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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The joint portfolio enables customers to rely on a complete offering that covers all phases of the logistics flow: inbound product handling, intelligent storage strategies, automated storage and retrieval, order preparation and synchronised shipping. This integrated 360° approach ensures seamless connectivity across the entire logistics process and can include, when required, process design, software orchestration and turnkey solutions implementation.

“Our presence at MODEX 2026, marks an important step forward in Comau’s expansion strategy into high-growth markets, with a primary focus on automated logistics, that is expected to grow more than 10% of annual growth” stated Pietro Gorlier, CEO of Comau. “In a global landscape where flow efficiency has become a critical competitive factor, we are bringing our long-standing expertise to new, dynamic segments. By integrating Comau’s robotics, mobile automation and digital capabilities with Automha’s expertise in automated storage systems, we offer a comprehensive modular ecosystem. Our goal is to simplify the automation of complex processes, providing customers not only with productivity and scalability but also with enhanced operator ergonomics through our wearable solutions.”

At MODEX, Automha unveils for the first time NOVA AI, showcasing it through a live demo. NOVA AI is an artificial intelligence assistant natively integrated into AWMS (Automha Warehouse Management System) that leverages real-time plant data to interpret operations, events, and anomalies, enabling faster issue analysis and more efficient process management. Built on a multi-agent architecture and accessible via a conversational interface, it delivers contextual insights without the need for manual data consultation, improving efficiency and reducing intervention times.

During the event, visitors will be able to see Quaterways, Automha’s multidirectional shuttle system designed to move orthogonally along aisles and easily access accumulation channels to enable fully automated storage and retrieval operations. Managed through the Automha Warehouse Management System (AWMS), the solution allows operators to optimise storage density while maintaining flexibility and real-time control. Its capability to manage multiple pallet formats within the same channel and dynamically optimise travel paths makes it well suited for high-mix logistics environments such as those typical of 3PL and e-commerce operations.

Unlike traditional shuttle solutions, which are limited in movement or require dedicated transfer systems between different warehouse areas, Quaterways introduces a truly multidirectional movement logic, allowing the shuttle to operate continuously and smoothly both along main aisles and within storage channels. This approach enables significantly reduced cycle times, increased storage density, simplified system architecture and improved operational flexibility, especially in high-variability environments.

Integrated with the Automha proprietary Warehouse Management System (AWMS), Quaterways offers high versatility, enabling maximum storage density, operational flexibility and real-time control. Its capability to manage multiple pallet formats within the same channel and dynamically optimize travel paths makes it well suited for complex logistics environments, such as those typical of 3PL and e-commerce operations.

Pallet Runner GTR and Pallet Runner 4D solutions, the latest evolutions of Automha’s shuttle technology for multi-depth pallet storage, will also be on display. With over 12,500 units installed worldwide and a presence in 79 countries, the system is available in multiple standard configurations designed to accommodate different pallet types and load units, while maintaining full compatibility with major racking systems and forklifts, ensuring easy integration into both new and existing warehouses.

Comau will also present its MyMR autonomous mobile robots, developed in collaboration with Milvus Robotics. Built to Comau’s quality standards, with Comau acting as an integrator in developing the innovative AMR product, MyMR robots provide flexible, infrastructure-free material transport between storage areas, workstations and production lines. Key advantages of the MyMR platform include a robust fleet management system, rapid deployment without fixed infrastructure, flexible navigation capabilities and advanced safety features that allow the mobile robots to operate efficiently alongside people and existing equipment. These characteristics help companies improve internal logistics flows while achieving fast return on investment and scalable automation.

Finally, Comau’s MATE-XT GO wearable robotic exoskeletons, designed to support operators during repetitive or physically demanding tasks by reducing shoulder strain, is also on display. The device, along with the entire MATE exoskeleton family, can help improve worker ergonomics and productivity in applications such as truck unloading, manual sorting and warehouse handling activities.

