Shortlisted in three categories at the Automate UK Awards – which is being held on the evening of the second day of the PPMA Show – Tekpak is renowned for solving complex packaging line challenges with its proven, modular automation solutions which are designed to integrate seamlessly with existing lines, fit constrained spaces and enable tool-less changeovers.

The centrepiece of the company’s stand this year will be the TD3/R Series – a dynamic 3-axis robotic pick-and-place cell suitable for loading or stacking products into trays, cases, cartons, a thermoformer or a flow-wrapper infeed.

This compact automated system is flexible, offers rapid size change capability and features a quick-change gripper for multiple formats. Ideal in cleanroom environments or where space is limited, it’s also highly accurate thanks to robot positional accuracy of ±0.1mm and position tracking using vision control. In addition, the system is easy to use thanks to accessible touch-screen displays and boasts gentle handling and optimal safety functions.

“The PPMA Show is the highlight of the UK’s processing and packaging calendar, showcasing the innovative and creative technologies on the market right now to help manufacturers address key challenges such as rising energy costs and staff shortages,” says Ian Marks, Tekpak Automation’s Head of UK Sales.

“At Tekpak, we strive to support customers in reducing their operational costs while improving their OEE with our range of reliable, modular automation solutions. We can’t wait to demonstrate this to visitors to our stand, where they can see a live example of one of our most popular pick-and-place cells in action.”

In further evidence of Tekpak’s excellence in automation, the company has been shortlisted in three separate categories at the Automate UK Awards 2026. Taking place at The Vox, Birmingham on night two of the PPMA Show (23 Sept), Tekpak will compete to be named the best of the best in the following areas thanks to an impressive pick-and-place cell they recently installed for a manufacturer of transdermal patches: Innovative Packaging Machinery; Innovative Robotics/Automation Solution; and Innovative Vision Solution.

“To be nominated in not just one but three categories against such an impressive line-up of OEMs is an honour in itself,” states Ian. “We are very much looking forward to celebrating the best of British automation technology at this year’s Automate UK Awards.”

The case concerns the alleged infringement of patents – both software and hardware – held by Teradyne Robotic and related to its business unit Universal Robots, the world’s leading producer of collaborative industrial robots. The alleged infringement involves a broad range of collaborative robot models marketed by JAKA in the EU.

Jean-Pierre Hathout, President of the Teradyne Robotics Group, said: “This case is another clear demonstration that Teradyne Robotics will enforce its patents and intellectual property (IP) rights against what we consider to be illegal and unfair copying and infringement, across both hardware and software.

“We cannot and will not accept companies that unlawfully copy protected technologies, and we are resolute in safeguarding our IP so customers can continue to have innovative automation solutions that meet the highest standards for safety and compliance.”

Second IP infringement case in Europe this year

The patent infringement case at the UPC is Teradyne Robotics’ second IP infringement case in Europe in 2026, following a legal action filed earlier this year in Germany against the subsidiary of another robot company for copyright infringement of Universal Robots’ software.

A ruling in the ongoing patent infringement case could have effect across Europe within 17 of the current 18 EU Member States participating in the Unified Patent Court (UPC). In addition, certain countries outside the Unified Patent Court Agreement, such as the United Kingdom and Spain, are also included in the case.

Teradyne Robotics is headquartered in Odense, Denmark, and as acts of patent infringement appear to have been committed in Denmark – as well as numerous other EU Member States – the case has been filed with the UPC’s Local Division in Copenhagen.

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The CTU supports the flexible deployment of cobots in changing production environments without the need for time-consuming retooling. Cobots can reach various working positions along this path. This allows larger areas to be covered, for example along machine lines or between machining stations. Depending on the configuration, the operating radius can be up to 10 metres. Thanks to modular mounting options, the system is compatible with many standard cobots available on the market.

Autonomous collision detection

The Movotrak CTU is the only 7th axis available on the market to be equipped with collision detection, which detects collisions whilst the vehicle is in motion and automatically halts its movement as a result. This facilitates operation in environments with increased human-machine interaction. The function complements the safety architecture but does not replace safety functions required by standards.

The combination of a movable axis and safety functions for collaborative use enables:

• Use of a cobot at multiple stations
• Reduced changeover times
• More easily adaptable layout of machines and workstations
• Higher system utilisation

The flexible mounting options (horizontal, ceiling or wall mounting) allow for a variety of system configurations. In addition, the CTU features a Freedrive function, which enables the robot to be guided manually and positions to be saved directly.

Robust design, versatile applications

The Movotrak CTU is based on two linear units that ensure maximum torque capacity and rigidity even when the robot arm is fully extended. Based on these linear units, Rodriguez supplies a complete system including motor, gearbox, switch cabinet and application-specific design.

Typical areas of application include inspection and testing of large components (quality assurance), machine tending, material handling (order picking, palletising, packaging), and large-area welding, soldering, grinding and dispensing.

