The manufacture of wiring harnesses is one of the last major challenges in industrial automation. While robots have long been performing a wide range of tasks in many industries, the assembly of complex wiring harnesses has remained the domain of manual labour until now. The reasons for this lie in the nature of the task itself: cables are flexible, dimensionally unstable components that are difficult to handle.

That is why cable harnesses are still manufactured exclusively by hand. Cable harness manufacturing is a classic “migratory industry” that moves to countries with low labour costs because of this. However, with rising demands, the desire for greater resilience within supply chains, and the goal of bringing production back to high-wage countries, there is also a growing effort to automate this process.

Cellios, which emerged from the Fraunhofer Institute for Manufacturing Engineering and Automation (IPA) in Stuttgart and was founded in 2024, has developed a solution specifically for this purpose. The company specialises in the manufacture of robot-based automation systems for cable assembly. At the heart of its portfolio are modular robot cells that digitise and automate the manual cable assembly process. The project partner for the world’s first fully automated cable harness is TE Connectivity.

“Previous solutions often covered only partial steps of cable processing, meaning that pre-assembled cables had to be further processed manually. The goal of the project with TE Connectivity was therefore to fully automate the entire process, right up to electrical testing,” explains Dr. Frank Nägele, CTO at Cellios.

First fully integrated, fully automated wire harness

Achieving this requires overcoming numerous challenges. For example, the terminated cable ends, known as crimps, which are only a few millimeters wide, must be inserted into the corresponding connectors. The greatest challenge, however, is the cable itself. Because cables do not have a rigid shape, the position of the crimp in the gripper changes with every handling operation. To reliably guide the crimp into the tiny cavity of a connector, an accuracy of at least one-tenth of a millimetre is required.

“In addition to the technical issues, there are also complex process-related questions. After all, the objective is to automate a process that has been entirely manual. Components such as connectors, cable-processing machines, and so on are designed for use by humans, not robots. On top of that, there is an enormous variety of wire harness variants that we want to accommodate through the flexible design of our assembly cells,” explains Dr. Nägele.

Cellios’ answer to these challenges is a modular system. The company maps the various stages of wire harness assembly to different modules. The individual process steps include connector singulation, cable preparation, crimping, cable routing, producing splice connections with an ultrasonic welding device, taping, and finally end-of-line testing. The most difficult task to automate so far is routing followed by contact insertion. As described above, the robot has to insert crimps measuring only a few millimetres into the connectors.

Until now, this task has been performed exclusively by hand directly on the routing board and has required the operator to exercise the utmost concentration, visual acuity, and dexterity. In the newly developed robot cell, the robot moves the gripped component to a 2D camera. There, the position and orientation of the crimp are determined and sent to the robot as a correction for assembly. A second camera is used to measure the target position.

The robot can therefore reach its target position through precise corrective movements and reliably insert the crimp into the connector. The necessary sensitivity is achieved through force control and force monitoring: A force-torque sensor on the robot measures the forces during insertion and regulates them so that the crimp is inserted optimally. Machine vision ensures the required accuracy.

Giving robots sight

“Without precise ‘vision’, the robot would literally be blind and unable to make the necessary corrections reliably and independently,” explains Dr. Nägele. To overcome these challenges, Cellios turned to machine vision.

Sensors alone were not sufficient to determine the exact position (X-Y) and orientation (Z angle) of the crimp. Machine vision is therefore the system that helps the robot recognize the components to be inserted and identify deviations resulting from upstream process steps, such as crimping the cable, as well as from the unpredictable nature of the cables themselves.

“Without precise measurement, we would not be able to insert components with an accuracy of 0.1 mm, which is what we need to align the connector with the crimp,” adds Dr. Nägele. The robot cell is equipped with a range of different hardware components to meet these challenges. In addition to a robot, these include robotic taping applicators, force-torque sensors, devices for accurately gripping the connectors, and a conveyor system. Cellios uses two 2D cameras for image processing.

