Schunk says the EGS electric rotary gripper unit defines a new class of efficiency in the handling of small components. It facilitates the switch to pneumatic-free handling solutions and is claimed to be the first unit to combine electric gripping and rotation in a single compact housing. The new low-maintenance and affordable module paves the […]
Nigel Flowers, managing director of Sumitomo (SHI) Demag UK, examines the rise and fall of the robotic march in the plastics industry. A growing number of injection moulders are embracing automation with BARA reporting a 75% rise in robotic integration within the plastics industry between 2013 and 2014. This increase is reflected in our own […]
With a simple zip fastening concept and no need for specialist tools, the zip feature on Igus zipper e-chain and zipper e-tube enables significantly faster installation of energy chains in robotics applications. The small pitch of the zipper e-chain ensures low-noise operation, even at accelerations of 100m/s² and more. The zipper e-tube is fully-enclosed to […]
Askew & Barrett sources pulses from key agricultural merchants and then sorts, cleans and grades them at its processing plant in Wisbech, Cambridgeshire. The pulses are bagged into 12.5kg and 25kg paper sacks and 25kg woven polypropylene (WPP) sacks, before being palletised and transported to food manufacturers and retailers at home and abroad. Pictured right: […]
Comau has introduced a new high-speed, 6-axis articulated robot featuring a payload of 3kg and a reach of just 630 mm. The third robot within the award-winning Racer family, Racer3 is Comau’s response to the growing market demand for fast, cost-effective robotic automation within small to medium-sized enterprises and emerging countries. With a streamlined design […]
Palletizer robots often operate in factories and warehouses exposed to dust and extreme temperatures, and the installed components must offer reliable function even in harsh environments, as well as easy maintenance. Okura Yusoki, a leading manufacturer of transport equipment and logistics systems, chose Han-Yellock connectors from Harting for its new palletizer robot. Han-Yellock provides IP65/IP67 […]
For many years, the SCHUNK PGN-plus universal gripper has been considered a benchmark for gripping modules. Now with the new PGN-plus Permanent, SCHUNK, the competence leader for clamping technology and gripping systems is raising the bar. Its unique permanent lubrication provides a faster and more even distribution of the lubricant, even with short strokes. The […]
EPSG and members B&R, Cognex, Comau and Festo recently hosted a technology day on the subjects of open robotics and Industry 4.0. More than 120 industry and university experts made their way to Lyon to find out about the latest developments in the field, and discover how the future of Industry 4.0 is already within […]
On show at PPMA stand B34 this September, automation and controls specialist Omron will give original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) and integrators a real insight into new developments in integrated control, high-speed robotics, and how real-time data interchange between production-line operations and enterprise-wide IT systems can meet Industry 4.0 expectations. Pictured right: Omron’s delta robot range […]
Motion plastics and low-cost automation at MACH 2026
igus returns to MACH with a comprehensive range of engineering innovations designed to improve machine reliability, reduce downtime and deliver long‑term cost savings for manufacturers across all industry. With the UK operation based in Northampton, igus develops lubrication‑free motion plastics that replace traditional metal components, increasing performance while eliminating the need for grease and maintenance. […]
RBTX DOBOT partner launch hailed a success
igus UK marks a major milestone in accessible automation with the successful launch of its RBTX partnership with DOBOT Robotics. The event brought together engineers, system integrators, manufacturers and automation specialists to explore how flexible robotic solutions can be deployed quickly and cost-effectively, without the complexity traditionally associated with industrial automation. Live demonstrations showcased collaborative […]
What role does AI play in art?
The River of Light festival in Liverpool showcased ‘Face Value’, a captivating installation co-created by PhD student Emma Brass from the University of Liverpool and Venya Krutikov, co-founder of The Kazimier and Invisible Wind Factory. Blending artificial intelligence, robotics, and visual art, Face Value invites visitors to confront how technology perceives and redefines reality. The […]
Rodriguez brings Cobot Transfer Unit to AMB
From 15 to 19 September 2026, Rodriguez will be showcasing the MovoTrak Cobot Transfer Unit (CTU) at AMB in Stuttgart. With the MovoTrak CTU, Rodriguez is offering, for the first time, a collaboratively designed range extension for cobots. The solution expands the working area by adding a movable 7th axis and enables a cobot to […]
Delta cobots win BIG SEE Product Design Award 2026
Delta has been honoured with the BIG SEE Product Design Award 2026 for the Delta D-Bot series of collaborative robots. The BIG SEE Awards recognise outstanding creative achievements in the fields of architecture, product design, and industrial design. “Innovation is a core component of Delta’s corporate strategy. We consistently invest more than eight percent of […]
Automating with robotics at MachineBuilding.South
Industry commentators agree that UK manufacturers will need to increase their investment in robotics if they are to keep up with international competition. At MachineBuilding.South you can find out how, with numerous exhibits from robotics, control, automation and safety specialists. LG Motion (Stand 46) will be showcasing Techman Robot (TM Robot) collaborative robots at MachineBuilding.South with […]
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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Endoline appoints new engineering manager
Endoline Automation has appointed Christopher Tracey as engineering manager, reinforcing the company’s continued investment in its in-house expertise as demand grows for its end-of-line packaging systems in the UK and international markets. Christopher’s appointment reflects Endoline’s continued growth and commitment to investing in its engineering capability. He will lead the engineering team while working alongside […]
Gourmet-food-maker automates packaging process
Rockwell Automation has announced that Cranswick, one of Britain’s leading manufacturers of premium gourmet foods, has commissioned a new robotic end-of-line pick-and-place system using autonox Robotics. Every year, Cranswick produces millions of “pigs-in-blankets” (sausages wrapped in bacon) for the Christmas market. The final stage of the process – picking the sausages off the conveyor belt […]
Universal Robots hosts Food & Beverage Masterclass
The Food & Beverage Masterclass, hosted by Universal Robots in June, 2026 at Riseholme Park in Lincoln, brought together industry professionals for a practical and engaging half-day event focused on end of line automation with collaborative robots (cobots). Designed to give attendees a clear understanding of how automation can be successfully implemented in food and […]
Getting the best out of Total Cost of Ownership
It’s an unfortunate fact that UK manufacturers – particularly within the food industry – stall on investing in robotics and automation. Investing in equipment – which for some high-spec, fully automatic turnkey lines can cost almost as much as the UK’s average house price – can bring out the fear of the unknown in many […]