When autonomous robots interact with humans and perform tasks independently, their sensitivity is crucial. This is what makes them safe and flexible. However, there is currently no standardised procedure for determining this sensitivity and thus individual robots’ fitness for physical interactions. Researchers at the Munich Institute of Robotics and Machine Intelligence (MIRMI) at the Technical […]
FANUC UK has revealed the six teams of young people who have made it to the final of the WorldSkills UK Industrial Robotics competition, taking place in Wales this November. Following two days of intense qualifiers at Smart Factory Expo in June 2025, teams from Northern Regional College in Ballymena, Northern Ireland and Bridgend College in […]
The UK’s biggest processing and packaging machinery, robotics and industrial vision event, the PPMA Total Show, is set to return to the NEC, Birmingham in September, with the show offering a host of opportunities and brand-new features for attendees. The PPMA Total Show 2025 will take place from 23-25 September, bringing together industry professionals from […]
Logistics has always been a critical element of business operations, and for that reason the sector has been at the forefront of technology, acting as an early adopter for robotics and automation. This has created a challenge where there is a broad mix of OT and IT alongside new and legacy assets. Joining the dots […]
Robots are giving growing e-commerce businesses the opportunity to sort orders in a highly efficient and scalable manner. This is certainly the case for K-Parts, a leading online supplier of scooter, moped, motorbike and bicycle parts, which is using Prime Vision robots to accelerate its warehouse logistics at Harderwijk in the Netherlands. Working together with […]
After investing in the Fisnar F4403N ADVANCE Benchtop Dispensing robot from adhesives and dispensing specialist Intertronics, J-TEQ EMS Solutions achieved a full return on investment within a year, streamlining PCB masking, cutting waste and freeing up staff for higher-value tasks. The automated solution has helped the Livingston-based electronics manufacturer become more competitive while maintaining its […]
Kistler has launched a new measuring amplifier for strain gauges, ideal for applications such as robotic force measurement. The new 4709A, being particularly powerful, compact and robust, is suited for industrial environments. For the application of load cells and torque or pressure sensors, it delivers highly accurate and low-noise signal processing, ensuring reliable results in […]
Stellantis’ plant in Melfi, Italy – recognised as one of the company’s centres of excellence – will use ABB’s PixelPaint technology with mono coat paint from Nippon Paint to create the elegant duo-tone paintwork of DS Automobiles’ new DS8 flagship. The cutting-edge technology will ramp up production during the second half of 2025 in a […]
Zebra Technologies has announced the launch of the Industrial Automation Centre of Excellence by Zebra and Clearview, a Zebra industrial automation distributor. Situated in Oxfordshire, the centre will be a resource offering relevant services, training, advisory, and practical demonstrations for manufacturing and logistics organisations and machine vision specialists across the EMEA region. The centre will […]
Collaborative robots (cobots) have transformed manufacturing, with their market projected to grow from US$1.2 billion in 2023 to US$29.8 billion by 2035, at a CAGR of 34.5% based on IDTechEx’s analysis. Unlike traditional industrial robots, which operate in isolated, caged environments for safety, cobots work alongside humans, enhancing flexibility and reducing downtime. This shift aligns […]
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 […]
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 […]
Annual robot shipments to top 760k units in 2030
The industrial robot industry saw 5.1% growth in 2025, following a contraction of -2% in 2024, Interact Analysis reports. The market is now forecast to record steady growth out to 2030, at an average annual rate of 6.7%, rising from 549,555 units in 2025 to 761,303 units in 2030. The latest industrial robots report from […]
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 […]
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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 […]
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, […]