Speeding up adoption of industrial automation and robotics can lead to dramatic improvements in productivity, according to a new report just published by experts at the Coventry-based Manufacturing Technology Centre and the Industrial Policy Research Centre, Loughborough University. ‘Robotics and Automation: A New Perspective’ says that the slow uptake of robotics among British manufacturers, and […]
If you’re looking for precise handling, with no lubrication, no mess and no fuss, then Igus has the solution in the form of its low-cost automation gantry systems. You can also program it all via the iRC – Igus Robot Control system. In this video Igus shows how easy it is to program the gantry […]
With robots now an essential element in many manufacturing facilities, users are benefiting from the increases in productivity, quality and consistency which these systems deliver. The high levels of reliability and uptime associated with robot systems however can sometimes lead to complacency when it comes to planning preventative maintenance schedules. There is little doubt that […]
Labour shortages have reached chronic levels in the food and drink industry. Stuart Coulton, UK market development manager at Omron Industrial Automation, argues that manufacturers can automate their way out of the crisis. Long-held fears that robots might rob human workers of their jobs are finally starting to dissipate with the realisation that there simply […]
New servo technology from Festo is helping Grolsch to put the iconic swing tops on its bottles of lager. The ‘swing-top transfer unit’ was custom-designed by Festo in conjunction with system integrator MCA Linear Motion Robotics and is installed at the Grolsch Enschede plant in The Netherlands. The ‘swing-top transfer unit’ provides approximately 3,800 swing-top […]
Under the laws of cricket, it is illegal for players to rub any substance other than saliva and sweat onto the ball, let alone scuffing it with their fingernails. Similarly, strict rules apply to the manufacturing of cricket balls. Cricket ball manufacturer Kookaburra designed its first ever machine tending robotic system to produce the perfect […]
Yamaha Motor Robotics Factory Automation Section shared advanced robotics and Haribo sweets with visitors at Motek 2021, held in Stuttgart from October 5-8. Europe’s showcase for state-of-the-art industrial automation, Motek presented one of the first opportunities in almost two years for the region’s robotics experts to meet face to face. “We were encouraged at the […]
Whether creating unique store concepts, futuristic concrete stairs and modern building facades, Dutch architectural design company Aectual produces very special architectural projects with the help of its robot-driven XXL 3D printer. For reliable ‘lights-out’ robot operation, the designers opted for highly flexible chainflex cables in a triflex R energy chain with a pneumatic retraction system. […]
Oakmount Control Systems is utilising the benefits of two FlexiBowl parts feeders and two Shibaura SCARA robots – both supplied by RARUK Automation – as part of an automated system that assembles plastic badges for a leading badge maker in Cornwall. The system, which has replaced manual assembly operations, can run 24 hours a day […]
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 […]
Delta cobots win BIG SEE Product Design Award 2026
Delta has been honoured with the BIG SEE Product Design Award 2026 for the Delta D-Bot series of collaborative robots. The BIG SEE Awards recognise outstanding creative achievements in the fields of architecture, product design, and industrial design. “Innovation is a core component of Delta’s corporate strategy. We consistently invest more than eight percent of […]
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 […]
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, […]
Automation helps revolutionise medical device manufacturing
The world created by Industry 4.0 technologies is all about flexible and agile just-in-time manufacturing. These technologies allow companies to effectively address market variability and customer demand by supporting a high level of complexity and customisation as well as delivering the right volume of products at all times. The latter being particularly beneficial to medical […]