Increased handling capabilities, flexibility and output have pushed automation to the forefront for many food manufacturers. With 2016 set to be the ‘tipping point’ for automation, Pacepacker Services will showcase new automated case loading solutions at Foodex 2016 on stand L229. Three new inventions, using FANUC and Festo robots, will demonstrate how Pacepacker has successfully […]
ABB Robotics has introduced its highest payload, multipurpose industrial robot, the IRB 8700. The IRB 8700 robot has a reach of 3.5m and is capable of handling a payload of up to 800kg (1000 kg with the wrist down; 630 kg with LeanID). Designed for the ultimate in uptime, reliability and reduced maintenance, ABB says […]
With the introduction of openROBOTICS, partners COMAU and B&R are opening up new dimensions of robotics integration for machinery and production lines. The solution is based on a full line-up of COMAU robots that handle payloads ranging from 3 to 650 kilograms. Pictured: Walter Burgstaller (Sales Director – Europe at B&R, left) and Tobias Daniel […]
Igus has developed a lightweight and effective retraction system for feeding tubes for rivets and screws on industrial high-speed assembly robots. Called triflex RSE, the new system prevents looping of the energy chain as it moves, preventing tube blockages from occurring which may ultimately lead to unplanned and costly machine downtime. “Industrial robots no longer […]
FANUC UK announced it has a worldwide installed base of over 400,000 industrial robots, a new world record for the industry. Production has doubled in the last seven years. The recent drivers behind reaching this major milestone have been the popularity of the FANUC R-2000i Series, LR Mate series, and the CR-35iA, collaborative green robot. […]
Sugar, vanilla, chocolate coated, soft or crispy; Belgian waffle house Biscuiterie Thijs knocks out thousands of batches of the batter snack every day. What started as a family business in 1976 has grown into a waffle empire supplying the likes of Aldi, Lidl, Carrefour, Jumbo and other European supermarkets. Catering to this growth, in 2013 […]
ABB Robotics UK has expanded its Authorised Value Provider (AVP) network with the addition of production automation specialist Geku Automation. Established in the 1980s, Geku Automation has established a reputation in the design, build and testing of automation systems for all sectors of industry from aerospace through to agricultural manufacturing, backed up by service, programming […]
Durham based Altec Engineering Group has showcased its commitment to the next generation by joining ‘The 5% Club’ – an industry led initiative focussed on driving momentum into the recruitment of apprentices, graduates and sponsored students. The campaign was initiated by defence technology company QinetiQ with an aim to get the UK’s public and private […]
The automation, robotics and drive components specialist, RA Rodriguez, is delighted to welcome Paul Keeling to its ranks as an automation technician. Paul is spending his placement year with the Hertfordshire company to gain valuable industry experience while studying for his BSc in Robotics at Reading University. Robotics now form a significant part of the […]
Motion plastics and low-cost automation at MACH 2026
igus returns to MACH with a comprehensive range of engineering innovations designed to improve machine reliability, reduce downtime and deliver long‑term cost savings for manufacturers across all industry. With the UK operation based in Northampton, igus develops lubrication‑free motion plastics that replace traditional metal components, increasing performance while eliminating the need for grease and maintenance. […]
RBTX DOBOT partner launch hailed a success
igus UK marks a major milestone in accessible automation with the successful launch of its RBTX partnership with DOBOT Robotics. The event brought together engineers, system integrators, manufacturers and automation specialists to explore how flexible robotic solutions can be deployed quickly and cost-effectively, without the complexity traditionally associated with industrial automation. Live demonstrations showcased collaborative […]
What role does AI play in art?
The River of Light festival in Liverpool showcased ‘Face Value’, a captivating installation co-created by PhD student Emma Brass from the University of Liverpool and Venya Krutikov, co-founder of The Kazimier and Invisible Wind Factory. Blending artificial intelligence, robotics, and visual art, Face Value invites visitors to confront how technology perceives and redefines reality. The […]
ABB Robotics launches high-speed PoWa cobot family
ABB Robotics is combining the flexibility of cobots with higher payloads and performance, with the launch of its new PoWa cobot family into the rapidly expanding global collaborative robot market, which ABB Robotics estimates will grow by 20 percent annually through to 2028. “Cobots are growing significantly faster than traditional industrial robots, driven by demands […]
Flexible industrial automation solutions from Delta
Delta showcased its comprehensive portfolio of industrial automation solutions at Hannover Messe 2026, highlighting how its advanced drives, HMI panels, and controller solutions enable smarter manufacturing by improving energy efficiency, flexibility, and sustainability. At the same time, Delta ensures robust protection for customers across a wide range of industries, from machinery and food and beverage […]
Intelligent automation for laboratory workflows
Beckhoff UK will exhibit at London Lab Live at ExCeL London from May 6-7, 2026, where it will demonstrate how PC-based control can help pharmaceutical and biotechnology manufacturers build more flexible sample and product handling processes. A key attraction on the stand will be a live demonstration combining Beckhoff’s XTS intelligent transport system with a […]
Customised robotics and automation systems: Astech Projects is an award-winning provider of advanced automated solutions. We work with clients worldwide to design and build robotics and automation systems that meet
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Universal adaptive gripper for faster, gentler picking
Festo has introduced the HPSX Universal Adaptive Gripper, a pneumatic soft gripper engineered to improve speed, hygiene and flexibility in demanding food, pharmaceutical and cosmetics applications. Combining robust design, food-safe materials and adaptive silicone fingers, the HPSX directly addresses long-standing automation challenges where rapid, precise and gentle product handling is essential. “In developing the HPSX, […]
The beverage palletising shift is accelerating
Martin Ray Winery in Napa Valley has deployed its first lean cobot palletising workcell and achieved a 16-month ROI, with the system installed in just two days. You can find out all about it in a webinar hosted by Robotiq on 19 March. Across Europe and North America, beverage producers, from kombucha and bottled water […]
Robotics, vision and AI combine for dairy processes
Automation solutions provider Eberle Automatische Systeme has developed a breakthrough in quality control with a focus on the cheese-ripening process, combining AI with machine vision software from MVTec. The food industry is experiencing a transformative shift in quality control, due in part to advances in artificial intelligence (AI). When combined with rule-based machine vision, AI […]
Pacepacker highlights tax relief opportunities
Since 2008, the HMRC annual investment allowance (AIA) has been revised four times and from 1st January 2016 will drop from an interim allowance of £500k to the highest permanent AIA ever of £200k. Managing Director of Pacepacker Services, Dennis Allison, shows how much £200,000 could buy you in automated palletising equipment, illustrates the ROI […]