A KUKA mobile robot unit is being used for the first time in the UK to help a group of engineers devise new ways of using automation on the factory floor. Students from Birmingham and Loughborough Universities together with researchers at Coventry’s Manufacturing Technology Centre (MTC) have joined forces for a European robotics competition organised […]
Highlighting its continued growth and focus on the future, HepcoMotion has recently moved into a new assembly area. Keeping pace with demand, Hepco has trebled the floor space available for assembly in order to accommodate larger system builds and future demands. Sporting a brighter, lighter, cleaner and quieter environment, the new area is perfectly suited […]
Kawasaki Robotics has added a 1,000kg payload robot to its heavy payload M-Series range. Meeting an increasing demand for handling heavy loads, the new MG10HL with a compact design maintains rigidity and accuracy throughout its extensive motion range. The Kawasaki MG10HL allows applications such as handling automotive floor pans, or complete bodies, between processes to […]
Yaskawa has integrated POWERLINK in its DX200 robot controller, making it possible to seamless incorporate Motoman robots into machine automation sys-tems. For machine manufacturers, this advancement considerably simplifies the programming of robots. “We not only created an interface to POWERLINK,” explains Bruno Schneken-burger, head of the robotics division at Yaskawa Europe. “With Motoman Sync, we […]
The market for traditional industrial robots is now worth around $11bn and continues to grow slowly. But a revolution is coming, and the robotics market could top $120bn worldwide within the next ten years, as detailed in the ‘Robotics 2016-2026’ report by IDTechEx Research which explores the future of robotics, applications, technologies and markets. Fig […]
When automation OEM Newtech looked to design a new ultrasonic cutting machine for the bakery industry, it turned to Mitsubishi Electric for a fast, efficient, flexible and clean robotic solution. The result is an innovative machine design that can cut cakes to the highest levels of precision, working flexibly for different portion sizes and quantities, […]
To boost production in order to meet increased demand, Clipper Teas invested in a specially designed system for packing the tea bags from the point where they exit the tea bag making machine. Frontline Packaging was chosen to design, manufacture or source all of the elements and it recommended the inclusion of a Universal Robot […]
Increased handling capabilities, flexibility and output have pushed automation to the forefront for many food manufacturers. With 2016 set to be the ‘tipping point’ for automation, Pacepacker Services will showcase new automated case loading solutions at Foodex 2016 on stand L229. Three new inventions, using FANUC and Festo robots, will demonstrate how Pacepacker has successfully […]
ABB Robotics has introduced its highest payload, multipurpose industrial robot, the IRB 8700. The IRB 8700 robot has a reach of 3.5m and is capable of handling a payload of up to 800kg (1000 kg with the wrist down; 630 kg with LeanID). Designed for the ultimate in uptime, reliability and reduced maintenance, ABB says […]
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 […]
Pacepacker highlights tax relief opportunities
Since 2008, the HMRC annual investment allowance (AIA) has been revised four times and from 1st January 2016 will drop from an interim allowance of £500k to the highest permanent AIA ever of £200k. Managing Director of Pacepacker Services, Dennis Allison, shows how much £200,000 could buy you in automated palletising equipment, illustrates the ROI […]