B&R is expanding its already extensive mapp technology portfolio to include function blocks for all the most commonly used robot kinematic systems. Not only does this allow users to commission robots much more quickly, it also makes maintenance and diagnostics substantially easier. The new robotic functions in mapp include both serial and parallel robot kinematics, […]
Goudsmit Magnetics of Waalre has developed a new magnetic gripper, specially intended for high temperature applications, such as those in the bakery industry. Utilising magnetism and compressed air, these grippers can be used for positioning and placing baking tins on the infeed conveyors as well as for destacking lids from a magazine. The low weight, […]
Schunk’s SVH servo-electric 5-finger gripping hand will be making its UK exhibition debut at Advanced Manufacturing (NEC, Birmingham, 2-4 June 2015), designed to meet the evolving needs of the UK manufacturing sector. It will be shown complete with Schunk’s LWA lightweight arm, controlled via a tablet over Wi-Fi. Replicating the movements and characteristics of the […]
ABB has aquired German collaborative robot specialist Gomtec to expand its own offering in the field of collaborative robots. Gomtec’s Roberta robot (pictured right) complements ABB’s YuMi robot by expanding capabilities into higher payload applications, with YuMi focused primarily on areas such as handling smaller parts. Gomtec’s technology platform will strengthen ABB’s development of a […]
Mitsubishi Electric has developed a new optional Safety Solution MELFA SafePlus for its MELFA F Series industrial robots. The new technology limits the speed, range of movement or torque of the robot when safety sensors are activated, allowing operators to work in close proximity to a moving robot. In today’s flexible production environments, robots and […]
Danish robot manufacturer Universal Robots achieved spectacular growth in 2014, with revenue increasing 70% and profit more than doubling. The company is on track to meet its goal of doubling turnover each year from 2014 to 2017. CEO Enrico Krog Iversen is pleased that Universal Robots has been able to sustain the high, profitable growth […]
Kawasaki Robotics has introduced its latest arc welding robot designed for high output demand in crowded manufacturing environments. The BA-006N welding robot is a completely new ground-up design ideally suited for densely populated welding robot cells, or stand-alone cells, where minimal space is available. With a lightweight arm design and high-output motors, the BA-006N welding […]
The FlexShapeGripper robot gripper from Festo is another of its bionic creations inspired by nature. The FlexShapeGripper provides a flexible and adaptable gripping mechanism that can be used in a wide range of applications. Pictured: the FlexShapeGripper can grasp, pick up and put down several differently shaped objects in one process. The FlexShapeGripper was developed […]
ABB has acquired German mechatronics company Gomtec to expand its offering in the field of collaborative robots. Gomtec’s technology platform will strengthen ABB’s development of a new generation of ‘safe-by-design’ collaborative robots that can be operated outside of cages or protective fencing, expanding opportunities to deploy them in new applications. Pictured: Gomtec’s Roberta colllaborative robot […]
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 […]
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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 […]
Robots can be key for the bakery sector
Chris Sumner, MD of Fanuc UK considers why robotic uptake within the bakery sector has been lower than that in other manufacturing sectors. The bakery sector is extremely broad, covering anything from ingredients, mixes and blends to bread, rolls, cakes and pre-made snack foods. Robotic uptake within the bakery segment has traditionally been lower than […]