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. With thousands of products available from stock, igus supports applications across thousands of industries, proving that high-performance plastics are the sustainable and cost-effective way to achieve operational success.

At this year’s exhibition, visitors can explore a wide selection of igus technologies, including energy chains, flexible cables, plain bearings, linear guides and lead screw systems. All products are rigorously tested in their test laboratories to ensure predictable service life and proven durability in demanding environments.

As a global leader in motion plastics, igus’ expertise extends beyond energy chains and bearings to 3D‑printed wear‑resistant parts, smart plastics for condition monitoring and its rapidly growing RBTX platform for low‑cost automation.

RBTX: Making automation accessible

A major highlight on the stand will be live robotics displays from the RBTX platform. RBTX is the online marketplace designed to help SMEs, start‑ups and manufacturers increase productivity without the high investment typically associated with automation. RBTX brings together robot manufacturers, component suppliers and automation partners on a single platform, offering complete systems or individual components for tasks such as pick‑and‑place, assembly and inspection.

To celebrate the event, igus is running a daily prize competition on the stand. Attendees can take part in the ‘Spin‑the‑Wheel challenge’, giving them the chance to win £1000 off their next igus order. One new winner will be selected from the pool of successful spinners every day of the exhibition, offering multiple opportunities for visitors to participate throughout the week.

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This recognition marks the fourth major industry award for the PINovAlign system, underscoring its impact on high-speed, high-precision photonics alignment. The platform combines advanced motion control, integrated alignment algorithms, and high-performance hardware to significantly improve throughput and repeatability in photonic device manufacturing and testing.

Designed for silicon photonics wafer testing, high-throughput fibre alignment, FAU (fibre array unit) alignment, and PIC (photonic integrated circuit) alignment in both test and assembly environments, PINovAlign’s parallel, multi-channel optimisation approach addresses one of the key bottlenecks in scaling silicon photonics manufacturing. By combining high-dynamics precision motion with embedded alignment intelligence, the system enables rapid, repeatable coupling of optical components with nanometre-level accuracy.

At the core of the platform, the PILightning algorithm dramatically accelerates first-light acquisition and alignment convergence compared to legacy, sequential methods. This results in significantly shorter cycle times, higher yield, and improved process stability – critical factors for volume production.

As silicon photonics continues to emerge as a foundational technology for AI infrastructure and next-generation data centres, the need for fast, automated, and scalable alignment solutions becomes essential. By reducing alignment time from minutes to seconds and enabling parallel, multi-channel optimisation, PINovAlign helps remove a major barrier to mass adoption, supporting the growth of an industry that will underpin future high-speed data communication.

By replacing electrons with photons, photonic computer chips have the potential to save huge amounts of energy in next generation data centres.

A long-standing automation partnership between a Swiss machine builder and one of the world’s leading manufacturers of industrial robots is aiming to help transform the pharmaceutical supply chain in Europe with the launch of what is believed to be the ‘smallest’ automated palletising cell for vials and pre-filled syringes.

Swiss-based Robotronic has partnered with Mitsubishi Electric’s Factory Automation EMEA division for more than two decades. Now, the two organisations are collaborating together on a new low-footprint cell to help the pharmaceutical industry overcome record-high shortages across Europe in recent years for medicines ranging from children’s cough syrups through to antibiotics and even cancer treatments.

The growing demand, which has impacted patient treatment and quality of life, has led the European Medicines Agency to increasingly focus on one of the main causes of shortages – manufacturing and quality issues – with the aim of ultimately strengthening the fragile pharmaceutical supply chain.

Mike Weber, founder of Robotronic, says faster production is required to shorten lead times and cope with the ever-increasing demand. “We are a Swiss company concentrating on machine building with robotic applications for the pharmaceutical industry, including everything from de-nesting and re-nesting, through to de-traying, re-traying, and palletising. We have specific expertise in vial and pre-filled syringe handling, offering solutions that deliver maximum efficiency with a small footprint, and enabling pharmaceutical manufacturers to rise to the challenges in their supply chain.”

One of the key challenges for Robotronics is compliance. “Pharmaceutical consistency is about more than quality,” says Mike. “It is also about regulatory compliance and safety.

“To get the required productivity, we need two robots working very closely together at high-speed, but we also need the assurance that the delicate products being handled will not be damaged in the process.”

The Robotronic choice is Mitsubishi Electric, specifically the FR series, a highly flexible robot with compact arm sizes that is equipped with SoftTouch technology.