Designed for demanding industrial environments, yet measuring just 80x80x95mm, it delivers reliable safety performance across a wide range of applications, including material handling, conveyor systems, robotics and system integration.

Hokuyo Automatic is a leading Japanese manufacturer of high-precision industrial sensors, safety laser scanners, and LiDAR technology. Since its founding in 1946, the company has built a global reputation for delivering reliable, innovative sensing solutions that power automation across a wide range of industries.

Headquartered in Osaka, Japan, Hokuyo develops advanced optical sensing technologies designed to improve safety, efficiency, and precision in modern industrial environments. Its products are trusted by OEMs, system integrators, and machine builders worldwide.

Designed for short to medium depth ranges with 50 mm and 95 mm baselines, the camera is available with USB 3.0, GigE, or future GMSL interfaces, depending on the model. Factory calibration and seamless integration via the Basler pylon SDK enable fast setup and reliable depth capture.

Basler and OEM Automatic also provide matching accessories, software and expert support, delivering a complete machine vision solution from a single source with long-term product availability.

Reliable depth sensing ensures robust object detection in complex environments and under varying lighting conditions, both indoors and outdoors. Typical applications include navigation, obstacle detection and collision avoidance, pick-and-place operations, pallet and load carrier measurement, and inventory management.

Founded in 1988, Basler is a leading international provider of computer vision solutions, offering a comprehensive portfolio of vision hardware, software and customer-specific solutions.

The solution leverages Thomson linear motion technology alongside Boston Gear gearheads, Huco couplings and Kollmorgen motors and software, enabling FANUC CRX users to deploy the Thomson Movotrak Cobot Transfer Unit (CTU) as a seamless, out-of-the-box external axis solution.

Following rigorous compatibility testing with the FANUC CRX Series of collaborative robots, the Movotrak CTU was added to the FANUC Cobot Device network through a co-developed plug-in interface, unlocking new levels of collaboration between humans and robotic systems. Certified FANUC integrators can now access Thomson configuration tools directly on their teach pendant, simplifying setup, extending cobot reach, leveraging groundbreaking collision detection programming and control, and accelerating deployment of external linear axis applications.

“Adding an external axis transport layer to a 6-axis cobot opens new avenues for productivity, innovation and profitability for our customers,” said Emily Kern, President of Regal Rexnord’s Linear Motion Division. “We’ve worked closely with FANUC to deliver this capability for their CRX cobot line, and it is now ready for deployment. The Thomson Movotrak CTU brings together robotic innovations from across Regal Rexnord, including Thomson linear systems, Boston Gear gearheads, Huco couplings, and Kollmorgen motors and software, allowing integrators to configure a fully integrated system directly within the FANUC engineering environment.”

The solution signifies Regal Rexnord’s ability to bring together complementary technologies from across its automation portfolio to solve complex customer challenges. By integrating linear motion, gearing, couplings, motors and software into a single engineered solution, Regal Rexnord simplifies adoption of advanced robotics while improving performance, reliability and speed to deployment.

“FANUC is a highly regarded leader in industrial robotic technology, ranging from compact systems to capable of handling the most demanding industrial payloads. We’re proud that the Thomson CTU is now approved for integration with their cobot platform, helping advance the next generation of human-robot collaboration and intelligent motion systems,” said Kevin Long, EVP and President, Automation & Motion Control segment of Regal Rexnord.

The Thomson Movotrak CTU provides the following benefits:

• Extended Operating Range: The Movotrak CTU is the first collaborative external linear axis, extending the traditional cobot operating range up to 10 meters.
• Flexible Mounting Options: Ability to move from one workstation to another along a rail that is secured either to the floor, wall or ceiling.
• Collision Detection: First external linear axis solution with collision detection, stopping the external axis and cobot when it encounters an obstacle.
• Increased Productivity: Less downtime with easier training and installation featuring an external axis Freedrive mode.
• Single-Source, Fully Integrated Solution: Thomson linear units are integrated with other Regal Rexnord robotics solutions, including Boston Gear gearheads, Huco couplings, and Kollmorgen motors and software for a complete, high-level assembly with one part number.
• Robustness and Durability: The Thomson external linear axis CTU can support even the largest FANUC cobots, including the CRX30iA, meeting the most demanding requirements for ruggedness and precision.

Enclosures are designed to enclose robots and other lab-automated processes by providing exhaust air systems or HEPA-filtered clean workstations. Robots are beneficial in many applications and are proven to increase efficiency and productivity. Robots integrated into existing facilities are shown to increase output and improve quality while providing additional flexibility in the production process.

Enclosures are built to protect robotic processes from contamination and personnel from hazardous fumes. Utilising a flexible, modular design, HEMCO enclosures are engineered and built to exact customer size and design requirements.

Christopher’s appointment reflects Endoline’s continued growth and commitment to investing in its engineering capability. He will lead the engineering team while working alongside Trevor King, who has been part of Endoline since its early days in the 1980s.

