Technology

A measuring robot outdoors

A measuring robot outdoors

A robot systematically goes about its business on the rooftop of the John Deere European Technology Innovation Centre – in summer and in winter, in rain, heat, cold or snow. A debilitating outdoor mission that only one robot manufacturer had the confidence to take on, namely Stäubli. Headquartered in the United States, John Deere is […]

By December 10, 2014 Read More →
Flexible cable carriers ensure reliable robotics

Flexible cable carriers ensure reliable robotics

Industrial robots are on the advance worldwide, and for a good reason: they are very versatile and enable short cycle times in production. But those benefits count for little if they cannot be easily, efficiently and effectively integrated into production lines. German integrator KUK-Automation has been providing robot integration services to customers for many years. […]

By December 4, 2014 Read More →
Room gantry from Igus for 3D movements

Room gantry from Igus for 3D movements

Tribopolymer specialist Igus’ latest video looks at the specifications of its new drylin room gantry. Used to implement three-dimensional applications, the room gantry is based on a flat gantry system with a vertical axis. With the limit switch assembly housed within a T-slot, the complete length of the room gantry profile can be used, enhancing […]

By December 4, 2014 Read More →
Robot gripping strategies and selection process

Robot gripping strategies and selection process

Robotiq has published a blog post ‘End Effector Gripping Strategies’ that presents numerous strategies that the company’s engineers have seen, and how a gripper can be best used in different applications. The blog post is supplemented with a 12-page downloadable eBook, ‘How to choose the right end effector for your application’. In particular, the blog […]

By December 3, 2014 Read More →
Robots help food processors future proof their plants

Robots help food processors future proof their plants

Ten years ago UK food prices were far lower than they are today – and since the bank collapse of 2008 many people have lower incomes. Food processers are aware of this and are increasingly looking to robots and automation to address their operating efficiency. “There is a constant drive for improvement in food processing,” […]

By December 2, 2014 Read More →
Robot safety: top tips for working alongside robots

Robot safety: top tips for working alongside robots

Darren Whittall, technical manager at FANUC UK, explains why worker safety should be a top priority in all robotic applications and the steps you can take to avoid robot-related accidents when humans are sharing the same workspace. Scope out all potential hazards – Safety risks will vary depending on your chosen robot and application. Start […]

By November 12, 2014 Read More →
Food industry robot uptake is accelerating

Food industry robot uptake is accelerating

Although way behind the rest of the EU and US markets in terms of sales, the UK food industry has taken a sudden interest in food industry robot technology over the last 12 months, writes John Rainer, regional sales manager for Fanuc UK (pictured left). We predict that food industry robot sales to this sector […]

By November 3, 2014 Read More →
Direct drive robotic arms support lean automation

Direct drive robotic arms support lean automation

Expanding its range of cost-effective modular robolink systems, Igus introduces the robolink D direct drive articulated arm – a tougher, more durable solution compared with remote drive versions – supporting lean automation. Typical robotic applications are repetitive tasks, such as on assembly lines and pick-and-place equipment. To support this, the new robolink D system is […]

By October 17, 2014 Read More →
Food grade robot technology sees increased demand

Food grade robot technology sees increased demand

To demonstrate the benefits of robotics within the food industry, FANUC has developed a food grade robot picker cell, combining both an articulated arm food grade robot and a delta style food grade robot. The IP67 certified food picker cell (measuring 4×2.2m and 2.35m tall) is designed to orientate and pack a wide variety of unpackaged […]

By October 14, 2014 Read More →
Articulated robot helps make textile products

Articulated robot helps make textile products

An articulated robot installation is playing its part in making Stretchline Holdings a world leader in the development and manufacture of textile elastics. The innovative use and application of silicone material, for compression or grip, to textiles for fashion, medical, sports wear and every day garments has been made cost-effective by the flexibility and control […]

By October 9, 2014 Read More →