The result is a small footprint automation solution with increased productivity for handling pallets as small as 120cm x 80cm. Most importantly, the FR series has built-in compliance control that offers soft touch capability that delivers zero product damage with no glass-to-glass contact, no broken glass and is easy-to-clean.

“The challenge was to have two robots operating side by side in a confined environment without compromising speed or precision,” says Mike. “With Mitsubishi Electric’s help, we have two robots driving at full speed within millimetres of each other with no possibility of collision. This enables our cells to process up to 600 products a minute, without really challenging the robots.”

He concludes: “The relationship between Robotronic and Mitsubishi Electric is a true technological partnership – a combination of deep pharmaceutical process expertise allied to best-in-class robotic technology. Together, we believe we can develop machines that can shorten lead times and create a more robust pharmaceutical supply chain.”

Stefan Knauf, Division Manager at Mitsubishi Electric Factory Automation – German Branch, adds: “The biggest challenge was enabling Robotronic to safely and continuously operate two robots side-by-side in a confined environment, without compromising speed or precision. Our FR series robots with additional servo axis perfectly matched their requirements to deliver high throughput from a small footprint.

“The unique, built-in compliance control also allows the robots to gently handle glass vials without the risk of damage. Ultimately, in pharmaceutical production, consistency isn’t just about quality, it is about regulatory compliance and safety. Our relationship with Robotronic is a true technological partnership. Mike and his team bring deep pharmaceutical process expertise and we bring robotics innovation.”

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CSD’s stand will demonstrate its dual capabilities in bespoke automation and manual handling solutions. The company specialises in designing and building custom automation systems for a wide range of industrial applications, including assembly and sorting processes. Alongside this, CSD provides industrial manipulators that improve operator safety and efficiency by removing the physical strain associated with handling heavy components.

A key highlight of the stand will be a live manipulator demonstration, featuring CSD’s Manipulift system working in partnership with Desoutter tools. Visitors will be able to interact directly with the equipment, using the manipulator to lift, position and place objects with ease. The demonstration will show how the system absorbs torque during fastening operations, reducing operator fatigue and improving consistency.

“To further emphasise ease of use, we’ll also be inviting attendees to take part in an interactive activity involving moving and sorting objects using the manipulator,” explained Chris Pykerman, managing director at CSD Automation. “This hands-on approach will demonstrate just how lightweight, intuitive and precise the system is in real-world applications.”

Desoutter will showcase how its expertise in handheld assembly tools seamlessly translates into fixtured solutions and integrated spindles, making it easier than ever for system integrators to incorporate high-performance tooling into automated environments. Featured products will include Desoutter’s range of EFBCA fast integration spindles and its Axon digital control platform, both designed to simplify integration while maintaining precision, traceability and reliability.

To showcase how these solutions can integrate into industrial automation systems, CSD will display a KUKA industrial robot equipped with Desoutter tooling. While the robot on the stand will remain stationary, it will represent a fully automated solution where vision systems can identify fastening points and guide the robot to complete assembly tasks with accuracy and repeatability.

“MACH embodies the core of our expertise,” said Alexander Hale, product manager at Desoutter Industrial Tools. “Our goal is to demonstrate just how easy it is to integrate advanced tooling into automated environments, whether a manufacturer has fully embraced automation or is just at its starting point. Collaborating with CSD allows us to showcase exactly how our tools behave in real-world environments, giving show attendees a true insight into a complete system set-up.”

On stand 18-640 in Hall 18, visitors will experience the latest developments in collaborative robots, industrial automation cells, digital engineering tools and lifecycle service and support offerings for metals fabrication applications.

“Demand for automation in metal fabrication is accelerating, especially for welding applications where 29 percent of manufacturers have identified automation as a major priority to help them meet a shortfall in skilled manual workers,” said Alan Conn, Managing Director at ABB Robotics UK & Ireland. “This trend reflects a growing need for the industry to embrace robotic automation to improve productivity and address ongoing skilled labour shortages.”

Exhibits will include examples of ABB’s OmniVance collaborative Arc Welding and Machine Tending application cells. The arc welding cell will show how welding operations can be automated quickly and easily using a collaborative robot. Designed for high-mix, low-volume production environments, the cell enables operators to program welding sequences in minutes using an intuitive Easy Teach Device, reducing programming time and making robotic welding accessible even to first-time users.

The collaborative machine tending solution will demonstrate how cobots can automate repetitive loading and unloading tasks. Based on standardized hardware and intuitive interfaces, the cell simulates a typical machine tending process, enabling operators to manage production through a simple teach-and-run approach.