On the software side, the system uses Cellios software and MVTec MERLIC. Munich-based MVTec Software GmbH develops technologically leading software for industrial machine vision worldwide. MERLIC makes it possible to automate complex applications quickly, even without specialized programming expertise.

Efficient application development

Cellios selected MERLIC because of its practical low-code approach: The clearly structured configuration interface makes it easy to select all required tools using drag and drop. Thanks to its intuitive user guidance, MERLIC enables users to get started quickly with developing a machine vision application without requiring in-depth knowledge of programming or image processing.

“For innovative companies such as Cellios, time to market is crucial. MERLIC provides the perfect leverage here: Its graphical user interface makes it possible to configure complex machine vision applications, such as the precise matching of very small components, quickly and efficiently without sacrificing the performance of proven algorithms,” explains Ulf Schulmeyer, MERLIC Product Manager at MVTec.

MERLIC supports the application developed by Cellios in several ways. Within the image-processing workflow, powerful matching technologies enable the exact position and orientation of the crimps to be determined. In addition, MQTT and REST interfaces ensure seamless integration into the overall system, providing support that extends even beyond MERLIC’s core role as machine vision software.

MERLIC’s low setup effort and ease of use proved particularly advantageous: Two Cellios employees implemented the application using only videos and sample applications without any additional training. “Our collaboration with Cellios is an impressive demonstration of how machine vision is pushing the boundaries of what is possible in robotics. When robots learn to see with the same precision and flexibility as humans, even highly complex processes can be automated. MERLIC acts as the intelligence that translates image data into precise instructions for the robot,” Schulmeyer adds.

Pioneering advancement in wire harness assembly

The developments by Cellios and its project partner TE Connectivity are pioneering. The prototype was presented in November 2025, and the official market launch is planned for early 2027. The benefits of the solution extend far beyond simply increasing productivity: Automation makes wire harness production economically attractive again in high-wage countries such as Germany.

Shorter transport routes also significantly reduce the carbon footprint of production, setting new standards for sustainability. In addition, digital monitoring of every insertion operation improves quality and enables complete traceability of the wire harnesses.

Based on initial feedback and customer discussions, Cellios is already planning to extend the automation solution to additional wire harness variants and new areas such as control cabinet wiring. Future machine vision systems are also expected to be used for self-healing processes and advanced quality inspections.

Visitors to stand M08 will be able to explore how integrated automation and machine-building expertise can help manufacturers create more flexible, connected production systems.

The main feature on the stand will be a machine from SP Automation & Robotics incorporating Beckhoff’s XPlanar planar motor system. XPlanar uses individually controlled movers that travel freely over a planar surface, allowing products to be transported and positioned without the restrictions of a conventional linear conveyor.

The demonstration will highlight the wider relationship between the two companies. SP Automation & Robotics is a Beckhoff Solution Provider and designs and builds bespoke automation machinery, while Beckhoff provides an integrated automation platform spanning control, motion, I/O and software. Together, the technologies can support applications ranging from robotic handling and machine vision to flexible production and the integration of new automation into existing manufacturing processes.

“Manufacturers increasingly need automation systems that can adapt as their production requirements change,” explained Alan Smith, operations manager at Beckhoff UK & Ireland. “That means looking beyond individual components and considering how motion, control, software and the machine itself work together.

“Working with SP Automation & Robotics allows us to demonstrate that approach in a practical way. Visitors will be able to see Beckhoff technology integrated into a real machine and talk to both teams about how flexible automation could be applied to their own production challenges.”

The Scotland Manufacturing & Supply Chain Conference & Exhibition brings together manufacturers, engineers, technology providers and other organisations from across Scottish industry, with topics including advanced manufacturing, digitalisation and supply chain development. Beckhoff is also a silver sponsor of this year’s event, reinforcing its support for Scotland’s manufacturing and engineering community.

Visitors to stand M08 will be able to meet technical specialists from Beckhoff and SP Automation & Robotics and discuss applications including special-purpose machinery, robotic automation, flexible production and the integration of automation technology into existing manufacturing environments.

