But taking the first step towards an automated factory does not have to be complicated. One often overlooked strategy is to start at the end of the production line and work backwards, beginning with one of the most straightforward and repeatable processes in manufacturing: packaging.

UK manufacturing’s hidden success story

Whether producing sandwiches, door handles or automotive components, almost every manufactured product needs to be packaged before leaving the factory. In many cases, that means handling standardised cardboard boxes. The closer a process gets to the individual product itself, the more complex automation can become. Boxes, by comparison, are predictable and relatively easy for robots to handle.

The UK packaging sector is a significant contributor to the national economy, accounting for more than £13 billion in sales, £6.2 billion in revenue and employing over 80,000 people. Almost every manufacturing business is involved in packaging in some form, whether directly or through its supply chain.

Despite its importance, packaging is often overlooked when manufacturers consider where to introduce automation. Investment discussions frequently focus on complex pick-and-place applications at the beginning of the production line, where products can vary considerably in shape, size and handling requirements.

A more effective approach for first-time automation users is to focus on the packaging hall. Repetitive tasks such as box handling, case packing, palletising and wrapping can often be automated with comparatively little disruption to existing operations. Rather than attempting to automate everything at once, manufacturers can start with a manageable application that delivers measurable benefits while developing the knowledge and confidence to automate further processes.

Improving productivity while supporting the workforce

Robots are particularly well suited to dull, dirty and dangerous tasks. Lifting heavy boxes and stacking them onto pallets for an entire shift is repetitive, physically demanding and can place considerable strain on employees. Automating these activities can not only increase throughput, improve consistency and reduce bottlenecks at the end of the production line, but it can also ease the physical demands placed on employees and potentially lower the risk of handling-related injuries.

Staff can then be redeployed into more skilled, value-added roles, including quality control, machine supervision, maintenance and production improvement. This approach can also support workforce retention. Giving employees opportunities to develop new skills and move away from monotonous tasks improves job satisfaction, while reducing the time and expense associated with recruitment, onboarding and training.

Making the business case for automation

Cost remains one of the biggest barriers to automation investment. While packaging operations may appear relatively inexpensive because they often rely on entry-level labour, the true cost extends beyond wages; for example, National Insurance contributions, pensions, holiday and sick pay, training, workwear and recruitment.

Consider a manufacturer operating four production lines, each staffed by four full-time packing and palletising operatives. Using an illustrative annual wage cost of £25,000 per operative, the direct annual wage bill would be £400,000. An automated palletising solution costing £250,000 could, in theory, deliver a payback period of just 7.5 months.

While this is a simplistic calculation, it nevertheless demonstrates why packaging automation deserves serious consideration. And even when immediate labour savings are not the primary objective, increased throughput, greater reliability and better use of staff all make a compelling commercial case.

Choosing the right automation partner

However, although simpler than many other manufacturing processes, packaging lines typically combine several processes, including case erecting, product packing, box sealing, conveying, palletising and stretch wrapping.

Manufacturers should therefore look for an automation partner with established relationships across the wider packaging supply chain. Proven collaboration between robot suppliers such as FANUC and our system integrator partner network, who are providers of conveyors, box erectors, tape sealers and stretch wrappers, will help ensure that equipment works together as a cohesive system, reducing integration risks and supporting a competitive overall solution.

Collaboration is particularly important when businesses are considering changes to packaging materials. Consumer demand for recyclable packaging and ongoing legislative pressure is encouraging manufacturers to rethink the materials they use, and these changes create an opportunity to review production processes at the same time.

By considering automation alongside packaging redesign, manufacturers can address these challenges before new materials are introduced at scale. Packaging consultants and material suppliers should therefore aim to work closely with automation providers from the outset, reducing the need for costly modifications later on and reducing the change burden.

Extending automation into distribution

While many manufacturers will have their own packing facilities, some use third-party logistics providers and distribution centres to store products and manage fulfilment. In some cases, products are packaged or prepared for dispatch only when customer orders are received. These co-packing and distribution operations often involve high volumes of repetitive work, making them strong candidates for automation.

Integrating robotic equipment with warehouse management systems, enterprise resource planning (ERP) platforms and order fulfilment software can improve coordination between inventory, packaging requirements and dispatch schedules. With the right integration, businesses can increase visibility, reduce manual handling and make more efficient use of their labour and equipment.

Start small, think strategically

In conclusion, for any manufacturer that has yet to embrace automation, transforming an entire factory may feel overwhelming. Packaging provides a more accessible starting point, with repetitive processes and established robotic solutions offering opportunities for practical, measurable improvements.

