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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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.”

“Innovation is a core component of Delta’s corporate strategy. We consistently invest more than eight percent of our annual revenue in research and development. Design is a key aspect of this innovation strategy,” said Michael Mayer-Rosa, Senior Director of the Industrial Automation Business Group and Head of Intelligent Robot Systems (IRS) at Delta Electronics, EMEA Region.

“This award validates our team’s high standards in combining industrial robotics with a practical, safe, and efficient design. We are confident that the Delta D-Bot Robots, featuring industry-leading safety, efficiency, and practicality, will meet the demanding needs of our customers across a wide spectrum of applications.”

Delta first unveiled the collaborative robots series to the public in the spring of 2024. The series comprises six highly flexible models, each featuring six axes, payloads of up to 30 kg, and reach capabilities of up to 1,800 mm. The Delta D-Bot series also supports compatibility with OPC UA, PROFINET, EtherCAT, and Modbus TCP, allowing for seamless integration into existing industrial automation environments.

Safety at the core of product design

Collaborative robots are specifically designed to interact with humans within production environments. The “Reflex Safety” technology detects contact in real time and immediately stops robot movement to help prevent accidents and protect both personnel and equipment. The integration of advanced sensing technologies and collision detection capabilities maximise safety.

Furthermore, the Delta D-Bot series complies with IP66 protection standards and supports advanced safety protocols for operation in demanding industrial environments. Its robust design reduces susceptibility to dust and contamination while also simplifying cleaning and maintenance.

Flexible automation for production and logistics

Combined with Delta’s mobile robot platform (MAR – Mobile Autonomous Robot), the Delta D-Bot Collaborative Robot forms the hybrid mobile robotics solution “Delta Dynamic Duo”, a 2-in-1 system that automates flexible transportation and manipulation tasks such as palletising or pick-and-place operations within manufacturing and logistics settings.

The Delta D-Bot series was developed for rapid deployment across a wide range of industrial environments and designed to support diverse applications, including complex component assembly, material handling, and heavy-duty palletising. The collaborative robots combine high precision with efficient automation, helping manufacturers improve productivity and operational flexibility.

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The achievement recognises the Bedfordshire-based manufacturer’s continued international growth, engineering innovation and commitment to supporting customers worldwide.

Exporting now represents a significant proportion of Endoline’s business, with its end-of-line packaging automation systems installed in more than 30 countries through a combination of direct customer relationships, distributor partnerships and OEM collaborations.

Founded in 1981, Endoline has grown from a small packaging machinery manufacturer into a global supplier of advanced end-of-line automation systems. Today, the company designs, manufactures and installs bespoke packaging solutions for manufacturers across the food, beverage, pharmaceutical and consumer goods sectors.

Andrew Yates, Managing Director of Endoline Automation, said: “We are delighted to have been named Gold Winner in the Exporter of the Year category and to have secured a place in the national finals. Exporting has been a key part of Endoline’s growth for many years, and this recognition reflects the dedication of our employees, distributors, partners and customers around the world.

“As a family-run business, we are proud to be designing and manufacturing British-built automation systems that are helping manufacturers across the globe improve efficiency, productivity and sustainability.”

The award follows another successful year for Endoline’s export division, which continues to expand its international distributor network, develop innovative packaging technologies and support customers in more than 30 countries worldwide.

The strategic investment strengthens Comau’s position in a rapidly expanding market, projected to grow by approximately 13% annually over the next three to five years, where customers are increasingly demanding integrated solutions that seamlessly connect production, storage, and material flow.

Together with Automha, the addition of Invent broadens Comau’s ability to support the evolving requirements of distribution centres, fulfilment operations, and industrial logistics facilities with end-to-end automation capabilities. By leveraging Invent’s software-driven warehouse orchestration approach, Automha’s automated storage technologies and Comau’s automation expertise, the companies will be able to deliver increasingly intelligent and connected intralogistics solutions. Where Automha primarily specializes in pallet handling and automated storage systems, Invent brings advanced expertise in box handling, order fulfilment and logistics orchestration, enabling Comau to offer a robust, comprehensive intralogistics portfolio.

As supply chains become more dynamic and order fulfilment requirements continue to increase, companies are looking for technologies that can improve visibility, responsiveness, and operational efficiency. The combination of Comau, Automha and Invent creates a comprehensive portfolio capable of managing end-to-end material flows, from automated storage and order preparation through execution, movement, and process optimisation.