Alongside the OmniVance cells will be ABB Robotics’ FlexLoader FP800 high-performance robotic cell, highlighting how manufacturers can automate complex material handling tasks while maintaining flexibility and high productivity. Using advanced 3D vision technology, the cell demonstrates a semi-structured bin picking application, showing robots identifying and picking randomly oriented components.

The stand will also showcase ABB Robotics’ digital capabilities, with demonstrations of RobotStudio, the industry-leading offline simulation and programming software tool. RobotStudio enables manufacturers to design, program and optimise robotic systems in a virtual environment before deployment, reducing commissioning time and improving production efficiency.

Supplementing these demonstrations will be a focus on ABB Robotics’ Modernisation Services showing how ABB Robotics can help manufacturers to combine robotics, digital engineering tools and lifecycle services, including upgrades and optimisation, to build smarter, more flexible factories and remain competitive in an increasingly automated manufacturing landscape.

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The agreement signed by Comau and Reis Robotics, respectively Italian and German companies, testifies to the strength of the European technology framework in advanced industrial development. The initiative brings together the complementary expertise and experience of both companies to design and deliver integrated complex systems that improve efficiency, flexibility, and scalability, with the initial focus on sectors such as shipbuilding, intralogistics, giga casting, battery production, heavy industry and critical infrastructure, among others.

The cooperation combines Reis Robotics’ proprietary control technology, and multi-process automation with Comau’s global industrial footprint and advanced automated solutions and robotics portfolio. A further element of the agreement sees Comau and Reis Robotics working together to identify and develop additional market segments and technical applications where their combined expertise can generate value.

“Working together with Reis Robotics is an important element in our diversification strategy and a further demonstration of our pledge to bring advanced automation technologies to new sectors and applications,” emphasised Pietro Gorlier, CEO of Comau. “The synergy that comes from uniting our shared expertise, allows us to pro-actively meet the evolving needs of the market, where automation is becoming an increasingly key factor, and to strengthen our presence in Germany in particular, which represents a key market for us.”

“The cooperation with Comau represents a strategically important step in strengthening our international business and expanding our capabilities in key industrial sectors,” said Uwe Eich, Managing Director of Reis Robotics. “By combining our expertise in system integration and automation with Comau’s global reach, we are well positioned to deliver efficient and scalable solutions to our customers.”

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Like many other industries, the woodworking sector faces a variety of challenges. These include quality assurance, untapped efficiency potential, and a shortage of skilled workers. One possible response is further automation. Automation can reduce errors, improve quality, and increase efficiency. In addition, production can be increased and accelerated because machines can operate 24/7 and perform quality control faster and more precisely than humans. Finally, the increasingly scarce human resources can be deployed more purposefully by automating monotonous and physically demanding tasks.

HOMAG Bohrsysteme has developed an automated solution that addresses these challenges. The company is part of the HOMAG Group and provides customers in the woodworking industry with a wide range of support options through its high-tech machines and systems. Its product portfolio includes CNC machining centres, through-feed drilling machines, drilling and dowel-insertion machines, as well as machines for drilling and fitting insertion technology.

The newly developed solution focuses on fully automated loading of a vertical CNC machining centre. At the literal centre of the system is a robot that picks wooden workpieces from a stack, feeds them into the CNC machine, and removes and places them after processing. The key feature is that the workpieces are all individual and their shape and size are not known in advance. In addition, they are arranged chaotically on the stack. Furthermore, not only are the workpieces different from one another, but each must also be drilled individually. The relevant information is stored in a barcode on the workpiece.

Machine vision enables processing to take place completely autonomously despite these challenges. With the help of the machine vision software MVTec HALCON, the robot can recognise the different workpieces and grasp them safely. The software executes numerous algorithms and also reads the barcode information on the workpieces, forwarding it to the CNC machine. Based on this information, the required, different drilling operations are carried out.

Fully automating a labour-intensive process step

Such a fully automated cell developed by HOMAG is in operation at the carpentry workshop of MAB Möbel AG. The company from Muotathal, Switzerland, has been producing quality furniture since 1951 based on ecological and design-oriented principles.

“We want to continue developing with solutions that truly make sense. The further development of the cell with laser scanning and chaotic stacking was the function we had been waiting for. This allows the cell to meet our goal of batch size 1 production – and only then does automation make sense for us,” explains Luca Zingg, member of the management board responsible for corporate development at MAB.

Until now, an employee handled the loading of the CNC machining centre. This involved picking up the workpieces, scanning the attached barcode, placing them into the CNC machine, and depositing them on another pallet after processing. After several hours, this monotonous task becomes physically demanding and is not particularly efficient in terms of profitability.