By starting at the end of the production line, firms can build internal expertise, improve productivity and develop a clearer understanding of how automation can support their wider business objectives. The key is to define the operational challenge, assess the potential return and involve the right technology partners from the outset.

Automation does not have to begin with the most complex process in the factory. For many companies, starting with packaging could be the most effective way to improve efficiency, support the workforce, respond to sustainability demands and compete more confidently in a global market.

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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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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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As part of this strategic investment, Oliver Selby has transitioned from his role as Head of Sales to the newly created position of Strategic Key Account Manager – Aerospace & Defence, effective from 1 September 2026. The move represents a major statement of intent from FANUC UK, reflecting the growing importance of the aerospace and defence sectors within the company’s long-term growth strategy. Dan Fisher has been appointed new Head of Sales.

By appointing Oliver, one of its most experienced and influential commercial leaders, to this dedicated aerospace and defence role, FANUC UK is reinforcing its commitment to supporting two of the UK’s most critical manufacturing industries. Oliver will be responsible for developing strategic partnerships with leading aerospace and defence organisations, identifying new opportunities for automation adoption, and helping customers accelerate productivity, resilience and competitiveness through advanced robotics and intelligent automation solutions.

With more than 20 years of experience in robotics and automation, Oliver has been instrumental in helping manufacturers across the UK improve productivity, overcome workforce challenges and successfully implement automation technologies. His appointment reflects FANUC UK’s determination to invest at the highest level in an area that is expected to play a pivotal role in the future of UK manufacturing.

Alongside his position at FANUC UK, Oliver serves as Chair of Automate UK Robotics, where he works closely with industry leaders, policymakers and manufacturers to promote the adoption of robotics and automation across the UK economy. His extensive industry network, deep sector knowledge and proven track record in driving automation-led transformation make him uniquely positioned to lead FANUC UK’s aerospace and defence growth strategy.

Commenting on the appointment, Andy Armstrong, Managing Director of FANUC UK, states: “Aerospace and defence represent a significant long-term growth opportunity for FANUC UK. By appointing Oliver Selby in this dedicated strategic role, we are demonstrating our commitment to investing in the sector and ensuring that our customers have access to the expertise, technology and support needed to succeed in an increasingly competitive global market.”

Oliver Selby adds: “It has been an absolute privilege to lead the sales team at FANUC UK and support the adoption of robots in the UK across a diverse range of industries. The opportunity to focus on aerospace and defence comes at an exciting time, with growing demand for advanced manufacturing technologies across these sectors. I am looking forward to applying my industry experience and expertise to help strengthen FANUC UK’s position in this strategically important market while continuing to support the wider adoption of automation across UK manufacturing.”

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Increasingly, capital decisions are evaluated in terms of ‘freeze, flee or build’. Under this model, there are three options: pausing or deferring a decision until key assumptions stabilise (freeze); redirecting capital away from an area of exposure (flee); and accelerating an investment to capture an opportunity or establish a competitive advantage (build).

All too often, automation projects end up being ‘frozen’ – not because the rationale is flawed but because they are deemed unaffordable or non-urgent at a time when cash is in short supply. This can lead to considerable inefficiencies and strategic disadvantages, putting manufacturing businesses in a vulnerable position.

Therefore, when constructing a justification for investing in automation, it is important to demonstrate why the project should be treated as a priority, and how it will be financed. By shifting the focus from well-worn arguments to reframing the economics of robotics – and showing why the cost of waiting is usually higher than the cost of taking a decision now – project managers can make the case for immediate investment irrefutable.

Here are six points that manufacturers can draw on to build an automation investment proposal that stacks up:

1. Robots are more affordable than they’ve ever been

The cumulative inflation rate in the UK over the past 20 years (2006-2026) is approximately 70-80%, based on Consumer Prices Index (CPI) data. Yet over this same timeframe, the average purchase price of an industrial robot has only increased by 20%. Investing in equipment that has registered price growth lower than the general rate of inflation can be a strategic move, as it effectively makes it cheaper in real terms. If robot prices are rising by 1% whilst the overall inflation rate is 3%, you are purchasing a productive asset that is decreasing in relative cost compared to other investments.