The compact PushTrigger connectors offer high-performance connectivity for demanding industrial Ethernet applications, including automation, robotics, control systems, smart infrastructure, and transportation.

The HARTING ix Industrial PushTrigger IP20 connectors, now available at Mouser, feature a vibration-resistant push-pull locking mechanism and IDC termination, enabling fast, solder-free assembly. The PushTrigger IP20 connectors are compatible with all ix Industrial female connectors; and installation procedures remain the same when migrating from standard ix products. Up to 75% smaller than traditional RJ45 connectors, the PushTrigger IP20 series frees up space for additional connectors and assemblies while supporting Cat-6A Class EA transmission up to 500 MHz and data rates up to 10 Gbit/s.

The new centre serves as a dedicated customer experience, demonstration and collaboration hub, providing customers, partners and system integrators with the opportunity to explore Delta’s latest robotics technologies and intelligent automation solutions. Through live demonstrations and application showcases, visitors can experience how Delta’s integrated robotics ecosystem helps manufacturers increase productivity, improve flexibility and accelerate their smart manufacturing journey.

“The opening of our Automation & Robotics Centre marks another important milestone in Delta’s long-term commitment to innovation and customer collaboration in Europe,” said Michael Mayer-Rosa, Head of Intelligent Robot Systems at Delta Electronics EMEA. “By bringing our robotics technologies closer to customers, we can demonstrate how intelligent automation, advanced robotics and integrated manufacturing solutions enable companies to address today’s production challenges while preparing for the factories of tomorrow.”

The opening ceremony brought together customers, partners, industry representatives and Delta experts to celebrate the inauguration of the new facility. Guests participated in a ribbon-cutting ceremony, keynote presentations and guided tours of the centre, where they experienced live demonstrations of Delta’s robotics portfolio, including its D-Bot collaborative robot solutions, as well as integrated automation technologies designed for a wide range of industrial applications. Among the showcased applications were a collaborative palletizing solution, a material flow demonstration featuring the D-Bot DC20 and DC30 working together, and a robotic dry welding application, highlighting the flexibility and versatility of Delta’s collaborative robotics platform.

The event also featured a keynote presentation by Peter Fröschle, Managing Director of ARENA2036, who shared insights into the future of intelligent manufacturing and highlighted the importance of collaboration between industry, research and technology partners in driving innovation. ARENA2036 is a Stuttgart-based research campus and innovation platform that brings together industry and academia to shape the future of mobility and production. Delta Electronics joined the ARENA2036 network in 2025, further strengthening its collaboration with the regional innovation ecosystem.

Located in one of Europe’s leading industrial regions, the Delta Automation & Robotics Centre spans approximately 600 m2 and is supported by a local engineering team of around seven specialists. The facility serves as a platform for technology demonstrations, proof-of-concept development, customer workshops, technical training and application engineering, enabling closer collaboration with customers and partners throughout every stage of their automation journey.

The new centre further strengthens Delta’s position as a trusted partner for industrial automation by combining local engineering expertise with the company’s global innovation capabilities. It also reflects Delta’s continued investment in Germany as a strategic location for developing and demonstrating next-generation automation technologies that help manufacturers build more efficient, flexible and sustainable factories.

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Emerging technologies are reshaping the market

In 2025, the bulk of these applications were robotic palletizing and depalletizing, which represented 83% of the total robotic picking market. This is a relatively mature application segment, with robotic palletizing and depalletizing having been used in warehousing for several decades, including in large-scale automation deployments. However, the market structure is expected to shift gradually over time.

By 2030, the combined share of robotic palletizing and depalletizing is forecast to decline to approximately 58% of the total robotic picking market, as newer applications such as bin-to-bin picking and robotic trailer unloading gain traction. “During our forecast period, robotic bin picking is projected to grow at a 36% CAGR from 2026 to 2030, while robotic trailer unloading is forecast to grow at 64% CAGR over the same period,” says senior analyst Irene Zhang.