With more than 40 years’ service, Trevor has played an instrumental role in shaping Endoline’s engineering expertise and reputation for quality. He will continue to support the business, ensuring his extensive technical knowledge and experience remain an integral part of Endoline’s future as the company continues to grow.

Working alongside Endoline’s experienced team of mechanical, electrical and automation engineers, Christopher will oversee the design and development of the company’s end-of-line packaging machinery. His role will focus on driving continuous improvement, supporting new product development and ensuring customers continue to benefit from innovative, reliable engineering solutions.

“What attracted me to Endoline was the opportunity to join a highly specialised engineering business that’s genuinely committed to delivering bespoke solutions for its customers,” said Christopher. “There’s a real sense of pride throughout the company, and every machine is designed with a clear focus on meeting the customer’s specific requirements.

“The complexity behind many of these projects is far greater than people realise, and it’s incredibly rewarding to be part of a team that creates innovative solutions to meet those challenges. It’s also a privilege to be part of a business that champions British manufacturing excellence both here in the UK and internationally.”

For more than 45 years, Endoline has designed and manufactured robust, high-quality end-of-line packaging systems for customers across the food, beverage and consumer goods sectors.

A key strength of the business is its ability to engineer solutions around each customer’s exact operational requirements. Rather than supplying standard equipment, Endoline’s in-house team works closely with customers to understand their production environment, packaging formats and operational challenges before designing automation solutions tailored to their individual needs.

Andrew Yates, managing director of Endoline Automation, said: “Engineering has always been at the heart of Endoline. No two production lines are ever the same, which is why we don’t believe in a one-size-fits-all approach. Our engineers work closely with the sales team and every customer to develop solutions that are tailored to their exact operational requirements, whether that’s adapting an existing machine or creating something completely bespoke.

Christopher’s appointment strengthens that capability and reflects our ongoing commitment to investing in the people and expertise that have underpinned our success for more than four decades.”

Looking ahead, Christopher is focused on supporting the engineering team as the business continues to expand.

He added: “Strong engineering is fundamental to successful automation. Customers invest in automation to improve efficiency and reliability, so it’s essential that every solution is robust, well-designed and fit for purpose. That all starts on the drawing board. My focus is on supporting our talented engineering team, driving continuous improvement and ensuring we continue to bring innovative, high-quality solutions to market as Endoline grows.”

By embedding smart sensing directly into the end-of-arm tooling (EOAT), the project provides real-time grip quality validation, ensuring precision and reliability in highly regulated, fast-moving packaging lines.

In high-speed cosmetics manufacturing, traditional robotic handling systems often struggle with lightweight, flexible components that have tight tolerances, such as deformable thermoformed trays. Whilst industrial robots excel at execution, speed and repeatability, their physical interactions present significant risks. Without tactile feedback, an imbalanced grip can lead to product loss or tray deformation. Traditional validation methods relying on simple position tracking or binary detection offer very little visibility into the actual quality of physical contact, prompting Siléane to seek a measurement-driven alternative to guarantee confidence in every cycle without slowing down the process.

Tactile intelligence at the point of interaction

Rather than increasing system complexity with external inspection steps, Siléane embedded force measurement directly at the point of interaction between the robot and the product. Partnering with HBK, Siléane integrated four factory-calibrated PW22i smart load cells – equipped with IO-Link – directly into the robotic gripper, placing one sensor at each contact point.

This Industry 4.0 setup enables the robot to validate grip quality instantly at the source, capture real-time force data, and respond immediately to any physical deviations during the gripping cycle – whilst simultaneously integrating seamlessly into modern automation architectures.

Simon Kleefeldt, HBK Product Manager Weighing Technology, explains the significance of this development: “This project reflects a fundamental shift in automation: embedding intelligence at the sensor level, to build systems that are more reliable, more autonomous and easier to deploy.”

HBK accelerated the evolution of its proven PW22 load cell – originally designed for demanding, high-speed dynamic weighing applications like checkweighing and filling – into the PW22i by integrating IO-Link connectivity to meet real-world integration demands.

Immediate operational benefits

The integration of the PW22i load cells delivered immediate operational benefits, demonstrating how physical measurement intelligence can improve manufacturing performance. For the end customer, this translates to: zero-defect grip validation in real time across all contact points; significant reductions in product scrap and tray deformation; simplified system architecture with reduced cabling via IO-Link; and faster commissioning times and improved repeatability across installations, ultimately leading to a faster return on investment (ROI).

The solution expands the working area by adding a movable 7th axis and enables a cobot to be used at multiple stations within a single system. This allows production processes to be structured more flexibly and robot systems to be utilised more efficiently.

The MovoTrak CTU is robustly built and designed for a wide range of applications. It is based on two linear units that ensure maximum torque load and rigidity even when the robot arm is fully extended. Building on these linear units, Rodriguez supplies a complete system including motors, gearboxes, and application-specific configuration.