancing […]

By December 4, 2014 Read More →