Industrial robots have long been established as the technology of choice when it comes to efficient automation solutions for a wide range of handling and processing tasks. Now, thanks to a new innovation, owners and users can significantly extend the working range of their robots and cobots (collaborative robots) by installing Schaeffler driven linear units […]
RARUK Automation is again pushing the boundaries of automation flexibility with the introduction of the SMARTSHIFT tool changer. Designed to operate with all models in its Universal Robots (UR) range of collaborative robots, the system cuts production time and errors and allows companies to scale-up capacity with ease. SMARTSHIFT tool holder attaches to the wrist […]
During automated production of solar cells, compact two-finger grippers transport trays of silicon wafers between operations. To avoid impacts on the wafer’s surfaces, process engineers require reliable confirmation that gripper jaws are fully open before the gripper descends to pick up a tray. Contrinex’s Ultra-miniature inductive proximity sensors, mounted directly above the top faces of […]
A new generation of human collaborative robots which combine important key features and benefits to ensure powerful, robust and safe application capabilities have been introduced by Yaskawa. The Yaskawa Motoman HC20DT robot is the latest example of Yaskawa’s expanding range of Motoman Smart Series robotic solutions which are helping users to meet the rapidly changing […]
Japanese manufacturer Kyushu Sekisui Heim claims to be one of the oldest established manufacturers of new homes using the ‘Unit Construction’ method in Japan, a process by which thousands of housing units of different designs and layouts are made using a modular system. Initially driven by an acute nationwide shortage of suitably trained and qualified […]
Fault-free assembly is ensured, downtime minimised and assembly speed increased by using automated facilities for high volume assembly. Rugged inductive sensors detect the presence and position of equipment or components at each stage to ensure that parts are correctly aligned and ready for the next operation. The sensors must be accurate and responsive. In addition, […]
ABB Robotics has made its range of robot training courses available online. Built on the same materials used in its popular classroom-based courses normally run at ABB’s Robot Training Centre in Milton Keynes, the Virtual Classroom Training programme is ideal for beginners and experts alike, covering topics including programming, safety and operation. Each course is […]
Schneider Electric has appointed PWR, specialist in automated robotic packaging solutions, as its first ‘Master Robot Partner’. The announcement underlines the importance of the relationship, after many successful robotic packaging projects in the food industry. In recent years, the rise of high-speed, multi-robotic picking and packing lines has led to greater demand for more powerful […]
Where automation and robotic applications require high speed and accuracy the new robust, fast, horizontally articulated Yaskawa Motoman SG-Series Scara Robots are ideal. Features such as a wide range of motion, compact design and internal cabling bring important benefits for when high speed and accuracy is essential in applications such as picking, packing, dispensing and […]
At a time when all the pubs are shut, pouring that perfect pint can prove impossible. igus has solved this problem by providing an easy to use tool for programming its robolink DP robotic arm to ensure it is spot-on every time. With the new Robot Control system, you too can program any of Igus’ […]
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, […]