Bottling is an important stage in many manufacturing processes where liquid products are packaged as part of the final stage of production, for example in the brewing, distilling and beverage industries. The physical ‘bottle lifting’ process is a key part of this process and a new combination of an air gripper tool and sophisticated robot […]
Hearing aid device manufacturer Oticon required a more flexible robot to handle the tiny hearing device components in its production. The company had been using robot technology for the past 10 years. But, as the minute components became increasingly smaller in order to make the hearing aids more comfortable, the existing two- and three-axes robots […]
FANUC is introducing a new high-specification ARC welding robot to its acclaimed ARC Mate series. Succeeding the ARC Mate 100iC/12, the new ARC Mate 100iD will deliver significant productivity improvements for customers through its superior motion performance alongside simpler installation efforts and lower ownership costs thanks to its seamless integration with weld process equipment. Boasting […]
Schneider Electric has launched a family of PacDrive-based robots as part of an end-to-end solution for production optimisation. Until now automated production lines have used a combination of mechatronic solutions: discrete and synchronised motion control, delta, scara and 6 axis robots. Generally, each individual mechatronic element has its own controller, PLC or safety system linked […]
The average human arm measures just 63.5 centimetres. This makes placing heavy loads of products into deep food Bulk Display Units (BDUs) challenging and subjects manual handlers to high risk of repetitive strain injuries. Torso twisting and bending to reach into low corners is especially hazardous when repeated throughout the working day. With BDUs being […]
Since 2016, a UR10 robot arm has helped the Danish printing company, InPrint A/S, pick and place print plates, reducing non-productive wait time while improving the work environment and freeing up 2 labor hours in capacity per day. InPrint is a mid-sized printing company with 15 employees, and as a turn-key supplier of printed matter […]
In day-to-day practice, cables and lines are often fastened in a somewhat makeshift manner with cable ties to the round, smooth arms of “cobots” (robots which collaborate with humans without additional protection). Two new REIKU multipurpose fastening systems designed for different load levels now combine rapid, uncomplicated fitting with further advantages including very high slip […]
FANUC is launching a purpose-built training academy at its new 107,000 sq ft facility in Ansty Park, Coventry. The academy, which is more than four times the size of FANUC’s previous facility at the Seven Stars Industrial Estate, includes more than £300,000-worth of brand new equipment, allowing students to receive practical training in a safe, […]
In a world where millions of products and designs are launched each year, the prestigious, international A’Design Award sets out to focus attention on the best. The scheme calls on designers, innovators and manufacturers to submit their work in a wide range of categories that extend from consumer products, fashion and building design to breakthroughs […]
Application phase for 10th vector award is now open
The application phase of the igus vector award 2026 has begun. Now in its tenth year, a joint initiative is honouring designers worldwide who use high-performance plastic energy chains to create cable guides that set new technological standards, with winners to receive up to 5,000 euros in prize money. The vector award has gained international […]
ChocoMatic comes to life with igus 7th axis
When customers tap a screen to choose their favourite chocolates, Roose Automation’s ‘ChocoMatic’ robot arm travels along a linear track, selects each chocolate, and delivers them without human intervention. Behind this playful, hygienic automation lies a clever piece of engineering: the 7th axis from igus. Roose Automation wanted to give its robot arm the freedom […]
Cost-effective robotic automation products
Mouser Electronics announces a distribution agreement with igus, a global leader in industrial and automation products. With over 60 years of design experience and a strong reputation for quality, igus offers a range of technically advanced “motion plastics” designed for Industry 4.0 and 5.0. The igus product portfolio includes flexible cables, robotic components, motor control […]
High-payload collaborative robots from OMRON
OMRON Robotics and Safety Technologies has expanded its TM S Series collaborative robot portfolio with three new models and a major software update, supporting manufacturers facing labour shortages and increasing requirements for flexible, high-mix production. The TM30S, TM20S and TM6S extend the series’ payload and reach capabilities for applications such as palletising, machine tending and […]
RARUK Automation demos cobot palletising solution
On 11-12 February 2026, Packaging Innovations and EMPACK will be returning to the NEC in Birmingham. RARUK Automation will be showcasing the PE10 Robotiq Palletising Solution designed specifically for Universal Robots collaborative robots (cobots). Palletising is a repetitive and strenuous task that poses risk of injury to workers. For manufacturers looking to increase efficiency, palletising […]
New off-the-shelf and modular palletisers
End-of-line palletising is a task commonly automated across a range of industries, due to bottlenecks and the risk of repetitive strain injury (RSI) to workers. RARUK Automation can now offer two simple approaches to palletising automation, from partner Robotiq. RARUK Automation is the exclusive UK representative for Robotiq, a Canadian manufacturer of end-of-arm tooling 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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Automation and robotics in food manufacturing
At Food Manufacturing Live, Jake Norman, managing director at OAL, discusses applications for robotics in food factories to automate the likes of pick and place operations, palletising, case packing and other areas. He highlights the picking of fresh fruit, with a particular demonstration on the stand showing a robot picking up oranges. “We work with […]
Bridging the gap in food and beverage plants
Food and beverage plants increasingly operate with a blend of equipment generations: legacy machinery that has served reliably for years, and newer automation technologies designed to enhance efficiency, traceability and sustainability. This hybrid setup gives manufacturers flexibility to modernise gradually, but it also presents a growing challenge: how to maintain ageing assets while integrating more […]
FANUC robot pairs hygiene with high performance
To meet the growing demand for food and cleanroom applications, FANUC has unveiled the latest model in its LR Mate industrial robot range. The compact and powerful LR Mate 10-11A Food/Clean has a 10kg payload and is compliant with ISO 4 Class cleanrooms. This makes it ideal for use in highly controlled environments across sectors […]
Robots versus conventional automation solutions
When there’s a need to add bespoke functionality to a production line, the end user and the equipment supplier are often faced with having to choose between a conventional solution and one that uses industrial robots. Bob Hinchcliffe, technical director at automation expert Stelram Engineering examines the pros and cons of both approaches. Conventional approaches […]