Robotic bin picking and robotic trailer unloading

Robotic bin picking’s integration into modular solutions has lowered integration complexity, increasing customers’ willingness to deploy. As an add-on solution, robotic picking systems need to integrate with existing workflows, as well as with WMS or WES, which poses an adoption challenge for warehouse operations. “We are seeing a trend toward modular solutions that lower the complexity of integration, with examples including AutoStore’s built-in picking solution – VersaAI Workstation, and Ocado’s on-grip picking,” says Zhang.

Robotic trailer unloading, with its relatively standalone solution and addresses a segment where customers have an urgent need for automation. “On one hand, we see large orders emerging in this market, which improves customer confidence in the maturity of the technology,” says Zhang. “For example, DHL announced plans to deploy more than 1,000 additional Boston Dynamics Stretch robots globally, building on Stretch’s initial use for trailer unloading. UPS has also reportedly planned to invest around $120 million in approximately 400 Pickle robots for truck unloading, highlighting the growing interest in automating one of the most labour-intensive processes at the warehouse dock.

“Our own Voice of Market research points in the same direction: 43.4% of respondents identified receiving and unloading as a priority workflow in their automation roadmap.”

Palletizing evolving beyond traditional applications

Even within the relatively mature palletizing segment, the market is evolving. In recent years, we have seen growing interest in inbound palletizing, where floor-loaded shipments are palletized after unloading before being moved into storage. This reflects the increasing demand for automation across inbound warehouse processes, rather than focusing solely on outbound palletizing. The growing number of partnerships and technology collaborations also highlights this shift. Recent examples include Pickle and Ambi Robotics, as well as the Boston Dynamics and Jacobi Robotics demonstration at 2026 MODEX, highlighting how robotic unloading and palletizing are increasingly being combined into integrated solutions.

How is the competitive landscape evolving?

“We’re seeing a corresponding shift in the competitive landscape,” says Zhang. “Specifically, we’re seeing shifting shares in robotic bin picking, with vendors offering trailer unloading robots accounting for a larger share of the overall robotic picking market.

“Emerging robotic bin-picking providers are gaining share from the early pioneers in the market. Companies such as Ocado, Nomagic, and Sereact are gradually increasing their presence in the robotic bin-picking market and capturing a growing share as adoption expands. Trailer unloading is also creating new opportunities for market share growth. The rapid growth of robotic trailer unloading is reshaping the competitive landscape. As this application expands, companies offering trailer unloading solutions are naturally gaining a larger share of the overall robotic picking market.

“Overall, robotic picking is gaining greater visibility and acceptance across the warehouse automation space,” she concludes. “As adoption expands beyond traditional palletizing and depalletizing applications, robotic picking is expected to become an increasingly important component of warehouse automation. We forecast that by 2030, robotic picking will account for 10% of the total warehouse automation market, up from just 5% in 2025.”

Anchored by the PolyScope X robot operating system, Gen 7 has a fully reengineered control box, teach pendant and tool flange – all designed to make even the most demanding tasks and setups easier.

“The robots of the AI era must be advanced, not complicated,” said Jean-Pierre Hathout, President of the Teradyne Robotics Group, parent company of Universal Robots. “Built on what we have learned from over 20 years of cobot innovation and more than 100,000 industrial deployments worldwide, Gen 7 is an end-to-end redesign of our platform that reduces integration friction and dramatically expands application capabilities. It will enable our customers and partners across industries to confidently deploy advanced AI-powered applications in real-world operations.”

Gen 7 introduces a unified collection of new hardware and features:

New g-Series robot arms with AI-ready tool flange: The Gen 7 platform adds three new robot arms: UR10g-1750, UR17g-1300, and UR18g-950, named after their payload (kg) and reach (mm), joining the e-Series and UR Series lineup.