2. Multiple options open up access to finance

Historically, most automation projects were funded via high street bank loans. Today, there are multiple financing options, some of which offer far more flexibility. Recent years have seen some robotics integrators partnering with finance providers to offer flexible funding options, such as staged payments and asset finance, to help manufacturers invest in technology without heavy upfront costs. Asset-based lending (ABL) has also become more common as a flexible alternative to traditional high-cost bank loans. This allows businesses to acquire new equipment or tech by using assets such as receivables or inventory as collateral. We would advise any company that is embarking on an automation project to speak to their integration partner or OEM supplier about what finance is available.

3. Assurance schemes build trust for lenders

Trust in robotic systems is growing, driven by a maturing assurance ecosystem, and this confidence is starting to filter through to lenders. Earlier this year, Automate UK launched the UK’s Robot Integrator Standard in association with BARA. Designed to ensure that integrators follow best practice, the standard provides assurance of safe, high quality and reliable robotic and vision solutions, thereby reducing the risk associated with automation projects.

FANUC UK has also built up its own network of trusted authorised system integrators – partners we have selected to work with for their ability to provide specialised, low-risk automation. It is expected that such schemes will translate into more favourable financing arrangements for borrowers through reduced risk for lenders.

4. Transfer of costs from CapEx to OpEx

Whilst robotics investments have traditionally been structured as CapEx – a large outright purchase of a piece of equipment – over time, service has become an increasingly critical element of these projects. As automation technology has advanced, service has gone from being a post-installation afterthought to a fundamental pillar of success; most installations today incorporate simulation, training (of AI systems as well as human operators) and ongoing servicing and support. From a financial perspective, this has created an opportunity to move some project costs from CapEx to OpEx, converting them into ongoing, manageable and flexible expenses. This strategic decision can help make automation more affordable by reducing the upfront investment, preserving cash flow and enabling costs to be apportioned to different cost centres.

5. Robots are moving to maintenance-free

Traditionally, it has been accepted that annual maintenance costs for an industrial robot will run to 3-10% of the original purchase price. This is dependent on the size of the robot, with maintenance costs for larger robots typically coming in at the lower end of this range. Finance providers have accounted for these costs by bundling them into monthly payments. However, technological advancements such as predictive maintenance, accelerated life testing and greaseless components are moving robots into a new ‘maintenance-free’ paradigm.

Among robot manufacturers, FANUC is leading the way here, with its renowned reliability and market-leading 8-year maintenance-free promise. This is making robots more affordable over their lifetime – a saving that will soon be reflected in the structure of finance deals as robots can be guaranteed to be maintenance-free for the duration of the financial agreement.

6. Automation helps reduce manufacturing overheads

The argument that investing in automation allows businesses to produce more with less has never been stronger. We are entering an era of precision manufacturing with technologies such as robotics, AI and sensors enabling real-time monitoring and optimisation of production parameters, quality metrics, material usage and energy consumption. The net result is that manufacturing has the potential to be leaner, more productive and more resource-efficient than ever before. These advancements are strengthening the economic case for automation. For example, FANUC’s systems feature AI-driven diagnostics, advanced power regeneration and IIoT solutions that enable intelligent energy recovery, reduce waste and improve uptime.

The right time to invest

With 2025-2006 the most expensive period on record for UK businesses, a growing number of manufacturers are turning to automation as a strategy for futureproofing against inflation and maintaining a competitive edge. Reduced risk for lenders is translating to more favourable packages from finance providers; technological advancements that have improved robot productivity, reliability and resource utilisation are driving a structural decline in cost per unit of output; and in real terms, robots are getting cheaper. For manufacturers, this makes automation an increasingly powerful lever for expanding margins and scaling production efficiently and flexibly.

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AI use continues to expand in the global workplace, but most businesses are still in the experimental or piloting stages, with just a small percentage actually deriving value from it . In industrial settings, mindset is proving a barrier to greater adoption. The 2025 Edelman Trust Barometer found that trust in AI is lowest in developed economies like the UK, Germany and the US. This represents a real challenge because trust is fundamental to achieving the support – from boardroom to factory floor – that is needed to integrate AI in a meaningful way.

Mistrust of new technology is something the automation sector is used to dealing with. For years, industrial robots faced resistance from human workers who perceived them as a threat to their livelihoods. However, over time it has been proven that these fears are unfounded. In 2022, the Institute of Labour Economics studied the effect of robots on the labour market in 16 European countries and concluded that robot adoption actually increased employment and reduced unemployment in most markets. So let’s debunk the five most common myths.

