There are implications for safety not just when a robot is installed, but each time it is reprogrammed, and perimeter guarding should be assessed and reconsidered on each occasion to ensure it is meeting the safety requirements. Should the guarding need adjustment, the advantages of modular perimeter guarding systems come to the fore. So says […]
With its range of gantries built on its drylin E linear axis system, Igus can now offer a cost-effective, off-the-shelf gantry system with a fast turnaround. The gantry system comes complete with all motors ready installed, plus all required cables. Maintenance free, a drylin gantry system is available in line, flat and room configurations to […]
A first Kawasaki R series articulated robot installed at its Isle of Wight facility has helped marine pump manufacturer Separator Spares International (SSI) meet customer demand that had seen exponential growth, while maintaining its competitiveness in the market. Supplying large ships, SSI has long specialised in the manufacture and supply of spare parts for pumps […]
Cartesian handling system design has traditionally been a lengthy process, as you painstakingly configured each axis through hours of trawling through component specifications, batted ideas back and forth with suppliers, waited for quotations, and made the inevitable amends when your anticipated dynamics defied the laws of physics. Then of course there was the lengthy wait […]
Ensuring worker safety should be the prime consideration in all robot applications, especially when humans and robots may need to share the same workspace. “Robot safety is an issue that transcends the requirements of specific industry sectors or applications,” says Darren Whittall, technical manager at FANUC UK. “In addition to regulatory requirements, there is also […]
The significant improvement in energy efficiency that welding robots bring to the table has spiked market demand in developed economies like North America and Europe. New analysis from Frost & Sullivan, Global Welding Robotics Fact Book, finds that the market earned revenues of $2.44 billion in 2014 and estimates this to reach $3.38 billion in […]
Universal Robots has created a new, smaller robot for light assembly tasks and automated workbench scenarios. The UR3 takes the concept of the UR5 and UR10 robots which can work next to people without the need for safety guarding, and brings it to the table. Universal Robots asserts that the UR3 is world’s most flexible, […]
ABB Robotics will be holding an open week between from 11-16 May 2015 demonstrating the latest developments in robotic automation for welding and cutting manufacturing processes. Taking place at ABB’s Milton Keynes site, the event is free to attend and is open to anyone interested in finding out more about the benefits of using robots […]
With a payload capability of up to 650kg and a maximum horizontal reach of 2.70m, the SMART NJ 650 robot from Comau has been designed to meet market requirements for robots that can efficiently manipulate components of significant size and weight. Surpassing the capabilities of the previous version, the SMART NJ 650 complete’s Comau’s range […]
To support growth and enhance customer experiences and service, Schunk has expanded its team with the addition of Mark Lister and Steve Hardwidge. Pictured right: Mark Lister is the latest addition to the Schunk team, covering the North East and Scotland Steve will be servicing the needs of customers in the North West whilst Mark […]
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 […]