The new g-Series tool flange enables the vision and sensing needed for AI models to run in real time with the robot, delivering data, power, and safety directly to the tool flange. This eliminates cabling complexity and makes it easier to connect cameras and high-bandwidth sensors, which is critical to advanced automation and physical AI deployments.

Additionally, built-in force-torque sensing, impedance control and Real-Time Data Exchange (RTDE) give the robot a sense of touch for physical AI applications such as dexterous manipulation and force-sensitive assembly tasks.

CB7 Core controller: Offering 40% more compute power in a 30% smaller footprint than previous generations, the new controller enables multi-network communication for modern automation and physical AI architectures, connecting to PLCs, HMIs, MES platforms, IPCs, and vision systems, reducing the need for external switches. It is available at launch in a standalone control box version and a compact version for integration into an automation cabinet. CB7 is also compatible with e-Series and UR Series robot arms.

PolyScope X: Brings to Gen 7 modern programming tools, ISO 10218-1 safety functionality and cybersecurity compliance. With open APIs and ROS2 communication, PolyScope X enables programmers to build and deploy edge-AI applications utilising IPCs and external AI processing. With additional software packages, integrators can access further advanced robot functionality such as ProfiSafe, OPC-UA, or logic programmes, and easily access application software from third-party developers, such as Rocketfarm Pally or Inbolt 3D Vision Guidance.

TP7 Core teach pendant: Building upon the already exceptional UR user experience, the new teach pendant is more than 20% lighter and more ergonomic than previous generations, has multiple grip positions, configurable smart buttons, and a full HD display, plus a new virtual joystick. It is designed to stay comfortable through long shifts and to make programming feel intuitive rather than technical, so operators spend less time learning the interface and more time getting the job done.

New SP7 Smart Panel tool flange interface: A faster way to teach and programme directly at the tool flange. The SP7 Smart Panel has safety-compliant freedrive functionality, LED lights and three configurable input buttons capable of running PolyScope X Smart Skills. By letting operators work at the point of the task, the Smart Panel cuts setup and programming time where touch-to-teach or operator interaction is important, such as high-mix, low-volume production.

Safety and cybersecurity in focus: Gen 7′s advanced and collaborative safety functions provide a PLd, Category 3 (ISO 13849-1) certified architecture. All g-Series robots are TÜV certified to ISO10218-1 and UL1740, and Teradyne Robotics is certified to IEC 62443-4-1 ML3 for cybersecurity, confirming that secure development practices are built into every stage of the software lifecycle.

A showcase of the physical AI ecosystem

At IMTS, Gen 7 is on display alongside new developments from 20+ ecosystem partners – including demonstrations of Gen 7 functionality with Cognex, Schunk, Magswitch, Smooth Robotics, Psyonic, Robotiq and Inbolt. The demonstrations illustrate how the platform’s open architecture lets best-in-class physical AI, machine vision and gripping providers build applications directly on Universal Robots hardware and software.

“Universal Robots and Inbolt share the same conviction, that automation should be simple to deploy and simple to live with,” said Rudy Cohen, CEO of Inbolt. “With Gen 7 and PolyScope X, Inbolt’s vision now runs natively on the UR controller itself, available directly through UR. No external vision PC, no extra cabling. Manufacturers get parts localised without jigs or fixtures, and reach production in hours, not weeks.”

The booth demonstrations also reflect a mature ecosystem: Gen 7 is backed by UR+, a curated, rigorously tested portfolio of automation products, each validated by both the partner and UR before it reaches the market. This de-risks integration and lets customers deploy their robots more quickly and with confidence.

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As aerospace manufacturers prepare for significantly increased production rates on future aircraft programmes, the industry faces growing pressure to deliver larger volumes of complex composite structures while maintaining the highest standards of precision and quality. Loop Technology’s FibreLINE system – with the FANUC M-2000 robot at its heart – has been developed specifically to meet these challenges, offering a scalable and highly automated solution for the production of large composite aerostructures.