Tobias Schwarz, Senior Director Product Development at HOMAG Bohrsysteme, explains the goal of the automation: “MAB has set itself the objective of increasing productivity, deploying employees more effectively – and above all in less physically demanding workplaces – and thereby reducing costs.

Another advantage of a fully automated production process is that the workpieces no longer need to be sorted before processing, since the application can also handle chaotically arranged stacks. This saves time in the upstream process step, which further increases productivity.”

The challenge during implementation was to develop a completely new solution, as nothing like this previously existed on the market. The task is also not easy for the machine vision system. This is due, firstly, to the enormous variety of workpieces – different surface decors must also be processed. Secondly, the image processing must function under ambient light. Because not every area is fully illuminated, less powerful vision systems may have difficulty determining the exact position of the workpieces. Finally, it is technically demanding to separate the surfaces of relatively flat boards.

“Despite these challenges, it was clear that such a fully automated solution had to be based on machine vision. We had to teach the robot to see. With other technologies, such as sensors, practical implementation would be virtually impossible – particularly in terms of speed,” explains Schwarz.

Enabling the robot to recognise individual workpieces

The application consists of several hardware components. At its core is a six-axis robot. A vacuum surface gripper system is used as an end effector. A 3D laser scanner is also mounted on the robot’s gripper arm. The drilling operations take place in the DRILLTEQ V-310 CNC machining centre from HOMAG. The machining centre offers a wide range of options for precise processing of wooden workpieces.

For the machine vision software, HOMAG chose MVTec HALCON. “We have been working with MVTec’s software for some time. HALCON has a huge pool of machine vision operators that allow virtually all machine vision applications to be implemented robustly. In addition, the software is flexible when it comes to combining different hardware components. And if technical questions arise, you can simply contact MVTec’s customer service,” explains Schwarz regarding the decision.

At MAB, the production process proceeds as follows: An employee places wooden workpieces onto an unknown and chaotic stack in the work area. The robot then moves over the stack so that the 3D laser scanner can scan it from above. The laser scanner then creates a 3D point cloud – a highly precise three-dimensional representation of objects consisting of numerous individual data points.

After image acquisition, the machine vision software MVTec HALCON extracts the top layer of wooden workpieces from the 3D point cloud and determines the spatial position of each individual workpiece. A stacking algorithm then calculates the optimal order in which the robot should remove the workpieces. This is an important detail because an unevenly unloaded stack could collapse. The robot then begins its work, removing the wooden workpieces according to the calculated order and transferring them to the CNC machining center. Before this, the 3D laser scanner captures a 2D image of the code. MVTec HALCON reads the code and transmits the information to the machine.

The workpiece is then processed according to this information. Afterward, the robot picks up the workpiece again and places it on the target stack.

Multiple image processing tasks

“We are seeing machine vision becoming increasingly popular in the woodworking industry and among carpentry workshops. Our software, MVTec HALCON, offers numerous methods – for example for inspection tasks or for collaboration with robots – that can sustainably support automation and digitalisation in this sector,” says Jan Gärtner, Product Manager HALCON at MVTec.

For the robot in the MAB system to work autonomously and grasp the workpieces precisely, the machine vision software must perform several tasks. First, MVTec HALCON converts the 3D point cloud into information for further processing. For this purpose, HALCON uses 3D object models. This central container forms the starting point for creating a coordinate system within the machine vision software, which is then transmitted to the robot.

Various HALCON operators first determine the distance from the gripper to the pallet, then calculate the top layer of workpieces, and finally determine the precise position of each individual workpiece. These positions are integrated into the coordinate system of the HALCON machine vision software and transferred to the robot.

During the 3D scanner’s capture of the top layer of the pallet, it also records 2D images. HALCON uses these images to read the information from the barcode attached to each workpiece. The challenge here is that the captured image is quite large, while the barcode region is correspondingly small. Reading such small barcodes is a major challenge for any industrial image processing software.

“The image-processing part of the implementation was not entirely trivial. Because of the flat boards, we had to combine 2D and 3D methods. This was possible with HALCON and significantly simplified the implementation,” explains Schwarz.

The system went into operation at MAB Möbel AG in summer 2025. “Thanks to the close coordination with the partners involved, we were able to achieve very good results right from commissioning. The system is now operating very reliably, which makes us very satisfied and gives us confidence for the future,” explains Luca Zingg.

