Following a recent surge in enquiries from food packers for versatile palletisers, FANUC is working with automation specialists Festo and Pacepacker to develop systems which can handle bags, boxes, crates, trays and slip sheets by means of a single robot arm! “Food packers with space and budget constraints are looking for compact palletising systems capable […]
The Schunk EGL 70 mechatronic parallel gripper combines power and intelligence: with variable gripping force between 50 and 600N, the company says it is one of the most powerful and flexible mechatronic grippers on the market and was specifically developed for industrial applications. Since the finger position, closing speed, and gripping force are freely programmable […]
As the robotics community comes to recognise the potential for productivity improvements offered by alternative guarding strategies, Leuze Electronic has announced a new series of safety laser scanners – the RSL 400 series – that have been designed to offer extended functionality, greater versatility, and simple configuration via Bluetooth and Ethernet. The RSL 400 series […]
A robot systematically goes about its business on the rooftop of the John Deere European Technology Innovation Centre – in summer and in winter, in rain, heat, cold or snow. A debilitating outdoor mission that only one robot manufacturer had the confidence to take on, namely Stäubli. Headquartered in the United States, John Deere is […]
A new report from Visiongain Global looks at market prospects for industrial robots, processes and technologies in vehicle production from 2014 to 2024. Visiongain expects the automation and robotics in automotive manufacturing to reach a market value of $13.66bn in 2014. Visiongain says the period from 2014 to 2024 going to be challenging for the […]
Industrial robots are on the advance worldwide, and for a good reason: they are very versatile and enable short cycle times in production. But those benefits count for little if they cannot be easily, efficiently and effectively integrated into production lines. German integrator KUK-Automation has been providing robot integration services to customers for many years. […]
Tribopolymer specialist Igus’ latest video looks at the specifications of its new drylin room gantry. Used to implement three-dimensional applications, the room gantry is based on a flat gantry system with a vertical axis. With the limit switch assembly housed within a T-slot, the complete length of the room gantry profile can be used, enhancing […]
Robotiq has published a blog post ‘End Effector Gripping Strategies’ that presents numerous strategies that the company’s engineers have seen, and how a gripper can be best used in different applications. The blog post is supplemented with a 12-page downloadable eBook, ‘How to choose the right end effector for your application’. In particular, the blog […]
The benefits of robotic automation for mass production processes are well recognised and understood. Visit any modern automotive plant, for example, and you are likely to see rows of robots engaged in a broad range of activities, each playing their own specific role in production. Even in the UK, where the rate of robotic automation […]
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 help food processors future proof their plants
Ten years ago UK food prices were far lower than they are today – and since the bank collapse of 2008 many people have lower incomes. Food processers are aware of this and are increasingly looking to robots and automation to address their operating efficiency. “There is a constant drive for improvement in food processing,” […]