There are implications for safety not just when a robot is installed, but each time it is reprogrammed, and perimeter guarding should be assessed and reconsidered on each occasion to ensure it is meeting the safety requirements. Should the guarding need adjustment, the advantages of modular perimeter guarding systems come to the fore. So says […]
Ensuring worker safety should be the prime consideration in all robot applications, especially when humans and robots may need to share the same workspace. “Robot safety is an issue that transcends the requirements of specific industry sectors or applications,” says Darren Whittall, technical manager at FANUC UK. “In addition to regulatory requirements, there is also […]
With SafeMOTION Release 1.9, B&R has updated the robot safety functions for the ACOPOSmulti servo drive family. In addition to two new functions – Remanent Safe Position (RSP) and Safely Limited Acceleration (SLA) – this update also introduces machine options for SafeMOTION parameters and improves both system availability and user-friendliness in applications where robot safety […]
With their SafeROBOTICS functions, B&R says its controllers open the way for new solutions for cooperation between humans and robots. These solutions built on SafeROBOTICS will be the focal point of B&R’s stand at the Anuga FoodTec trade fair in Cologne, Germany, 24-27 March. Pictured right: B&R will present SafeROBOTICS solutions at Anuga FoodTec 2015. […]
For reasons of safety, industrial robots tend to be segregated from humans, which can restrict the types of tasks that robots perform. This has led robot technologists to search for solutions to set robots free from their cages. If this can be achieved, the combination of dexterity and problem-solving skills of humans along with precision […]
In this month’s podcast we look at the growth of collaborative robotics, investigate why it is essential to invest in robotic automation, and look at how use of robots will boost productivity by 30%. We also highlight a new seminar on robotic safety for integrators. [soundcloud url="https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/193152270" params="color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false" width="100%" height="166" iframe="true" /]
PPMA has announced a one day seminar covering Robotic Safety for Integrators, at the Manchester Airport Marriott Hotel on 5 March 2015. The seminar will look the requirements of EN ISO 10218-1:2011 Robotics and Robotic Devices – Safety Requirements for Industrial Robots, focusing on both Part 1: Robots and Part 2: Robot Systems and Integration. […]
As the efficiency of robot applications generally increases, the closer human and machine are able to work together. Static safeguards are increasingly reaching their limits. The trend is moving away from full enclosures for robot cells in favour of human-robot collaborations (HRC), which manage without guards where possible, but still guarantee operator safety. In practice, […]
As the robotics community comes to recognise the potential for productivity improvements offered by alternative guarding strategies, Leuze Electronic has announced a new series of safety laser scanners – the RSL 400 series – that have been designed to offer extended functionality, greater versatility, and simple configuration via Bluetooth and Ethernet. The RSL 400 series […]
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 […]
igus makes predictive maintenance simple
Now more than ever, downtime is costly. To combat this, igus developed i.Cee, a smart plastics system that turns passive components into intelligent assets. By analysing data from sensors embedded in energy chains, bearings, and cables, i.Cee enables dynamic service life prediction, real-time alerts, and automated maintenance scheduling. Whether you are running high-speed packaging lines […]
igus introduces new humanoid robot
Humanoid robots are beginning to support industries in various ways, but what do they really bring to the table? Motion plastics specialist, igus is offering its first humanoid robot, ‘Iggy Rob’. According to estimates, 20 million humanoid robots could be in use in industry by 2030. The demand for this technology is increasing rapidly among […]
igus introduces new SID1 robotic dog
Robot dogs are being used for a variety of tasks, ranging from preserving heritage sites to assisting in manufacturing plants. igus has introduced its own quadruped robot, the SID1 bionic robot. Advancements in robotic dogs designed for surveillance and security purposes are showcasing the rapid development and deployment of technology. These quadruped robots are equipped […]
RARUK Automation to offer collaborative 7th axis
Leading automation distributor, RARUK Automation, has announced a new partnership with Thomson, a Regal Rexnord Brand. The global leader in mechanical motion technology recently launched the Movotrak CTU (cobot transfer unit). RARUK Automation, known for supplying Universal Robots collaborative robots (cobots), can now offer Movotrak CTU as a complimentary product to its customers. The Movotrak […]
Live pick-and-pace demo at MachineBuilding.Live
For 2025, a key attraction at MachineBuilding.Live is the expanded number of Action Areas where leading experts from across the machine building and factory automation spectrum will be providing live demonstrations of their latest technologies and innovations. The LG Motion Action Area will showcase a live precision pick-and-place demonstration in an industrial automation setting. Visitors […]
Cobot boosts out-of-hours productivity at EMS
Based in Dorset, Electro Mechanical Systems (EMS) is a supplier of small DC motors and linear actuators. Equipped with the latest CNC machine tools and a dedicated gear cutting suite, EMS manufactures bespoke actuation systems for a range of industries. In order to boost output and keep production running after working hours, EMS has deployed […]
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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OMRON robots automate poultry packing line
CP Foods UK is a major poultry producer supplying leading retailers, manufacturers and foodservice operators across the UK. With operations rooted in food safety, quality, and adaptability, the company constantly seeks ways to respond to shifting retailer and consumer demands. In its UK facilities, CP Foods UK prepares and packages chicken products for a dynamic […]
Automation and robotics for brewing and beverage
ABB and its machine and factory automation business, B&R Industrial Automation, will exhibit brewery and beverage technologies together at drinktec 2025, the world economic summit for the beverage and liquid food industry, giving visitors a chance to see how ABB technologies combine to optimise operations across the full production cycle. Spanning process control, adaptive manufacturing […]
Cobot sparkles in food factory cleaning solution
Samey Robotics and Rbot9 have chosen the FANUC CRX-10iA/L collaborative robot to power a game-changing cleaning system they have jointly developed for food factories. Named VOTTA, inspired by the Icelandic word for ‘certify’ and echoing the sound of ‘Þvotta’ (‘washing’), the system offers overhead, automated cleaning of large-scale areas without bulky structures or layout changes. […]