“The increased level of automation significantly relieves MAB, as the employees who previously carried out this task can now focus on other, more important activities. At the same time, this solution represents an important development for us, because it allows us to significantly increase the automation level of our core machines and thus offer customers additional added value,” adds Tobias Schwarz, continuing: “Machine vision plays an important role here, because the technology acts as an automation enabler. In our collaboration with MVTec, we see the opportunity to offer our customers first-class and reliable solutions.”

Tekpak is known for solving complex packaging line challenges with proven, modular automation. Built on over 25 years’ experience supporting pharmaceutical and food manufacturers, its systems are designed to integrate seamlessly with existing lines, fit constrained spaces and enable tool-less changeovers.

Tekpak’s team of experts will be on hand at interpack to showcase the firm’s portfolio of automated packaging solutions. The centerpiece will be the TD3/R Series – a dynamic 3-axis robotic pick-and-place cell suitable for loading or stacking products into trays, cases, cartons, a thermoformer or a flow-wrapper infeed.

Ideal in cleanroom environments or where space is limited, the compact automated system is inherently flexible, offering rapid size change capability and boasting a quick-change gripper for multiple formats. Highly accurate thanks to robot positional accuracy of ±0.1mm and position tracking using vision control, the system also offers manufacturers superior product control, gentle handling and optimal safety functions – along with easy-to-use controls and accessible touch-screen displays.

“Rising energy costs, labour shortages and increasing operational pressure are putting significant strain on manufacturers’ margins, and many are being forced to rethink how their lines perform,” says Frankie Rose, Technical Sales Manager at Tekpak. “Our accurate, reliable and modular automation solutions are helping customers reduce operating costs while improving OEE. We’re looking forward to demonstrating how our pick-and-place technology delivers this in practice at interpack.”

Beyond pick-and-place, Tekpak supports a wide range of applications, from cartoning and case packing to full packaging lines, with turnkey integration available where required.

Taking place in Düsseldorf from 7-13 May 2026, interpack is the world’s leading trade fair for the packaging industry and will once again highlight the latest equipment, innovations and trends across a multitude of sectors.

This makes it suitable for applications such as logistics, automation and robotics, where precise 3D data is required at real-world process speeds.

The Nion captures moving objects with virtually no blurring. Its high resistance to stray light ensures reproducible measurement results both indoors and outdoors. The measuring range of 0.3 to 7.5 metres covers typical industrial scenarios. The robust IP67-rated housing allows it to be used in more demanding environments. Power over Ethernet (PoE) reduces installation effort and cabling.

Patrick Schick, Product Manager for 3DVision and Imaging Software at IDS, says: “The Nion provides stable depth data even under variable lighting conditions. This provides a solid foundation for automation processes that rely on fast and accurate 3D data.”

Compared to standard ToF cameras on the market, the onsemi AR0130 depth sensor offers higher resolution, lower noise, more stable results in ambient light and improved motion stability. This enables the Nion to achieve high depth accuracy even when objects are moving quickly and under variable lighting conditions.

Thanks to its compact design, high measurement quality and excellent value for money, the Nion offers a straightforward introduction to 3D image processing. Companies can integrate the camera flexibly into existing systems and benefit from a cost-effective solution for reliable depth data. “In many cases, existing 2D processes can be retained and supplemented with depth data where necessary, if this aids decision-making within the process,” emphasises Patrick Schick.

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While early cryogenic motion solutions relied on stacked XYZ stages, emerging applications now require 5- and 6-degree-of-freedom alignment systems capable of handling larger payloads and more complex optical configurations.

PI’s concept approach centres on compact, 6DOF parallel-kinematics, designed to deliver nanometre-scale precision across multiple axes within the confined environments of cryostats and dilution refrigerators. Engineered to support key optical tasks – including beam steering, lens aberration correction, polarization control, fibre alignment, and precision positioning of dispersive elements such as gratings and prisms – these systems operate at ultra-low temperatures down below 4K, while enabling motion of several hundred grams over millimetre-scale travel ranges, all with high stability and repeatability.

Hexapod-type parallel kinematics enable simultaneous control of all six degrees of freedom, reducing error accumulation common in stacked systems. Additional advantages include low inertia, requiring less energy, a programmable pivot point for precise rotational alignment, and an open aperture for unobstructed optical access.

The piezo-based architecture minimises heat generation and enables self-locking operation even when power is switched off, an advantage for thermally sensitive low-temperature environments. Non-magnetic materials and UHV compatibility further support integration near sensitive quantum devices.

With this initiative, PI is positioning its motion technologies to support the next generation of quantum research and advanced cryogenic photonic systems.