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A long-standing automation partnership between a Swiss machine builder and one of the world’s leading manufacturers of industrial robots is aiming to help transform the pharmaceutical supply chain in Europe with the launch of what is believed to be the ‘smallest’ automated palletising cell for vials and pre-filled syringes.

Swiss-based Robotronic has partnered with Mitsubishi Electric’s Factory Automation EMEA division for more than two decades. Now, the two organisations are collaborating together on a new low-footprint cell to help the pharmaceutical industry overcome record-high shortages across Europe in recent years for medicines ranging from children’s cough syrups through to antibiotics and even cancer treatments.

The growing demand, which has impacted patient treatment and quality of life, has led the European Medicines Agency to increasingly focus on one of the main causes of shortages – manufacturing and quality issues – with the aim of ultimately strengthening the fragile pharmaceutical supply chain.

Mike Weber, founder of Robotronic, says faster production is required to shorten lead times and cope with the ever-increasing demand. “We are a Swiss company concentrating on machine building with robotic applications for the pharmaceutical industry, including everything from de-nesting and re-nesting, through to de-traying, re-traying, and palletising. We have specific expertise in vial and pre-filled syringe handling, offering solutions that deliver maximum efficiency with a small footprint, and enabling pharmaceutical manufacturers to rise to the challenges in their supply chain.”

One of the key challenges for Robotronics is compliance. “Pharmaceutical consistency is about more than quality,” says Mike. “It is also about regulatory compliance and safety.

“To get the required productivity, we need two robots working very closely together at high-speed, but we also need the assurance that the delicate products being handled will not be damaged in the process.”

The Robotronic choice is Mitsubishi Electric, specifically the FR series, a highly flexible robot with compact arm sizes that is equipped with SoftTouch technology.

The result is a small footprint automation solution with increased productivity for handling pallets as small as 120cm x 80cm. Most importantly, the FR series has built-in compliance control that offers soft touch capability that delivers zero product damage with no glass-to-glass contact, no broken glass and is easy-to-clean.

“The challenge was to have two robots operating side by side in a confined environment without compromising speed or precision,” says Mike. “With Mitsubishi Electric’s help, we have two robots driving at full speed within millimetres of each other with no possibility of collision. This enables our cells to process up to 600 products a minute, without really challenging the robots.”

He concludes: “The relationship between Robotronic and Mitsubishi Electric is a true technological partnership – a combination of deep pharmaceutical process expertise allied to best-in-class robotic technology. Together, we believe we can develop machines that can shorten lead times and create a more robust pharmaceutical supply chain.”

Stefan Knauf, Division Manager at Mitsubishi Electric Factory Automation – German Branch, adds: “The biggest challenge was enabling Robotronic to safely and continuously operate two robots side-by-side in a confined environment, without compromising speed or precision. Our FR series robots with additional servo axis perfectly matched their requirements to deliver high throughput from a small footprint.

“The unique, built-in compliance control also allows the robots to gently handle glass vials without the risk of damage. Ultimately, in pharmaceutical production, consistency isn’t just about quality, it is about regulatory compliance and safety. Our relationship with Robotronic is a true technological partnership. Mike and his team bring deep pharmaceutical process expertise and we bring robotics innovation.”

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On stand 18-640 in Hall 18, visitors will experience the latest developments in collaborative robots, industrial automation cells, digital engineering tools and lifecycle service and support offerings for metals fabrication applications.

“Demand for automation in metal fabrication is accelerating, especially for welding applications where 29 percent of manufacturers have identified automation as a major priority to help them meet a shortfall in skilled manual workers,” said Alan Conn, Managing Director at ABB Robotics UK & Ireland. “This trend reflects a growing need for the industry to embrace robotic automation to improve productivity and address ongoing skilled labour shortages.”