Myth #1: AI will take my job

Picture a world without Word or Excel – it’s unimaginable. Think of AI in a similar vein, as a tool that helps people to do their jobs more efficiently by automating repetitive and mundane tasks, generating insights and intelligence that can inform decision making, accelerating lengthy testing and design processes, and making predictions that can eliminate risks.

Faced with an ageing workforce and chronic labour shortages, the manufacturing sector can also harness AI to supplement and bolster scarce expertise. Difficult-to-fill roles that involve repetitive, manual and routine tasks will be replaced by more skilled jobs that require critical thinking and analysis; AI-augmented technicians, analysts who interpret data to optimise production schedules, and AI-model builders, for example.

It is worth remembering that AI is rarely a standalone solution. In fact, companies only really unlock its value when they enable employees with real-world domain experience to interact with AI at strategic points. The synergy between AI solutions, human judgement and workplace expertise is what creates hybrid intelligence superpowers and real value capture.

In robotics, for example, AI is expanding the opportunities for collaborative applications. By embedding AI, perception and real-time reasoning – components of physical AI – robots can interpret voice commands, respond to dynamic environments and work safely alongside human operators.

Myth #2: AI puts our company’s data at risk

As with any data-based technology, there is a requirement to protect AI models, the data they process, and the broader systems they integrate with against cyber threats, data interception and operational disruption.

Yes – information inputted into free AI models can become public training data, leading to corporate secrets or personal data being exposed. However, these are not the AI systems that are going to add value in industrial settings.

Keeping it local and using internal GPU (Graphics Processing Units) and servers to run AI models offers maximum data privacy, ensuring that no sensitive data is used for external training or leaked to third-party cloud providers. On-device AI is also a high security option, as the data is processed on user devices rather than in the cloud. Where companies are using established cloud-based platforms such as Microsoft Azure or Google Cloud Platform for their AI applications, they can be sure their data is safe too, as both offer robust security. However, using a lesser known supplier, without thorough research, could be a risky move.

Security does become a potential issue when data is being shared with a third party such as a machine supplier, for diagnostics, troubleshooting and servicing. There are best practices that can be adopted for secure sharing, such as processing data through automated checkers to remove sensitive information. Ultimately though, it is a case of working with trusted suppliers, and of controlling what data goes into the AI system in the first place.

Going forwards, AI systems are only going to become more secure as legislation catches up with technological advancement. In 2027, the EU Cyber Resilience Act (CRA) comes into force, imposing mandatory cybersecurity requirements on all software and hardware. AI products will have to be secure by design, with no known exploitable vulnerabilities, undergo risk assessments and offer lifecycle support, including security updates.

The new FANUC R50iA controller – based on the latest CNC hardware, FS500 – is already fully CRA compliant. Over the next two years, all our robots will feature this new controller as standard, while FANUC’s oIder controllers already provide a very high level of security. FANUC customers can rest assured that they will be ahead of the cyber resilience curve, with their machines futureproofed thanks to smart, safe and compliant equipment.

Myth #3: Any system will become obsolete very quickly

The pace of development in AI is rapid, but there are certain measures that companies can take to avoid obsolescence. Open ecosystems and standardised, open-source platforms are a crucial aspect of futureproofing, particularly with the shift from generative to agentic AI.

MCP (an open-source protocol that allows AI assistants to interact with external data sources and software tools) is one standard interface of such systems. OPC Unified Architecture (OPC UA) is another secure, open-source and platform-independent IEC62541 standard for industrial communication.

FANUC is actively collaborating with AI-trailblazer NVIDIA to bring physical AI into mainstream manufacturing. A key step in this journey is our support for the open-source robotics platform ROS 2, which enables programming via Python. By lowering the barrier to entry, this allows developers, researchers and companies to build AI-driven robotics applications on FANUC’s proven industrial hardware.

Myth #4: It won’t really improve our factory automation

AI can add value to production lines in more ways than we can currently imagine. Already, predictive maintenance is using sensor data to forecast equipment failures before they happen, vision systems are detecting defects in non-uniform products and diagnostics are dramatically reducing downtime.

AI is transforming industrial automation too, making robots smarter, safer and faster to deploy, through voice-controlled operation, adaptive motion control, safety-aware human-robot collaboration, and virtual commissioning via digital twins.

One of the most significant benefits of AI is its ability to accelerate deployment. By assisting with code generation, AI makes it easier and quicker for companies to implement robotic systems. AI-enabled robots also allow existing production lines to be retrofitted without extensive modifications, further speeding up the rollout of automation.

Myth #5: We’re not AI-ready – it’s going to cost us a fortune!