Founded in 1998, Dorset-based Loop Technology has established a strong reputation for delivering advanced manufacturing solutions across demanding industrial sectors. The development of FibreLINE originated from early involvement in composite wing development programmes and collaborative aerospace research initiatives, where the need for more efficient and scalable composite manufacturing processes became increasingly evident.

Addressing the challenges of composite production

Manufacturing primary aerospace composite structures requires exceptional positional accuracy, often to within ±1 mm, while handling large and complex components. Production environments must also accommodate the combination of delicate composite materials and heavy tooling, creating significant demands on automation systems.

Traditional gantry-based solutions can struggle to provide the flexibility, scalability and cost efficiency required for future aerospace production rates. To overcome these limitations, Loop Technology sought a robotic platform capable of combining high payload capacity with exceptional accuracy and repeatability.

One of the world’s highest-payload articulated industrial robots, the FANUC M-2000 offers exceptional rigidity and high payload capability, enabling FibreLINE to perform demanding manufacturing processes on large aerospace structures without compromising on accuracy. When combined with Loop Technology’s advanced vision systems, photogrammetry technologies and integrated motion control, the platform consistently achieves accuracy levels of around 1 mm across large-scale components.

The result is a manufacturing solution that combines strength, precision and flexibility, enabling aerospace manufacturers to automate complex processes that were previously difficult to scale economically.

Enabling high-rate aerospace manufacturing

The aerospace sector is increasingly focused on future single-aisle aircraft programmes that are expected to require production rates of up to 80 to 100 aircraft per month.

Meeting these ambitious targets using conventional composite manufacturing methods would typically require extensive factory floor space and multiple production machines. FibreLINE offers a significantly more efficient alternative.

A single FibreLINE system can achieve the equivalent output of between five and ten conventional manufacturing machines, helping manufacturers reduce factory footprint, capital investment and operational complexity while increasing throughput and productivity.

A new era for composite aerospace production

The collaboration between Loop Technology and FANUC demonstrates how advanced robotics is enabling a step change in aerospace manufacturing, helping manufacturers unlock new levels of efficiency and competitiveness.

By combining Loop Technology’s expertise in automation and composite production with the strength and performance of the FANUC M-2000 robot, manufacturers can achieve the scalability required for next-generation aircraft programmes while maintaining the precision and quality standards demanded by the aerospace industry.

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Many humanoid manufacturers are prioritising software, AI training and application development, and then relying on established suppliers with proven manufacturing capabilities as production scales to source hardware. This is creating significant opportunities across the cobot supply chain.

Robot arms are critical to humanoids, enabling precise movements and tasks such as material handling and assembly. Collaborative robots already offer mature capabilities in precise motion, force control and human-robot interaction. Many cobot vendors also have experience with dual-arm coordination and integrating AI capabilities into their robots. These capabilities provide a strong technological foundation for humanoid applications.

Existing cobot arms can, in some cases, be adapted for humanoid torsos with relatively limited modifications, including reducing weight and size, adding an additional degree of freedom and adopting controllers capable of coordinating both arms. Many technologies already used in cobots can therefore be applied to humanoids directly or with limited customisation.

Oopportunities across the supply chain

Humanoid OEMs adopt different approaches to hardware development. Some develop robot arms and key components largely in-house to maximise customisation and control costs. Unitree and 1X Technologies are examples of this approach.

Others purchase key components, such as actuators, and assemble the complete robot in-house. AgiBot, UBTECH and Hexagon Robotics are examples of this model. A third group purchases complete cobot arms from established suppliers. AgiBot and Jack, a major Chinese sewing equipment manufacturer that has invested heavily in humanoid robotics, are among the notable customers purchasing cobot arms in 2026.

These strategies often overlap, with OEMs manufacturing some components internally while sourcing others externally based on cost, technical requirements, production scale and development priorities.

The Interact Analysis research predicts cobot shipments to humanoid manufacturers to surge from 5,000 units in 2025 to more than 43,000 units this year. Chinese suppliers account for most of this volume, reflecting both the concentration of humanoid production in China and local suppliers’ ability to customise quickly and compete on price.