Exhibits will include examples of ABB’s OmniVance collaborative Arc Welding and Machine Tending application cells. The arc welding cell will show how welding operations can be automated quickly and easily using a collaborative robot. Designed for high-mix, low-volume production environments, the cell enables operators to program welding sequences in minutes using an intuitive Easy Teach Device, reducing programming time and making robotic welding accessible even to first-time users.

The collaborative machine tending solution will demonstrate how cobots can automate repetitive loading and unloading tasks. Based on standardized hardware and intuitive interfaces, the cell simulates a typical machine tending process, enabling operators to manage production through a simple teach-and-run approach.

Alongside the OmniVance cells will be ABB Robotics’ FlexLoader FP800 high-performance robotic cell, highlighting how manufacturers can automate complex material handling tasks while maintaining flexibility and high productivity. Using advanced 3D vision technology, the cell demonstrates a semi-structured bin picking application, showing robots identifying and picking randomly oriented components.

The stand will also showcase ABB Robotics’ digital capabilities, with demonstrations of RobotStudio, the industry-leading offline simulation and programming software tool. RobotStudio enables manufacturers to design, program and optimise robotic systems in a virtual environment before deployment, reducing commissioning time and improving production efficiency.

Supplementing these demonstrations will be a focus on ABB Robotics’ Modernisation Services showing how ABB Robotics can help manufacturers to combine robotics, digital engineering tools and lifecycle services, including upgrades and optimisation, to build smarter, more flexible factories and remain competitive in an increasingly automated manufacturing landscape.

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Building on Epson’s long-standing leadership in SCARA robotics, the CX-A series marks a significant expansion of Epson’s industrial robot portfolio, enabling system integrators and manufacturers to address more demanding multi-axis applications in industries such as automotive, electronics, medical, logistics, plastics and metal processing.

The CX-A series is available in 18 different configurations, offering 4 kg and 7 kg payload options with arm lengths from 600 mm to 900 mm, all based on a single compact footprint. This enables easy integration into existing production lines while maximising workspace efficiency. Key technical highlights include:

• Expanded motion ranges, reducing unnecessary arm reorientation and collision risk
• Enhanced robustness and rigidity through redesign of the robot wrist
• Improved repeatability and path accuracy, tested according to ISO 9283
• ISO 9409-1 standard flange, ensuring compatibility with common end-effectors
• IP67 protection available across the entire CX-A lineup, alongside cleanroom and ESD variants
• GyroPlus motion control technology, improving settling behaviour and reducing cycle times
• Battery-less encoders, reduced cabling and simplified installation
• Lower power consumption compared to previous C-series models

The CX-A robots are fully compatible with the Epson RC800-A controller and RC+ 8 software, supporting Safe Robot Motion functions and advanced automation features.

Volker Spanier, Epson Europe, commented: “With the CX-A series, Epson is making a clear statement in the 6-axis robot market. We have combined proven Epson precision with enhanced robustness, smarter motion control and a highly flexible system architecture. The CX-A series gives our customers and partners a powerful, future-ready automation platform.”

The CX-A series is designed to support both new automation projects and simple retrofits from existing Epson C-series robots, helping customers protect previous investments while upgrading performance.

The Epson CX-A series 6-axis robots will be available in Europe from April 2026 through Epson’s authorised distributors and system integrator partners.

The solutions on display are designed to optimise the entire logistics value chain – from inbound handling to automated storage and outbound shipping – addressing the needs of both third-party logistics (3PL) operators and manufacturing intralogistics environments.

By combining Automha’s expertise in high-density automated storage and retrieval systems (AS/RS) with Comau’s advanced robotics, mobile automation solutions, intelligent vision systems and digital integration capabilities, customers can now rely on a complete offering that covers all phases of the logistics flow: inbound product handling, intelligent storage strategies, automated storage and retrieval, order preparation and synchronized shipping.

This integrated 360° approach ensures seamless connectivity across the entire logistics process and can include, when required, process design, software orchestration and turnkey solutions implementation.