The acquisition also enhances Comau’s footprint in strategic growth regions. In addition to strengthening the company’s presence in Latin America, Invent provides valuable access to the U.S. mid-market intralogistics segment, where demand for automation solutions continues to accelerate (up to 15% annual growth in the US; up to 17% in Brazil over the next 3 to 5 years).

Invent will continue to operate with its existing organization, leadership team and strategic direction, ensuring continuity for customers, partners and employees while benefiting from the scale and global reach of the broader Comau ecosystem.

Pietro Gorlier, CEO of Comau said. “Our acquisition of Invent represents another milestone in Comau’s journey to build a comprehensive automation platform capable of supporting customers in one of the most dynamic segments of the logistics market – a market that is also undergoing a profound transformation driven by digitalization, e-commerce growth and the need for greater operational flexibility. Integrating Invent within our global network allows Comau to expand its market presence while adding highly complementary technologies and software expertise, strengthening our ability to deliver intelligent, end-to-end solutions connecting manufacturing, warehousing, and material handling operations.”

“This new chapter allows us to accelerate the development and deployment of our technologies while maintaining the innovative spirit and customer focus that have characterized Invent since its foundation,” added Leonardo Araki, CEO of Invent. “By becoming part of Comau, we gain access to global resources, industrial expertise and new market opportunities that will help us further enhance our solutions and create additional value for customers operating in increasingly complex logistics environments.”

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Combining autonomous forklifts, tugs and movers on one platform, ABB Robotics enables customers to automate a broader range of material-handling and intralogistics processes. Offering market-leading accuracy, the F712 is designed for demanding material handling, end-of-line storage and warehouse operations across industries including automotive manufacturing, helping increase efficiency, flexibility and scalability.

“Across intralogistics operations, businesses are being asked to process greater volumes in less time, while working with increasingly limited resources,” said Marc Segura, President, ABB Robotics. “They are under pressure to move goods faster and with greater flexibility, while labour availability is becoming a critical constraint. As part of our journey to more autonomous and versatile robotics (AVR), we have combined advanced vision, mobility and intelligence in the Flexley Stack F712 forklift AMR, completing our scalable, AI-powered AMR portfolio.”

F712 is versatile, capable of handling multiple load types and sizes – including open and closed pallets, containers or racks- up to 2,000 kg and reaching heights of 8.5 metres.

The Flexley Stack AMR F712 joins the Flexley Tug and Flexley Mover in ABB Robotics’ growing Visual SLAM AMR portfolio. Applications include intralogistics tasks such as warehouse storage and retrieval, as well as line supply, end-of-line handling, body- and press-shop and drive-in and light buffer in the automotive and industries sector.

F712 uses Visual SLAM to map and navigate its environment, eliminating the need for pre-installed infrastructure like markers or reflectors. The AI-enabled Visual SLAM supports the autonomous decisions required to operate in complex, dynamic warehouse operations with a market-leading positional accuracy of ±10 mm. Together with AMR Studio, this shortens commissioning times by up to 20 percent and creates a versatile and reliable system that can adapt instantly when a warehouse or production floor layout changes. Certified to the latest ISO and ANSI safety standards, Flexley Stack F712 can safely operate at class-leading speeds of up to 1.7 m/s while loaded.

F712 is fully integrated with AMR Studio and is VDA5050 compatible, enabling seamless integration with ABB Robotics’ Visual SLAM AMRs and existing systems within a unified project. This makes it easy to manage complex projects and integrate different types of mobile robots. The no-code, drag-and-drop software suite supports rapid setup, fleet coordination, traffic management and real-time visualisation, allowing ABB Robotics’ tugs, movers and forklifts to operate together in the same layout for scalable turnkey automation projects.

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As robot systems become more advanced and connected, ensuring functional safety and compliance is becoming increasingly complex. With the release of ISO 10218:2025, organisations must understand what’s changed and how to apply it in practice.

The webinar will cover: key updates introduced in ISO 10218:2025; how to select and apply effective safeguarding measures; designing and validating functional safety systems; and reducing risk and achieving compliance in real-world applications.

The webinar will be presented by Hefin Llewellyn-Evans, Technical Trainer (Functional Safety), TUV SUD. With hands-on experience delivering safety-critical projects in manufacturing environments, Hefin brings practical insight into applying functional safety in modern robotics.

If you can’t join live, register anyway, and you’ll be sent the webinar recording so you won’t miss any of the valuable insights.

