A demonstration robot cell on the FANUC stand at the PPMA show highlighted how packaging companies can enjoy the best of both worlds of optimised productivity combined with the highest levels of operator safety. Completely open on two sides, the cell combined FANUC’s Dual Check Safety (DCS) technology with a safety scanner and safety camera. […]
In response to rising retailer demand for mixed product trays, FANUC has collaborated with integrator Pacepacker Services to engineer a first-of-its-kind robotic pot swap tray loading system. A demonstration cell was on show at PPMA, swapping pots between cardboard trays and featuring FANUC’s fenceless DCS safety technology. The robotic pick and place unit combines FANUC’s […]
On paper, the concept of automating vertical tray packing sounds relatively straightforward. However, even if the packs are presented uniformly to a robot with a vacuum end-effector, the shortcoming will always be ‘how do you get the last pack into the tray?’ The Shingle Tray Loader (STL) designed by Pacepacker Services solves this problem. The […]
This year saw the return of the ABB stand at The PPMA Show. ABB shared its stand with packaging systems specialist RM Group, a member of ABB’s Authorised Value Provider (AVP) network. A highlight of the stand was a demonstration cell featuring ABB’s FlexPicker robots, which are ideal for high speed picking and placing applications […]
Omron reports that it has strengthened its industrial automation business with the acquisition of Adept Technology. Omron will acquire 100% of the outstanding shares of Adept common stock through an all cash tender offer followed by a second-step merger. For 30 years Adept has been an industry leader in the development of innovative and powerful […]
A FANUC M410iC/185 universal palletising robot has been installed in the UK at pulse processor Askew and Barrett, where it has helped to boost productivity by 15-20% and eliminated a potential health and safety risk factor by automating a manual palletising operation. Askew and Barrett sources pulses from key agricultural merchants and then sorts, cleans […]
FANUC UK showcased the capabilities of robots with intelligent vision at the PPMA Show, with a robotic golf cell that will give a masterclass in precision putting. The golf cell featured a FANUC LR Mate 200iD human arm sized mini robot, with both 2D and 3D iRVision technology. The LR Mate 200iD robot will pick and […]
FANUC Robotics UK has extended the application field for collaborative robots with the launch the human-safe CR-35iA which has a 35kg payload. The CR-35iA opens up applications that have previously been off limits for both traditional industrial robots and lighter duty collaborative robots. Over the last couple of years, the first generation of collaborative robots […]
EPSG and members B&R, Cognex, Comau and Festo recently hosted a technology day on the subjects of open robotics and Industry 4.0. More than 120 industry and university experts made their way to Lyon to find out about the latest developments in the field, and discover how the future of Industry 4.0 is already within […]
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 […]
Cost-effective robotic automation products
Mouser Electronics announces a distribution agreement with igus, a global leader in industrial and automation products. With over 60 years of design experience and a strong reputation for quality, igus offers a range of technically advanced “motion plastics” designed for Industry 4.0 and 5.0. The igus product portfolio includes flexible cables, robotic components, motor control […]
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 […]
New off-the-shelf and modular palletisers
End-of-line palletising is a task commonly automated across a range of industries, due to bottlenecks and the risk of repetitive strain injury (RSI) to workers. RARUK Automation can now offer two simple approaches to palletising automation, from partner Robotiq. RARUK Automation is the exclusive UK representative for Robotiq, a Canadian manufacturer of end-of-arm tooling and […]
Comau presents advanced automation at ITSA 2025
Comau showcased its advanced automation technologies at Industrial Transformation Saudi Arabia, (ITSA) held from December 1 to 3 at the Riyadh International Convention and Exhibition Centre (RICEC) at Booth number 1-535. As the region’s leading platform for industrial innovation, the HANNOVER MESSE-backed event brought together global and local stakeholders committed to accelerating smarter, greener, and […]
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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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 […]
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 […]
Robotics impacting on the plastics industry
Nigel Flowers, managing director of Sumitomo (SHI) Demag UK, examines the rise and fall of the robotic march in the plastics industry. A growing number of injection moulders are embracing automation with BARA reporting a 75% rise in robotic integration within the plastics industry between 2013 and 2014. This increase is reflected in our own […]