Pietro Gorlier, CEO of Comau, affirms: “The global automation and logistics market is expected to exceed 10% CAGR, driven by sustained mid-to-high growth across key segments over the next several years. With our combined process knowledge, systems and software expertise, we are perfectly positioned to deliver turn-key solutions that cover the entire intralogistics value chain, from the design and optimisation of warehouse layouts to automated process flows and outbound material handling.”

During the three-day event, visitors have the opportunity to discover Quaterways, Automha’s advanced multidirectional shuttle system, designed to move orthogonally along aisles and easily access storage channels, enabling fully automated storage and retrieval operations. Unlike traditional shuttle solutions, which are limited in movement or require dedicated transfer systems between different warehouse areas, Quaterways introduces a truly multidirectional movement logic, allowing the shuttle to operate continuously and smoothly both along main aisles and within storage channels.

This approach enables significant reductions in cycle times, increased storage density, simplified system architecture and improved operational flexibility, especially in high-variability environments.

Integrated with Automha’s proprietary Warehouse Management System (AWMS), Quaterways offers high versatility, enabling maximum storage density, operational flexibility, and real-time control. Its ability to manage multiple pallet formats within the same channel and dynamically optimise movement paths makes Quaterways particularly well suited for complex environments, such as those typical of 3PL and e-commerce operations.

Autosat GTR, the latest evolution of Automha’s Autosat shuttle technology, will also be featured at the booth. A benchmark solution for high-density pallet storage, with over 12,500 units installed worldwide and a presence in 79 countries, Autosat GTR is available in 20 standard models. It is designed to handle a wide range of pallet types and load units while maintaining full compatibility with major racking systems and forklifts, allowing for easy integration into both new warehouses and existing infrastructures.

Comau’s MyMR autonomous mobile robots will also be on display as will its MATE-XT and MATE-XB wearable exoskeletons, which enhance material handling efficiency and operator ergonomics across logistics and manufacturing workflows. MyMR AMRs provide flexible, software-driven material transport between storage areas and production lines, enabling just-in-time supply and reducing non-value-added movements. The wearable robotic exoskeletons, MATE-XT and MATE-XB, are engineered to improve worker safety and productivity during repetitive or overhead tasks, including truck unloading and manual sorting activities, by reducing shoulder and lower-back muscle strain.

KUKA is inviting industry professionals to experience the very best in robotic automation, software innovation and customer service by visiting stands 18-530 and 17-370 at this year’s MACH event.

With over 125 years of engineering experience and expertise, KUKA continues to redefine industrial automation, offering manufacturers a wide range of cost-effective solutions. Visitors to the Automation UK show will have the opportunity to explore the company’s full portfolio of high-performance industrial robots, and an extensive suite of software and digital tools that support seamless automation integration.

KUKA’s presence at MACH 2026 will focus on how its advanced technologies help manufacturers across all sectors to boost efficiency, enhance product quality, reduce operational costs, and ultimately increase profitability – making automation accessible, scalable, and future-proof.

A complete automation ecosystem

At the heart of KUKA’s stand (18-530) will be a display of its portfolio of latest-generation industrial robots, showcasing the precision, speed, and adaptability that modern production lines demand. From compact six-axis models ideal for intricate assembly tasks, to heavy-duty robots capable of handling large payloads, KUKA’s hardware reflects the company’s commitment to quality and versatility.

Complementing its robot range, KUKA will also showcase its new iiQKA.OS2 robot operating system, my.KUKA online customer portal, and demonstrate the iiQoT remote condition monitoring and iiQWorks engineering software platforms, among others. Available via the KUKA digital sphere, these software tools allow for intuitive programming, simulation, and integration, reducing commissioning time and providing real-time performance insights that drive smarter decision-making on the factory floor.

The KUKA stand will also include a live demonstration of its Advanced Welding capabilities in the shape of a desktop friction welding machine built especially for the show.

