Today’s requirements in the production environment include machines that are smaller and which offer reduced cycle times. ABB Robotics reports that it can help in both of these areas, with the new IRB 1200 robot aimed at applications such as materials handling and machine tending. Featuring a particularly compact design, the IRB 1200 is available […]
A workcell measuring just 0.8 by 1 metre, with an ABB IRB 120 robot hanging upside-down from the ceiling, is used at global contact lens manufacturer CooperVision’s R&D facility in Southampton. The cell provides a reduced cycle time of 30 percent by enabling the faster transfer of contact lenses between the moulding and curing processes. […]
An ABB robotic welding cell is enabling agricultural machinery manufacturer Shelbourne Reynolds to dramatically reduce production times for its range of articulated hedge cutting tractor attachments. Handling the several hundred welds entailed in the production of the attachments, the cell has so far cut welding process times by 66 percent compared to the company’s previous […]
A recent survey of UK manufacturers carried out on behalf of ABB Robotics has revealed that concerns over cost of ownership and lack of experience in implementing and using robots are preventing many companies from investing in robotic automation. The survey received responses from 221 companies of all sizes, including SMEs. Of these, 134 are […]
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 […]
ABB says its newly launched IRB 6660FX transfer system can increase the productivity of medium sized tandem press lines by more than 25% when compared with conventional 6-axis robots. Suitable for both new and existing press lines, a dual action unit has been integrated into the IRB 6660 to create a 7-axis robot, which allows […]
ABB says its new Integrated Vision system delivers greater reliability for vision guided application of robots at 25% of the traditional set up time. Easy to program, the system provides seamless integration with the PC-based ABB RobotStudio software, enabling operators to automatically select features, set parameters and operate the vision system under real world conditions. […]
ABB’s new PC-based RobotStudio Machine Tending PowerPac and controller-based RobotWare Machine Tending software allow for simulation, validation and optimization to be completed in the 3D virtual world and then transferred directly to the real-world. These new robotic machine tending software solutions deliver flexibility and ease-of-use for applications from die-casting to injection molding and machining. Cycle times, […]
ABB Robotics has launched its GateFramer robotic car body framing system, enabling multiple cars to be produced on the same line, while maintaining short cycle times, high accuracy, high reliability and ease of operation. The technology allows for up to six different car body variants to be framed on the same line by swapping gates […]
Application phase for 10th vector award is now open
The application phase of the igus vector award 2026 has begun. Now in its tenth year, a joint initiative is honouring designers worldwide who use high-performance plastic energy chains to create cable guides that set new technological standards, with winners to receive up to 5,000 euros in prize money. The vector award has gained international […]
ChocoMatic comes to life with igus 7th axis
When customers tap a screen to choose their favourite chocolates, Roose Automation’s ‘ChocoMatic’ robot arm travels along a linear track, selects each chocolate, and delivers them without human intervention. Behind this playful, hygienic automation lies a clever piece of engineering: the 7th axis from igus. Roose Automation wanted to give its robot arm the freedom […]
Cost-effective robotic automation products
Mouser Electronics announces a distribution agreement with igus, a global leader in industrial and automation products. With over 60 years of design experience and a strong reputation for quality, igus offers a range of technically advanced “motion plastics” designed for Industry 4.0 and 5.0. The igus product portfolio includes flexible cables, robotic components, motor control […]
RARUK Automation demos cobot palletising solution
On 11-12 February 2026, Packaging Innovations and EMPACK will be returning to the NEC in Birmingham. RARUK Automation will be showcasing the PE10 Robotiq Palletising Solution designed specifically for Universal Robots collaborative robots (cobots). Palletising is a repetitive and strenuous task that poses risk of injury to workers. For manufacturers looking to increase efficiency, palletising […]
New off-the-shelf and modular palletisers
End-of-line palletising is a task commonly automated across a range of industries, due to bottlenecks and the risk of repetitive strain injury (RSI) to workers. RARUK Automation can now offer two simple approaches to palletising automation, from partner Robotiq. RARUK Automation is the exclusive UK representative for Robotiq, a Canadian manufacturer of end-of-arm tooling and […]
Comau presents advanced automation at ITSA 2025
Comau showcased its advanced automation technologies at Industrial Transformation Saudi Arabia, (ITSA) held from December 1 to 3 at the Riyadh International Convention and Exhibition Centre (RICEC) at Booth number 1-535. As the region’s leading platform for industrial innovation, the HANNOVER MESSE-backed event brought together global and local stakeholders committed to accelerating smarter, greener, and […]
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Bridging the gap in food and beverage plants
Food and beverage plants increasingly operate with a blend of equipment generations: legacy machinery that has served reliably for years, and newer automation technologies designed to enhance efficiency, traceability and sustainability. This hybrid setup gives manufacturers flexibility to modernise gradually, but it also presents a growing challenge: how to maintain ageing assets while integrating more […]
FANUC robot pairs hygiene with high performance
To meet the growing demand for food and cleanroom applications, FANUC has unveiled the latest model in its LR Mate industrial robot range. The compact and powerful LR Mate 10-11A Food/Clean has a 10kg payload and is compliant with ISO 4 Class cleanrooms. This makes it ideal for use in highly controlled environments across sectors […]
ChocoMatic comes to life with igus 7th axis
When customers tap a screen to choose their favourite chocolates, Roose Automation’s ‘ChocoMatic’ robot arm travels along a linear track, selects each chocolate, and delivers them without human intervention. Behind this playful, hygienic automation lies a clever piece of engineering: the 7th axis from igus. Roose Automation wanted to give its robot arm the freedom […]
Robots equally suitable for low volume processes
A recent survey carried out on behalf of ABB Robotics UK reveals that many UK manufacturers have yet to be convinced about the suitability of robotic automation for low volume or bespoke production processes. Of the 221 companies that responded to the survey, 134 are not currently using robots. When asked to specify their reasons, […]