Every year, Cranswick produces millions of “pigs-in-blankets” (sausages wrapped in bacon) for the Christmas market. The final stage of the process – picking the sausages off the conveyor belt and placing them in their packaging – was still performed manually, which introduced delays and other constraints. Cranswick commissioned CWM Automation to design and deliver a fully automated pick-and-place system, allowing those employees to take on more skilled tasks.

“Automating this stage of the process presented some complex challenges,” said Asa Arvidsson, regional vice president EMEA north region, Rockwell Automation. “The new system had to operate with remarkable precision and speed. With our strategic collaboration with autonox Robotics, we were able to support CWM Automation in making this possible.”

Powered by Rockwell Automation Allen-Bradley Kinetix VP low inertia servo motors controlled by an Allen-Bradley GuardLogix 5380 safety controller, the new end-of-line pick-and-place system accurately detects the presence and orientation of each sausage. It then uses an autonox Delta robot to pick up the sausage, properly align it and place it in the appropriate package – 240 times a minute.

“We’re very happy with the new pick-and-place system,” said Mark Lundgren, chief engineering manager at Cranswick Gourmet Sausage. “Thanks to Rockwell Automation and CWM Automation, we’re able to meet our production goals and deadlines in a way that is far more efficient and cost effective. Our labour productivity on the line is greatly increased and that means our staff not only have more skilled and comfortable jobs, they’re also often free to work on other production lines.”

“Cranswick had to have the new system up and running to meet their annual production target,” explained Mick Williams, managing director, CWM Automation, a Rockwell Automation Gold-Level OEM. “To achieve this, we worked closely with the Cranswick engineering team and the systems consultants at Rockwell Automation. It was a great cooperation, and together we met what was a very challenging deadline.”

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Designed to give attendees a clear understanding of how automation can be successfully implemented in food and beverage and FMCG environments, the session combined expert insight with live demonstrations and real-world application examples.

Throughout the morning, visitors had the opportunity to explore how cobots can help tackle ongoing industry challenges such as labour shortages, the need for improved consistency, and increasing pressure to deliver strong return on investment.

A key focus of the day was showcasing practical applications, with live demonstrations covering processes such as palletising, packaging, pick and place, and material handling. These demonstrations helped illustrate how flexible automation solutions can be deployed across a range of end of line tasks to improve productivity, quality, and ergonomics on the factory floor.

The event was specifically aimed at end users, providing a valuable opportunity to meet with experts from across the automation supply chain in one location. Attendees were able to speak directly with specialists in grippers, vision systems, robotics and integration, enabling them to gain tailored advice and discuss their individual production challenges in detail.

Integral to the success of the day was the support of four integration partners: Olympus Technologies (Adam Swallow), Protec (Alex Neal), Robotics and Automation (Mike Sharpe), and Jention (Russell Scion).

Each partner showcased a range of cobot-driven applications relevant to the food industry, demonstrating how collaborative robotics can be effectively applied to both packing and processing operations. These hands-on examples helped bring automation concepts to life, allowing visitors to see first-hand how solutions could be implemented in their own facilities.

The Masterclass also created a collaborative environment for networking and knowledge exchange, with attendees ranging from production managers and engineers to business leaders exploring automation strategies.

Overall, the event delivered on its aim to provide practical, actionable insight into food and beverage automation. Attendees left with a stronger understanding of where cobots can add value within their operations, as well as clear next steps for beginning or expanding their automation journey.

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“Our customers are at the centre of everything we do, and we are incredibly proud to receive this recognition from Ford,” said John Bubnikovich, U.S. Country Leader of ABB Robotics. “This award reflects the dedication of our team and reinforces our commitment to delivering innovative automation solutions that help manufacturers improve productivity, flexibility and operational performance.”

This recognition reflects a collective effort across ABB Robotics’ operations, engineering, and frontline teams working together to deliver excellence to a leading global automaker.

“The Ford Supplier Awards & Summit is a key moment where we celebrate the vital companies we work with every day, who help us deliver iconic vehicles and services to customers,” said Liz Door, Chief Supply Chain Officer, Ford Motor Company. “We are so proud of the momentum underway at Ford and with our suppliers to find new ways to collaborate and unlock efficiencies. We are committed to building stronger and closer relationships so we can compete to win together.”

ABB Robotics was formally recognised at Ford’s supplier event in Detroit, Mich., where representatives from both companies came together to celebrate the achievement.

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