To utilise AI in manufacturing, a company does not need to be fully digitised, but it does need a solid data foundation, as ultimately, AI without data is pointless. AI requires data to be structured, contextualised and available in real-time to drive applications like predictive maintenance, quality control and line optimisation. While not every machine needs to be ‘smart’, critical equipment requires sensors to monitor performance and feed data to digital twins.

With regard to cost, one of the benefits of AI is that it is quantifiable – companies should be able to understand what their return on investment is going to be from the start and gauge at a very early stage whether a project is going to work or not.

That said, the more deeply companies commit to AI, the more they will likely get out of it. McKinsey reported that organisations with the most ambitious AI agendas are seeing the greatest benefit. These firms are often aiming to achieve more than just cost reductions; their objectives extend to driving growth and/or innovation through AI, which is where its real potential lies.

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As part of the collaboration, FANUC has developed a Physical AI system for industrial robots that incorporates the latest innovations from Google Cloud, including Gemini Enterprise – an enterprise-grade generative AI with robust security.

‘Physical AI’ is the integration of cognitive intelligence with physical action. This includes robots that can perceive their environment through sensors, make autonomous decisions and execute tasks accordingly. FANUC robots support ROS – the industry standard open platform for robot control – of which Google is a prominent contributor and maintainer through their Intrinsic robotics AI group.

FANUC’s portfolio also offers broad compatibility with widely used technologies, including the Python programming language for AI development, high speed communication interfaces for external robot control and interfaces that enable easy operation from PLCs.

Since the release of FANUC’s Physical AI system at the International Robot Exhibition last December, customer interest has continued to grow rapidly, with over 1,000 FANUC robots for Physical AI-related applications already shipped. At its New Product Open House Show in May, the company demonstrated a next generation Physical AI Robot System featuring generative AI Gemini, which understands human instructions, recognises objects and autonomously operates FANUC robots to perform assigned tasks. This revolutionary ‘AI-Powered Agent System for Industrial Robots’ enables both collaborative and non-collaborative robots to work together as a single cell based on simple natural language instructions.

In addition, FANUC provides full support for robot control compatible with Intrinsic’s development environment, ‘Flowstate’. Flowstate software is interoperable with ROS and allows for the quick and easy development of highly adaptable AI solutions by leveraging FANUC’s open platform technologies. FANUC is also participating in Google DeepMind’s ‘Gemini Robotics Trusted Tester Program’ to advance AI research on foundational robotics models for AI.

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Addressing growing demand in sectors such as shipbuilding and steel construction, it can be carried easily with just one hand, allowing a single person to supervise multiple welding locations and mitigating the Europe-wide shortage of skilled welders.

Boasting a 3kg payload, the CRX-3iA can manipulate a welding torch and a seam-tracking sensor simultaneously, while its ±0.02 mm repeatability delivers the precision necessary for critical welding tasks. It automatically detects its installation angle after relocation and identifies weld seam locations and calculates paths accordingly, thanks to a third-party laser scanner or touch sensor. Meanwhile, an optional magnetic base enables it to be secured directly to large steel structures. This reduces system complexity compared with traditional robot installations, which typically need heavier equipment and additional safeguarding measures.

As part of the wider CRX series – which extends to 30kg payload and 1,756mm reach – the CRX-3iA integrates fully with FANUC’s established control and software ecosystem. It also incorporates FANUC’s wrist button technology, which allows operators to guide and teach positions directly from the robot arm, streamlining programming and shortening changeover times.

Beyond welding, the CRX-3iA is ideally suited to applications such as intralogistics and mobile automation. Its compact footprint and low mass also make it ideal for mounting on an automated guided vehicle (AGV), where it can support picking, placing and line supply tasks. In addition, it lends itself well to education and training environments, where space constraints often render the use of traditional industrial robots impractical.

“Manufacturers need automation that adapts to their environment, not the other way around,” says Paul Ribus, FANUC’s Head of Sales Coordination Europe. “With the CRX-3iA, we focused on portability, fast deployment and high repeatability. It allows customers to take advantage of collaborative welding and handling wherever the work is, without complex installation.”

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Cyan Tec, Cyber-Weld and Expert Technologies will join FANUC on stand F40 at the NEC on 3-4 June for the UK’s most comprehensive gathering of manufacturing and engineering technology, services and solutions. Visitors to the FANUC stand can enjoy automation demonstrations featuring collaborative augmented reality welding, advanced sensing and vision systems, transfer and handling solutions, and a modular automation platform dubbed ‘a factory in a box’.