The conventional cobot market is also growing, with global shipments forecast to increase 22.7% year over year in 2026. However, humanoid-driven demand is scaling much faster. Based on announced orders from key cobot suppliers, Interact Analysis estimates that humanoid applications will account for 37% of total cobot shipments in 2026.

Further, it forecasts externally sourced arms to capture a growing share of humanoid production as more cobot vendors introduce dedicated products across a wider range of specifications and price points. By 2030, cobot vendors’ shipments of humanoid robot arms are expected to reach 124,000 units, approaching the units of cobots set to be shipped to other sectors combined. Humanoid robotics is therefore emerging as a significant new growth market for cobot suppliers.

Key suppliers are emerging rapidly in the humanoid arm segment:

Tianji (Gento Robotics) reported shipments of more than 2,000 humanoid robot arms in 2025 and 10,000 units on order as of Q1 2026. This represents a significant shift from its previously limited presence in the industrial and collaborative robot markets, suggesting that humanoid arms have become a key growth engine for the company.

Rokae, Fairino and Huayan Robotics are well-known robot suppliers for manufacturing applications and are rapidly expanding into the humanoid arm segment. Rokae’s shipments have grown rapidly since launching dedicated products and collaborating with AgiBot in 2025. Fairino, known for its aggressive pricing, is actively introducing new models for humanoid applications in 2026, while Huayan, formerly Han’s Robot and a partner of Neura Robotics, is likewise expanding its portfolio for the segment.

New requirements for cobot arms

Dedicated humanoid arms typically differ from conventional six-axis cobots in several ways.

A seven-axis design provides greater flexibility, and a cross-coupled wrist shortens the distance between the mounting flange and wrist centre, enabling operation in confined spaces without repositioning the entire arm.

Force control is another critical requirement. Humanoid arms need to sense contact forces and adapt their movements in real time, with torque sensors commonly integrated into each joint.

Payload and weight are also key considerations. Most humanoid arms offer 3-10 kg payloads, with few reaching 15-20 kg. A high payload-to-weight ratio is critical, as arm weight directly affects the robot’s compactness and runtime.

Cobot arms sold for humanoid applications typically command higher prices than conventional cobots from the same suppliers, reflecting additional axes, advanced force-control capabilities, and customisation requirements.

While the current market for cobot arms supplied to humanoid makers is concentrated largely among Chinese suppliers and customers, geopolitical considerations and supply-chain diversification could encourage more humanoid startups in other regions to source arms from local or international vendors.

For robot arm and component manufacturers, this creates an opportunity to develop products specifically for humanoid robots and physical AI. The impact is already visible in China, where exposure to humanoids is helping some cobot suppliers secure large orders and revenue. As production scales, humanoid robots could create a new competitive tier within the broader cobot market.

The system leverages Comau’s MyCo collaborative robot with a ROS2-based software architecture and integrates intelligent sensors and an advanced modular gripper to autonomously manage picking, handling, and palletising tasks across variable product flows.

Comau’s role within the MASTERLY project reflects its use of advanced AI-backed automation to address evolving production challenges, including increasing variability, supply chain disruptions, and the need for rapid reconfiguration. Indeed, the intelligent warehousing and logistics solution, developed in collaboration with the project’s ecosystem of technology partners, underscores the importance of scalable and versatile automation designed to improve workplace ergonomics, reduce physical strain and enhance operational flexibility within human-centric production environments.

The project parameters were driven by Decathlon’s operational requirements within the targeted fulfilment process, which has provided the foundation for implementing and validating several advanced functionalities. Key partners included Decathlon itself and STAM, a Genoa-based systems integrator, alongside the broader MASTERLY consortium.

In addition to the MyCo collaborative robot and intelligent gripper, engineered to manipulate objects varying in shape, weight, and material, the solution incorporates advanced sensors, vision-based object recognition, digital twin capabilities, and workflow orchestration tools. As a result, it can easily manage the rigid, soft, and porous materials commonly found in e-commerce fulfilment environments.

