For safe protection zone monitoring even in rugged conditions, the Pilz portfolio now includes another sensor for the safe radar system PSENradar: the new radar sensor PSEN rd1.2 can be used for Cat. 3 / PL d and so can safely protect robot applications too. In conjunction with the equally new analysing unit PSEN rd1.x […]
Sick Safety Machine Analytics is a simple new live data-collection service that makes machine safety systems transparent, so that events can be responded to rapidly, while longer-term analysis optimises maintenance and improves productivity. The Sick Safety Machine Analytics displays a live visualisation of one or more machines so users can monitor the status of safety […]
Sick has developed its next-generation SLG-2 light grids to combine higher levels of optical performance with smart sensor capability in an ultra-slim housing. The Sick SLG-2 extends integration versatility beyond switched outputs to incorporate measurement, classification, and Smart Tasks, while also providing data for diagnostic evaluation. The Sick SLG-2 family offers a choice of resolutions […]
3D safety systems are a good option for reliably monitoring danger zones. They present a safe alternative, even in harsh environments where, for example, sparks, dirt and dust occur. They are therefore also a solution for applications where previously optical sensors were unable to provide a reliable answer Leuze’s LBK safety radar system implements an […]
Industrial or collaborative? This is the question everyone is asking. We all want to get the most out of our production, however the demarcation line between the two options is not as clear as you might think. It all depends on the setting in which the machine operates, how operators need to interact with the […]
Sick has launched the first multibeam safety scanner in the world to use safe, solid-state LiDAR technology to enable small autonomous vehicles and line-guided shuttle systems to operate more quickly and productively. With the SICK scanGrid2, small transport vehicles like Automated Mobile Robots (AMRs) can operate safely at higher speeds and with higher payloads for […]
Safety has top priority in industrial environments. Leuze has a new safety solution for use in this area: the LBK safety radar system – a 3D solution for use in environments with dirt, welding sparks, sawdust, smoke or humidity. The system safeguards danger zones of machinery and systems – even in harsh environments. “The big […]
Believe it or not, the laser scanner is 50-years-old. Sick invented the very first laser scanner and the technology has certainly advanced significantly since those early days, having an impact in particular on safety. Dr Martin Kidman, safety specialist at Sick UK, looks at some of these developments, and details seven steps to a successful […]
Pilz Automation Technology has updated one of their well-established training courses, ‘Basis of CE Marking’, to include elements with a focus on UKCA Marking. The updated course, now called ‘Basis of CE and UKCA Marking’, aims to provide participants with comprehensive knowledge of both processes through step-by-step classroom sessions and practical exercises on a 3D […]
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 […]
Automating with robotics at MachineBuilding.South
Industry commentators agree that UK manufacturers will need to increase their investment in robotics if they are to keep up with international competition. At MachineBuilding.South you can find out how, with numerous exhibits from robotics, control, automation and safety specialists. LG Motion (Stand 46) will be showcasing Techman Robot (TM Robot) collaborative robots at MachineBuilding.South with […]
Annual robot shipments to top 760k units in 2030
The industrial robot industry saw 5.1% growth in 2025, following a contraction of -2% in 2024, Interact Analysis reports. The market is now forecast to record steady growth out to 2030, at an average annual rate of 6.7%, rising from 549,555 units in 2025 to 761,303 units in 2030. The latest industrial robots report from […]
Universal Robots hosts Food & Beverage Masterclass
The Food & Beverage Masterclass, hosted by Universal Robots in June, 2026 at Riseholme Park in Lincoln, brought together industry professionals for a practical and engaging half-day event focused on end of line automation with collaborative robots (cobots). Designed to give attendees a clear understanding of how automation can be successfully implemented in food 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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Gourmet-food-maker automates packaging process
Rockwell Automation has announced that Cranswick, one of Britain’s leading manufacturers of premium gourmet foods, has commissioned a new robotic end-of-line pick-and-place system using autonox Robotics. Every year, Cranswick produces millions of “pigs-in-blankets” (sausages wrapped in bacon) for the Christmas market. The final stage of the process – picking the sausages off the conveyor belt […]
Universal Robots hosts Food & Beverage Masterclass
The Food & Beverage Masterclass, hosted by Universal Robots in June, 2026 at Riseholme Park in Lincoln, brought together industry professionals for a practical and engaging half-day event focused on end of line automation with collaborative robots (cobots). Designed to give attendees a clear understanding of how automation can be successfully implemented in food and […]
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, […]
Robots can help to keep people safe in the workplace
Over the course of the last year, robots have helped manufacturers protect human operators by achieving social distancing whilst maintaining high throughput in the manufacturing process. However, robots and automated applications can do much more to create a highly efficient industrial environment where the health, safety and wellbeing of employees are prioritised. Barry Weller, robot […]