At MACH 2026, Visual Components will co-exhibit with KUKA, showing how manufacturing simulation and offline robot programming help bring automation projects from concept to reality.

Visual Components will present its simulation and robot offline programming solutions, enabling manufacturers to explore production concepts, test layouts, and evaluate different scenarios in a virtual environment before anything is built. By programming robots directly from the virtual model, teams can reduce errors, improve planning accuracy, and shorten commissioning and ramp-up time.

Expert educational insight

In addition to the exhibits on Stand 18-530, KUKA will also contribute to the show’s educational programme, providing the opportunity to have a hands-on experience on Stand 17-370 in the Education and Development Zone. Here, visitors and students will be able to try the latest KUKA.AMR Fleet software, designed to programme and control AMRs, and learn how they are transforming intralogistics by enabling flexible, intelligent material transport within complex production environments.

KUKA will also provide a live robot demonstration in the Automation & Robotics Knowledge Hub during the show where attendees will gain insight into how advanced robotics can improve consistency, quality, and throughput in their manufacturing processes, while reducing waste and manual labour challenges.

These sessions will be ideal for manufacturing engineers, production managers, and decision-makers looking to stay ahead of the curve in their automation strategies.

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The FANUC robots are specifically engineered to meet stringent food processing requirements, incorporating specialised seals, food-grade materials, and high levels of protection against heat, moisture, and cleaning processes. The robots are guided by a proprietary AI driven control logic capable of intelligently sequencing workflows even when multiple orders are received simultaneously.

These automated and flexible production processes ensure high-quality, customised food supply for hospitals, universities, or corporate facilities while maintaining consistent output – regardless of staffing levels or order complexity. Given the ongoing shortage of skilled labour in the food service industry, GoodBytz anticipates rapidly growing market demand for this system.

The award was presented by Dr. Jochen Kockler, CEO of Deutsche Messe: “The award-winning solution from GoodBytz impressively demonstrates how robotics technologies originating in traditional industry are successfully expanding into new sectors, such as gastronomy and food supply. This opens up entirely new fields of application, and contributes significantly toward ensuring quality, efficiency, and supply reliability across diverse areas of daily life.”

The prize includes a comprehensive, premium package comprising exhibition space in the Application Park at HANNOVER MESSE, together with a speaking slot on the Spotlight Stage.

The centrepiece of the FANUC UK stand at this year’s MACH exhibition is a robotic drilling system built by Airbus with the support of FANUC. The cell employs an M-800iA/60 six-axis robot, as well as a drilling effector controlled by a FANUC CNC and a mobile platform, both designed and built by Airbus.

Designed for aerospace components, it has improved drilling accuracy and increased productivity for Airbus, while freeing up human employees to work on more creative and value-added tasks.

“There are numerous benefits to aerospace manufacturers of automating their drilling applications with the M800iA/60, including improved accuracy and repeatability, increased output and better use of personnel,” states Oliver Selby, FANUC UK’s Head of Sales.

“The success of the Airbus drilling system demonstrates how important it is to collaborate with a robotics partner that will provide the right experience, knowledge, training and technology to support companies to achieve their commercial aims. We look forward to demonstrating the benefits of this system to MACH visitors.”

Superior control to aid innovation

Alongside the Airbus drilling cell, the FANUC stand will also showcase the next level of numerical control. The new generation FS500-A CNC is more powerful and faster than any other control system, and is poised to play a major role in automating complex manufacturing processes. Thanks to its very high computing power and new architecture, it enables increasingly complex movements to be controlled with ultra-precision and perfect synchronisation, while also supporting seamless AI integration.

In-house robot system expertise

Finally, the experienced FANUC team will be on hand to outline the importance of working with the right partner when it comes to futureproofing your manufacturing business. As well as collaborating with machine builders, system integrators and other solution providers, FANUC UK also supports end-users directly, through its flagship automation headquarters in Coventry. The company is well equipped to offer manufacturers the entire range of automation support to support the transition to digitalisation – from initial feasibility studies and cell design, through to system building, testing and full commissioning.