The system also grants real-time optimization and seamless interaction between operators and the automated processes, ensuring high flexibility while maintaining consistent throughput and operational reliability.

Furthermore, the knowledge gained and functionalities validated during the project will contribute to the continued evolution of Comau’s MyCo collaborative robotics platform and are expected to become part of its broader portfolio of advanced intralogistics capabilities.

“Comau’s role in the MASTERLY project is fully aligned with our commitment to advancing next-generation manufacturing by promoting reconfigurability, efficiency, and human-centric automation,” explains Alessandro Piscioneri, Head of Product and Solution Management – Advanced Automation Solutions at Comau.

“The project also highlights the strategic value of combining intelligent robotics, digital technologies and systems integration to create highly flexible logistics and fulfillment operations capable of adapting to rapidly changing production and market demands while maintaining operational continuity, scalability and ease of use. Comau’s growing strategic focus on intralogistics includes strengthening our capabilities through acquisitions, including Automha and Invent, which enable us to deliver increasingly integrated and intelligent solutions across the entire warehouse and production value chain.”

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Following the two-day event, FANUC’s Coventry HQ will also play host to the annual BARA Conference, taking place on Thursday 5 November.

Combining expert guidance with practical solutions, this year’s Open House will bring together expert-led seminars, panel debates, industry discussions and real-world case studies. In addition, an extensive exhibition running throughout the event will showcase the latest robotic technology from FANUC and more than 30 of its system integrator partners and suppliers, showing solutions spanning every corner of British manufacturing from engineering, food and packaging to pharma, plastics and toolmaking.

Solutions as flexible as your business

This year’s event will have a particular focus on supporting SMEs to realise their automation potential. Presentations and demonstrations will feature practical, easy-to-implement technology designed to deliver immediate value, as well as the ability to flex as a business evolves.

“Today’s intelligent automation solutions are fast, consistent and adaptable, as well as being extremely reliable,” says Andy Armstrong, FANUC UK’s Managing Director. “Unlike complicated robotic systems of the past, they’re simple to operate and can be easily integrated into existing lines, complementing older machinery to enhance working practices, increase efficiency and boost productivity. At our 2026 Open House event, we’ll be demonstrating just how far automation has evolved in the past few years, showcasing solutions that are user-friendly and cost-efficient. With the UK currently sitting outside the global top 10 in terms of manufacturing output, automation is no longer a ‘nice to have’ for British manufacturers – it’s a business necessity.”

Live robotic demonstrations

Alongside an exhibition of technology from over 30 of FANUC’s partner companies, visitors can also experience the latest in robotic innovation from FANUC itself. Live demonstrations at the Open House will include:

• ‘First step’ automation using CRX collaborative robots for tasks such as entry-level palletising and simple welding.
• All-electric injection moulding capabilities with the FANUC ROBOSHOT, plus reliable, consistent drilling tasks with the FANUC ROBODRILL.
• User-friendly CNC controls and scalable Power Motion display.

In-depth expert guidance

Finally, an impressive line-up of speakers from across the manufacturing and automation spectrum will share their insights and advice on how to select the right automation solution for your business. Panel discussions will include:

• Getting started with automation in manufacturing.
• Solving labour challenges, tackling cultural change and mindset, and implementing modern technology.
• Understanding real-world ROI: Taking the long-term view.
• CRA regulations and machinery developments: What you need to know.

“This year’s Open House is a must-attend for any UK SME, offering expert support and real-world automation solutions to improve product consistency, increase efficiency and alleviate staffing issues,” says Dan Fisher, FANUC UK’s Head of Sales. “We look forward to demonstrating the latest robotic technology that can really make a difference to every manufacturing business.”

Click here to register your interest in attending the free FANUC UK Open House event (3-4 November 2026, Ansty Park, Coventry).

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