The manufacturing of aircraft could soon look dramatically different, thanks to a programme run by the Technology Strategy Board. The one-year i-Composites programme saw KUKA, together with project partners Loop Technology and Güdel, as part of a wider consortium, looking at ways of developing affordable composites manufacturing technologies. KUKA Systems, in conjunction with Bombardier Aerospace, […]
Designed specifically for palletising, Kawasaki Robotic’s RD080N is faster, more compact and lighter than its predecessor and maintains its rigid construction. Duty cycle tests illustrate its high speed by performing 2,800 cycles, with 80kg payloads, of 75mm vertical and 900mm horizontal an average individual cycle time of 1.28 seconds. For multi-robot environments, typical in busy […]
The third generation of the highly economical and flexible Universal Robot has just been released and it introduces additional programming capability and a new lighter weight teach pendant. New software features collectively enhance the robot’s ability to be tailored to the needs of the application through simple, menu-driven steps. The controller incorporates a faster processor […]
The UK manufacturing industry faces a plethora of challenges in its efforts to regenerate, but without doubt one of the most significant is the need to operate in high-wage economy yet produce goods that are competitive with those from low-wage regions of the world. Barry Weller of Mitsubishi Electric says that robots have a critical […]
Midlands precision aluminium diecaster JH Lavender has invested in a new robot cell in the wake of a raft of new long-term contracts from some of its major customers. A 1600 tonne automated diecasting cell featuring a 6-axis KUKA robot for unloading components has been added to a new 620m² diecasting hall at JH Lavender’s site in […]
Cognex reports that it has taken its advanced 3D vision tools, and incorporated them into VisionPro, its programming environment for OEMs and system integrators. For robot applications, VisionPro 3D will open up opportunities to solve more complex alignment applications. VisionPro 3D delivers accurate, real-time, three-dimensional position information to automate challenging robot applications. VisionPro 3D works […]
In today’s competitive environment, business profitability often relies on demanding production schedules that don’t always leave time for exhaustive or repeated equipment health checks. With manufacturers often lacking the resources, knowledge or time to regularly check robotic equipment, remote monitoring of a robots health anywhere in the UK with ABB’s Remote Service Technology is invaluable, […]
Greencore Prepared Meals, Warrington, has successfully implemented its first automated packaging line for its high output lasagne products without any disruption to production. The end of line system comprising two Kawasaki FD50 robots, conveyors and guarding was delivered, installed and made available for commissioning during a single weekly hygiene shift. Other than checkweighers and metal […]
Increased flexibility for shelf ready packaging lines is being offered by food packaging automation specialists Abar with its new LR-80TCR Loading System. A FANUC Robotics M10-iA robot is the core automation component of the LR-80TCR allowing loading speeds of thermo formed or top sealed rigid trays at speeds of up to 200 ppm. Each new […]
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 […]
Mitsubishi Electric comments on robot funding scheme
A newly announced scheme to provide government funding for the automation of industrial processes needs to be carefully managed so that a nationwide strategy of continuous reinvestment develops. This is essential if the UK is to rebuild its manufacturing sector into a cornerstone of the economy. So says Barry Weller, a specialist robot engineer with […]