FANUC UK has underlined its commitment to AI-powered robotic waste picking company Recycleye by extending its exclusive UK deal with the tech innovator, as well as internationally recognising its achievements at the FANUC Global Partner Awards. The event, which took place in Japan in November 2023, saw Recycleye win one of seven Global Partner Awards […]
Ryan Guthrie, vice-president of Shibaura Machine partner, TM Robotics, explains how advanced artificial intelligence (AI), robotics and machine learning technologies can help manufacturers improve food traceability, ensure the safety of their products and build trust with customers. Food traceability is not just a matter of compliance, it’s also essential for maintaining customer trust and brand […]
Smart 2D profile sensors from Baumer are playing a key role in an automated sandwich and filled rolls production line at Germany company Weber Maschinebau. Baumer’s OXM 2D sensor provides precise edge control and positioning data, and delivers the calculated coordinates correctly in the units required. ‘Smart’ sensors have become an essential component in many […]
ABB Robotics and XtalPi have entered a strategic partnership to produce a range of automated laboratory work-stations in China. The new, automated laboratories will boost the productivity of R&D processes in biopharmaceuticals, chemical engineering and chemistry, and new energy materials. “Our collaboration with XtalPi marks another milestone for ABB’s collaborative robots in the life sciences […]
CKF Systems was delighted to reach the end of its 35th year of successful, thriving business operation in 2023 with the largest order intake in its history. CKF is a leading robotics and automation systems integrator based in Gloucester, UK. CKF is celebrating three and a half decades of commitment to designing, manufacturing and installing […]
ABB has acquired Swiss start-up Sevensense, a leading provider of AI-enabled 3D vision navigation technology for autonomous mobile robots (AMRs). Sevensense was founded in 2018 as a spin-off from Swiss technical University, ETH Zurich. “This marks a significant step towards our vision of a workplace where AI-enabled robots assist people, addressing our customers’ needs for […]
FANUC has joined forces with baking oven manufacturer WIESHEU and retail specialist Wanzl to develop the automatic Bakisto system. Comprising three interconnected systems – a FANUC cobot; Wanzl’s smart baked goods presenter ‘BakeOff i’ featuring artificial intelligence and a network-enabled baking oven; and the WIESHEU TrayMotion automatic loading and unloading system – Bakisto automates important […]
The adoption of robotics is set to change the face of food manufacturing for the better, both for primary and secondary processing and packaging tasks, as Paul Carter, robotics sales manager at FANUC UK, explains. Many food producers still heavily reliant on manual labour and semi-automated equipment. Figures from the IFR 2022 World Robotics Industrial […]
Could 2024 be the year that UK manufacturers finally embrace robotics? After trailing behind our international counterparts for years, the UK is now starting to catch up when it comes to the installation of industrial robotics. Seven experts from FANUC UK share their views on the hottest automation trends to look out for in 2024. […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
High-payload collaborative robots from OMRON
OMRON Robotics and Safety Technologies has expanded its TM S Series collaborative robot portfolio with three new models and a major software update, supporting manufacturers facing labour shortages and increasing requirements for flexible, high-mix production. The TM30S, TM20S and TM6S extend the series’ payload and reach capabilities for applications such as palletising, machine tending and […]
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 […]
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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Automation and robotics in food manufacturing
At Food Manufacturing Live, Jake Norman, managing director at OAL, discusses applications for robotics in food factories to automate the likes of pick and place operations, palletising, case packing and other areas. He highlights the picking of fresh fruit, with a particular demonstration on the stand showing a robot picking up oranges. “We work with […]
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 […]
The evolution of robot system integrators
Robot manufacturer FANUC works with talented SIs across sectors as diverse as food and beverage, aerospace, medical, welding, plastics and high-value manufacturing. Some of these partnerships have endured for well over a decade, during which time the skills required to be a successful integrator have evolved. System integrators (SIs) serve as a valuable link between […]