Micro-Epsilon’s gapCONTROL 2711 is a non-contact laser profile scanner that is designed specifically for the measurement of gaps and edges, whilst simplifying sensor set up and configuration for the user. Typical applications include robot welding machines. The gapCONTROL 2711 laser profile scanner incorporates the same hardware and software interfaces as the company’s existing scanCONTROL 2710 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
Cobot completes one millionth PCB quality check
Hanover Displays, a UK-based manufacturer of passenger information systems for the public transport sector, has reached a major manufacturing milestone: the completion of its 1,000,000th automated quality test of printed circuit boards (PCBs) using Techman collaborative robots from LG Motion. The automation programme began in 2018, when Hanover introduced its first collaborative robot to improve […]
UR and Scale AI launch imitation learning system
Universal Robots (UR) unveiled the UR AI Trainer at GTC 2026 in Silicon Valley. Developed in collaboration with Scale AI, the AI Trainer marks a tectonic shift as robots move from pre-programmed applications to fully AI-driven tasks. These systems are powered by robust data generated in AI training cells where robots imitate humans. “Our customers, ranging from […]
The beverage palletising shift is accelerating
Martin Ray Winery in Napa Valley has deployed its first lean cobot palletising workcell and achieved a 16-month ROI, with the system installed in just two days. You can find out all about it in a webinar hosted by Robotiq on 19 March. Across Europe and North America, beverage producers, from kombucha and bottled water […]
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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Universal adaptive gripper for faster, gentler picking
Festo has introduced the HPSX Universal Adaptive Gripper, a pneumatic soft gripper engineered to improve speed, hygiene and flexibility in demanding food, pharmaceutical and cosmetics applications. Combining robust design, food-safe materials and adaptive silicone fingers, the HPSX directly addresses long-standing automation challenges where rapid, precise and gentle product handling is essential. “In developing the HPSX, […]
The beverage palletising shift is accelerating
Martin Ray Winery in Napa Valley has deployed its first lean cobot palletising workcell and achieved a 16-month ROI, with the system installed in just two days. You can find out all about it in a webinar hosted by Robotiq on 19 March. Across Europe and North America, beverage producers, from kombucha and bottled water […]
Robotics, vision and AI combine for dairy processes
Automation solutions provider Eberle Automatische Systeme has developed a breakthrough in quality control with a focus on the cheese-ripening process, combining AI with machine vision software from MVTec. The food industry is experiencing a transformative shift in quality control, due in part to advances in artificial intelligence (AI). When combined with rule-based machine vision, AI […]
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 […]