Industries

Online calculator shows return on investment for robots

Online calculator shows return on investment for robots

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 […]

By March 18, 2014 Read More →
Robot demonstrates how easy programming can be

Robot demonstrates how easy programming can be

Honda UK Manufacturing’s Swindon site has recently invested in a Universal Robot from RA Rodriguez that is currently being assessed for a variety of applications. And clearly it attracted sufficient attention to command an important role in the opening ceremony at the company’s Technical Festival in December. Programming a brand new conventional robot to perform […]

By March 18, 2014 Read More →
6-axis hydraulic manipulator for nuclear decommissioning

6-axis hydraulic manipulator for nuclear decommissioning

A powerful, 6-axis hydraulic manipulator arm designed for use in the nuclear decommissioning industry relies on a motion control system from Moog. The company was approached by James Fisher Nuclear (JFN) for the hydraulic motion system, including modelling and simulating the product design. A manipulator arm is used to grasp and move materials without direct […]

By March 18, 2014 Read More →
Robots help to improve quality on packaging lines

Robots help to improve quality on packaging lines

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, […]

By March 18, 2014 Read More →
Technology transfer potential from cake icing robot

Technology transfer potential from cake icing robot

Combining 3D vision technology with the latest in SCARA robots has solved a tricky cake decorating problem. But it also opens up the potential to bring a new level of automation across a huge spread of industries outside of food and beverage. Quasar Automation wanted to create a system that can neatly apply icing or […]

By March 13, 2014 Read More →
Innovative approach to automating ultrasonic testing

Innovative approach to automating ultrasonic testing

Ultrasonic Sciences Limited (USL) based in Aldershot, Hampshire, UK are leaders in the design and manufacture of automated and semi-automated ultrasonic testing systems. Many of their systems are in use around the world testing highly critical metallic and composite components mainly in the aerospace and metals industries. When USL decided to manufacture a fully automated […]

By March 3, 2014 Read More →
Accelerated deployment of robots in UK food industry

Accelerated deployment of robots in UK food industry

Chris Sumner, Managing Director of FANUC UK and Vice President of FEC reckons the UK food industry is warming to robotics. And he is not alone in this view, which is backed up the latest figure from the British Automation and Robotics Association (BARA) and the International Federation of Robotics (IFR). The adoption of robotics […]

By March 3, 2014 Read More →
Engine and gearbox shafts handled easily

Engine and gearbox shafts handled easily

In the automotive industry, engine and gearbox shafts, shock absorber rods, cylinder or exhaust tubes for example come in a variety of diameters. To manoeuvre these parts, m ajor European automotive components manufacturers use Lantec-designed and built automation systems equipped with the company’s pneumatic grippers and clamps. Thanks to their unique construction Lantec angular grippers […]

By February 26, 2014 Read More →
UK Robot adoption pushed on through 2013

UK Robot adoption pushed on through 2013

2012 was a record year for Robot sales with 2,476 industrial robots being sold from the major suppliers, but 2013 has almost matched this figure at 95% of last year’s sales with 2,305 units being sold, reports the British Automation and Robot Association (BARA). Once again the automotive and automotive components sectors have been the […]

By February 14, 2014 Read More →
New paint shop robots boost UK installed base

New paint shop robots boost UK installed base

Only twelve months after launching two new paint robots, FANUC reports that it has supplied 32 P-250i robots into three UK manufacturing sites. The figure exceeds the total of all paint robots installed in the UK over the last three years by 151%, based on BARA annual robot statistics. Driven by the technological demands of […]

By January 9, 2014 Read More →