Schunk gripper replicates human hand
By June 9, 2015 Read More →

Schunk gripper replicates human hand

Schunk says has now taken automation innovation to a new level with the launch of its SVH line of servo-electric 5-finger gripping hand. The hand replicates the movements and characteristics of the human hand with its four fingers and a thumb configuration. With a total of nine drives, the remarkable movement range of the SVH […]

FANUC robot picks sweetcorn cobs quickly
By June 6, 2015 Read More →

FANUC robot picks sweetcorn cobs quickly

A successful UK factory trial involving a FANUC M-10iA series robot and a novel vacuum gripper technology has proved that it is possible to pick and place sweetcorn cobs at speeds of 180 packs per minute. Besides providing proof of principle that robotics can be employed to handle this challenging product, the trial demonstrated that […]

By June 5, 2015 Read More →

Gluing robot speeds up lawn mower production

Automation is no longer just the mainstay of manufacturing as more and more of our daily routines and tasks are assisted by computers or automation in some form or other. For example, the once tedious task of mowing the lawn can now be performed automatically using the Husqvarna Automower robotic lawn mowers. However, even robotic […]

Unlocking the potential of robotic automation
By June 5, 2015 Read More →

Unlocking the potential of robotic automation

Mike Wilson, general industry sales and marketing manager at ABB Robotics UK and Ireland, comments on how starting small could be the key to unlocking the potential of robotic automation in the UK. As someone with over 30 years of experience in robotics, it’s a source of great personal frustration for me to see the […]

Schunk opens new facility in China
By June 3, 2015 Read More →

Schunk opens new facility in China

At a formal ceremony, clamping and gripping systems specialist Schunk opened a new China Headquarters in Shanghai. Schunk wants to push ahead with its investment program and expand its local presence in China, something that was emphasised by the company’s managing partner Henrik Schunk at the opening ceremony. Since 2003, Schunk has been represented in […]

On the cusp of a revolution in collaborative robotics
By June 1, 2015 Read More →

On the cusp of a revolution in collaborative robotics

Anyone looking at the robotics offerings at this year’s Hannover Fair can’t fail to have noticed all the activity surrounding collaborative robots – not least because two significant acquisitions happened at just about the same time. First ABB bought Gomtec, and then Universal Robots announced that it had agreed an acquisition by Teradyne. If we […]

B&R adds function blocks for robot kinematics
By May 26, 2015 Read More →

B&R adds function blocks for robot kinematics

B&R is expanding its already extensive mapp technology portfolio to include function blocks for all the most commonly used robot kinematic systems. Not only does this allow users to commission robots much more quickly, it also makes maintenance and diagnostics substantially easier. The new robotic functions in mapp include both serial and parallel robot kinematics, […]

By May 26, 2015 Read More →

HepcoAutomation builds partnership with KUKA

Automation systems provider HepcoAutomation and robot manufacturer KUKA have announced a partnership agreement that the companies believe will broaden the appeal of robots for a whole host of tasks, from heavy load lifting to light assembly operations. KUKA has a wide range of industrial robots and a worldwide reputation for innovation, the range of robots are used […]

An ingrained resistance to investment?
By May 20, 2015 Read More →

An ingrained resistance to investment?

Mike Wilson, general industry sales and marketing manager for ABB Robotics in the UK, explains why industry and Government need to work together more closely on building a more competitive manufacturing sector. As the manufacturer’s organisation EEF predicts 1.7 percent growth for 2015, things continue to look promising for the UK manufacturing sector. Yet there […]

Teradyne announces Universal Robots acquisition
By May 18, 2015 Read More →

Teradyne announces Universal Robots acquisition

Teradyne is to acquire Universal Robots, the Danish pioneer of collaborative robots, for $285 million net of cash acquired plus $65 million if certain performance targets are met extending through 2018. The acquisition has been approved by the Board of Directors of each company and is expected to close in the second quarter of 2015 […]