In manufacturing environments, unauthorised access can expose personnel to hazards and disrupt operational efficiency. Therefore, it is important to ensure that only authorised personnel can perform specific tasks. To address these challenges, one of the UK’s largest steelmakers implemented the FRANK system from Fortress Safety at one of its facilities where cold rolling and galvanising […]
FANUC has introduced the latest model to its extensive robot range, bringing greater versatility to lifting and handling operations. A large and heavy-payload industrial robot, the new M-950iA/500 boasts a wide motion range thanks to its serial-link configuration, meaning no interference of the main J3 arm with the J2 arm due to the absence of […]
ABB has entered into a strategic collaboration with Austria-based Engineering Software Steyr (ESS) to develop powerful simulation tools that will transform automotive paint shop operations while reducing costs by up to 30 percent. As part of the collaboration, ABB will take a minority investment in ESS. “Delivering faster and more energy efficient solutions for the […]
The pharmaceutical, biotechnology, veterinary and life sciences industries are subject to unique challenges where accuracy and efficiency are essential. This applies to all stages of production – including end of line packaging. Though automation use is increasing, many production lines still use human operators to pack products. In collaboration with robotics expert, TM Robotics, its […]
PI has completed the construction of additional electronics production space at its Rosenheim, Germany site. With investments of around $2.3M and a 30% increase in space, PI is strengthening its global development and production centre and the economic development of the region. Pictured left to right: Rosenheim Lord Mayor Andreas Marz; PI location manager Markus […]
OMRON is excited to introduce the OMRON TM25S, the latest addition to its S-Series collaborative robot family. Designed to enhance productivity, the OMRON TM25S combines greater payload capacity, extended reach, and versatility in a compact, easy-to-integrate package. With a payload capacity of 25 kg and a 1900 mm reach, the OMRON TM25S is a perfect […]
ABB has launched the RB 1000i-S paint atomiser to revolutionise automotive paint shops. The new paint atomiser mounted on top of the ABB robot is said to improve transfer efficiency by upwards of 10%, and can significantly reduce paint waste by a minimum of 30% along with carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions, compared to its predecessor, […]
There are multiple drivers for automating food production lines. Whether helping to plug labour shortages, taking over dull, dirty or dangerous manual tasks, or boosting productivity, food manufacturers have much to gain from automation. And despite being late to the party compared to other industries such as automotive, robot installations in UK food and beverage […]
The PPMA Show, the UK’s leading event for processing and packaging machinery, including industrial automation and machine vision systems, has once again been acclaimed as a great success. Established more than 35 years ago, the renowned exhibition welcomed thousands of visitors over the course of its three-days at the NEC Birmingham. The event offered visitors […]
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 […]
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. […]
ABB Robotics to showcase next-gen automation
ABB Robotics will be demonstrating a range of advanced automation technologies at MACH 2026, highlighting how manufacturers can boost productivity, improve flexibility and accelerate digital transformation through more autonomous and versatile robotics (AVR). On stand 18-640 in Hall 18, visitors will experience the latest developments in collaborative robots, industrial automation cells, digital engineering tools and […]
Cobot completes one millionth PCB quality check
Hanover Displays, a UK-based manufacturer of passenger information systems for the public transport sector, has reached a major manufacturing milestone: the completion of its 1,000,000th automated quality test of printed circuit boards (PCBs) using Techman collaborative robots from LG Motion. The automation programme began in 2018, when Hanover introduced its first collaborative robot to improve […]
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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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, […]
The beverage palletising shift is accelerating
Martin Ray Winery in Napa Valley has deployed its first lean cobot palletising workcell and achieved a 16-month ROI, with the system installed in just two days. You can find out all about it in a webinar hosted by Robotiq on 19 March. Across Europe and North America, beverage producers, from kombucha and bottled water […]
Robotics, vision and AI combine for dairy processes
Automation solutions provider Eberle Automatische Systeme has developed a breakthrough in quality control with a focus on the cheese-ripening process, combining AI with machine vision software from MVTec. The food industry is experiencing a transformative shift in quality control, due in part to advances in artificial intelligence (AI). When combined with rule-based machine vision, AI […]
Can cobots attract more young talent to welding?
Not only do collaborative robots make welding more interesting and safe, they also make it more profitable – even for small batch sizes, as the experts at Fronius explain. Welding remains a vital joining process in the metalworking industry and it requires in-depth specialist knowledge and skill. Despite the attractive salary, the number of young […]