“As our history of collaboration proves, the right automation partner can take your manufacturing business to the next level in terms of increasing production output, improving accuracy, ensuring quality and mitigating labour challenges. We are excited to showcase to MACH visitors the range of system building services and level of expertise we have on offer to support them.”

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COMAU’s in.Grid Robot Monitoring system autonomously captures production and process data, identifies performance deviations, signals anomalies, and verifies user-defined KPIs. This statistical and trend-based analysis helps IVECO’s engineering team optimise robot utilisation, reduce unplanned downtime and strengthen overall process reliability.

Aligned with the company’s comprehensive approach, COMAU supported the IVECO project through simultaneous engineering efforts that included installation of the Framing line and the Door line. Not only were both lines designed with a flexible production concept, the COMAU-supplied geogripper Framing line features a ring-shaped layout engineered to minimize non-value-added stations and maximize efficiency.

Similarly, for the Door line, COMAU applied its proprietary table-top standard during the development process. Both the Framing and Door lines utilise COMAU robots and its Versa Pallet transport system.

By integrating in.Grid within the existing automation infrastructure, IVECO has gained a unified digital environment that supports proactive maintenance and informed decision-making. The platform’s capacity to process large volumes of data directly from robot controllers ensures a detailed understanding of each robot’s status, performance, and maintenance needs.

Alongside its monitoring capabilities, in.Grid offers asset management and variable tracking functions, allowing IVECO to visualise historical trends, monitor spot-welding parameters, and improve maintenance scheduling. Furthermore, the intelligent and scalable solution supports future expansion across additional robots, lines, or plants while maintaining the same data integrity and user experience. In tandem, COMAU is working to enrich the advanced scalability of its robot monitoring solution through the enhanced integration of artificial intelligence.

“IVECO and COMAU share a long-standing partnership based on industrial excellence and innovation. As a leader in automation, COMAU has supported the evolution of our manufacturing footprint toward more digital and resilient operations,” said Giuseppe Daresta, head of advanced manufacturing solutions and ESG at IVECO Group. “The in.Grid platform is a key milestone in our digital transformation, enabling predictive maintenance, improved asset performance, and greater efficiency and sustainability across our global production network.”

“Digitalisation is a key element for improving production processes. For this reason, COMAU is dedicated to driving the development of cutting-edge technologies in this area. Our latest solution, in.Grid, provides an advanced layer of digital intelligence to the industrial setting, and we are delighted to see our technology implemented by such an innovative and longstanding partner like IVECO,” emphasised Giovanni Volpes, chief extended Europe officer. “By combining high-frequency monitoring with predictive analytics, the system helps manufacturers like IVECO increase production efficiency and achieve greater process stability.”

The in.Grid platform delivers clear operational advantages, including proactive performance monitoring and analytics that help manufacturers anticipate and resolve issues before they affect production. Its flexible architecture ensures adaptability across different plant sizes while maintaining cost efficiency through a subscription model. By improving process visibility, in.Grid reduces maintenance costs, minimises downtime, and enhances overall production reliability, extending the lifespan and performance of the robotic fleet.

The successful implementation at IVECO Valladolid reflects COMAU’s commitment to delivering intelligent, connected automation solutions that empower manufacturers to achieve measurable improvements in performance, sustainability, and operational resilience.

The IVECO factory in Valladolid is an industrial plant with more than six decades of history where both the light commercial vehicle Daily and the cabs of the heavy range are produced, consolidating itself as a benchmark for efficiency and employment in Castilla y León. In 2022 celebrated the production of the 700,000 unit of the Daily, which reflects the continuity and success of its productive activity. The plant has been recognised for its commitment to Industry 4.0 and continuous improvement, receiving several awards for its innovation and digital transformation.

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