Live robotic technology showcase

Renowned for designing and building complex, precision engineered systems for demanding production environments, Cyan Tec works across a range of sectors including advanced manufacturing, aerospace, automotive, defence and medical devices. At this year’s show, its live ‘Technology Showcase’ demo cell on the FANUC stand will prove in real time how best in class automation building blocks can be seamlessly integrated into a single, compact and highly capable system.

Bringing together a selection of technologies that commonly feature across many of Cyan Tec’s real world applications, the demo cell features robotic automation from FANUC alongside advanced sensing and vision systems, transfer and handling solutions, high speed drives, gripper technologies, industrial communication protocols, air gapped security concepts, and high end PLC and HMI interfaces.

Augmented reality welding

Specialising in bespoke robotic welding systems, Cyber-Weld’s solutions help UK manufacturers increase production efficiency and remain competitive on the global stage. The FANUC system integrator partner will showcase its flagship Soldamatic Augmented Reality Welding cell – featuring a FANUC CRX10-iA collaborative robot – which aims to strengthen manufacturers’ welding capabilities.

Offering multiple virtual welding environments that replicate real world scenarios, Soldamatic enables the rapid upskilling of employees by significantly accelerating learning for practical applications. Visitors to the FANUC stand can see for themselves how combining immersive augmented reality with collaborative robotics enables faster skills development while reducing material wastage and consumable costs throughout the training process – all within a safe, flexible and future ready welding environment.

Scalable manufacturing with ‘factory in a box’

Also on stand F40 will be Expert Technologies, another longstanding FANUC system integrator partner. Delivering advanced automation and robotic solutions, its systems are designed to optimise processes, improve productivity and ensure quality at every stage of production. Live on the stand will be Flexcell, a modular automation platform from Expert Technologies dubbed a factory in a box, that scales seamlessly from early-stage prototyping through to full production – without requiring costly redesigns or rebuilds. Highly versatile, it can be deployed across virtually any operational use case, from manufacturing and assembly to inspection, testing, and material handling, with its phased approach reducing waste and time-to-value by up to 20%.

Cost-effective robot integration

“FANUC’s integrator network brings together industry expertise from a wide range of sectors, with each valued partner providing tailored automation solutions,” says Oliver Selby, FANUC UK’s Head of Sales. “We’re proud to be able to showcase the solutions of three of these partners at Smart Factory Expo, demonstrating live on our stand how they successfully integrate FANUC robots to drive cost efficiency, optimise production and deliver real value to UK manufacturers.”

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Founded in London in 2019 with just four members of staff, Recycleye has grown to become the European leader in AI/robotic waste picking technology, helping to revolutionise the waste sector by automating the detection and sorting of mixed recyclables. As a strategic partner, FANUC has been instrumental to the company’s rapid success by helping to derisk Recycleye’s offering to the market. In 2024, the relationship was officially recognised when Recycleye won a FANUC Global Partner Award for Innovation.

The announcement that San Diego-based CP Group has acquired a majority stake in Recycleye significantly expands CP Group’s AI-driven sorting capabilities while further enabling MRF operators to increase recovery, improve purity and generate valuable operational data.

“The combined organisation accelerates AI-enabled sorting and plant control across the full MRF, delivering the performance and purity levels that define the next generation of material recovery,” said Terry Schneider, CP Group CEO. “The applications for AI-based capabilities are significant in MRF systems, and the Recycleye team will enable us to bring powerful new capabilities to the industry in the months ahead.”

Recycleye’s offering combines FANUC’s 6-axis LR Mate robots and iRPickTool visual line tracking technology with its own AI-driven vision system. The Recycleye Robotics solution increases sorting accuracy by up to 12% and improves line output by up to 10%, helping waste operators to boost their bottom line and providing a solution to ongoing labour shortages in the waste management industry. FANUC has supported Recycleye through a commercial and technical partnership since its early days as a startup through to its position today as part of the internationally renowned CP Group.

“This announcement represents a major milestone in Recycleye’s journey, and we are proud to have supported them in creating a product that fits the needs of European and US markets,” said Oliver Selby, Head of Sales for FANUC UK. “Recycleye was our first experience of working with a VC-funded startup. Since then, we have gone on to form strong technical partnerships with a number of venture capital firms, helping both ourselves and those VCs to reduce risk, whilst supporting new entrants into the market. We look forward to seeing what this next chapter will bring for Recycleye, and for the wider recycling sector.”

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