ABB Robotics and XtalPi have entered a strategic partnership to produce a range of automated laboratory work-stations in China. The new, automated laboratories will boost the productivity of R&D processes in biopharmaceuticals, chemical engineering and chemistry, and new energy materials. “Our collaboration with XtalPi marks another milestone for ABB’s collaborative robots in the life sciences […]
Sanofi, one of the world’s leading vaccine manufacturers, Sanofi, has implemented an OMRON palletising solution with robotics to enhance efficiency and relieve workers from strenuous tasks. At Sanofi’s Marcy-l’Étoile site, where one billion doses of vaccine are produced and distributed annually to 150 countries, the focus is on continuous improvement and streamlining processes. One area […]
Yamaha Robotics is adding the new clean type YK-XEC series to its YK-XE series of high-performance SCARA robots for clean rooms. This model is designed for automated work in clean rooms and will be released on a rolling basis starting 1 February 2024. While demonstrating the strengths of the YK-XE series in terms of cost-efficiency, […]
As a specialist in vacuum automation and ergonomic handling systems, Schmalz technologies and solutions can be found across multiple market sectors and applications including pharmaceutical manufacturing. The medicines developed and produced by the pharmaceutical manufacturing sector play an essential role in helping us live with and overcome the effects of a wide range of health […]
Selective integration of industrial robots is a solution accelerator for automation specialists working in the pharmaceuticals sector, from drug manufacturing to pharmacy automation, say experts at Yamaha Factory Automation. Pharmaceutical manufacturing is intensively automated to meet practical and financial targets. Throughput must be high and errors low to ensure profitability. Another advantage is that removing […]
Installing a robotic pick-and-place and integrated conveyor solution has increased productivity for a pharmaceutical manufacturer while maintaining regulatory compliance. Combining a vision system optimised for accuracy that assures end-to-end traceability, a single controller from Trio manages both the robot and conveyor axes, increasing reliability for the end user. The final steps in the packaging operation […]
Stäubli has pioneered a number of developments in the pharmaceutical sector, including the Stericlean range of robots which have now become a mainstay in many pharmaceutical applications by facilitating automation within aseptic environments. However, just as for any other manufacturing sector, the pharmaceutical industry continues to evolve to address multiple challenges such as new regulatory […]
A new near-patient diagnostic testing system which promises to slash the waiting time for results relies on handling gantries and electric axes from Festo for pipetting and dispensing. The recent pandemic taught us that rapid and reliable tests at low cost are key to future prevention and control of transmissible diseases. High throughput testing for […]
Fanuc has launched two new ultra-hygienic additions to its SCARA pick-and-place robot range: the cleanroom-standard, pedestal-mounted SR-3iA/C three-axis and SR-6iA/C four-axis robots. Said to be ideal for replacing manual labour in handling tasks, they also boast anti-contamination features, meeting the highest safety and hygiene standards in even the most challenging food, pharma and general manufacturing […]
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 […]
ABB Robotics launches high-speed PoWa cobot family
ABB Robotics is combining the flexibility of cobots with higher payloads and performance, with the launch of its new PoWa cobot family into the rapidly expanding global collaborative robot market, which ABB Robotics estimates will grow by 20 percent annually through to 2028. “Cobots are growing significantly faster than traditional industrial robots, driven by demands […]
Flexible industrial automation solutions from Delta
Delta showcased its comprehensive portfolio of industrial automation solutions at Hannover Messe 2026, highlighting how its advanced drives, HMI panels, and controller solutions enable smarter manufacturing by improving energy efficiency, flexibility, and sustainability. At the same time, Delta ensures robust protection for customers across a wide range of industries, from machinery and food and beverage […]
Intelligent automation for laboratory workflows
Beckhoff UK will exhibit at London Lab Live at ExCeL London from May 6-7, 2026, where it will demonstrate how PC-based control can help pharmaceutical and biotechnology manufacturers build more flexible sample and product handling processes. A key attraction on the stand will be a live demonstration combining Beckhoff’s XTS intelligent transport system with a […]
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 […]
Automated labs advance pharmaceutical manufacturing
Martin Gadsby, VP at Optimal Industrial Technologies, looks at how to automate analytical laboratories to improve pharmaceutical operations. Taking targeted action, pharmaceutical manufacturers can advance their operations in a way that is rapid, cost-effective and does not need process re-validation. The solution lies in automating off-line testing in analytical laboratories. By doing this, companies can […]