HMS Networks has released its annual analysis of the industrial network market, marking twelve consecutive years of tracking how factories and machine builders connect their automation systems. The 2026 study shows that the long-running shift from traditional fieldbus technologies to Industrial Ethernet has continued through another full year, with Industrial Ethernet now accounting for 79% […]
The Manufacturing Technology Centre (MTC), has launched a new Robot Experience Centre (REC) designed to help UK manufacturers accelerate the adoption of robotics and automation technologies. Located at MTC’s Ansty Park site in Coventry, the vendor-neutral facility will enable manufacturers to explore, test and validate robotics solutions before making investment decisions. The REC comprises three […]
When electroplating is carried out manually, it requires a considerable amount of space and human resources. Using a smart profile sensor from Baumer, the Swiss automation company Roth Technik has developed a fully automatic system for plating racks. Boxes containing small metal parts are stacked to the ceiling in a narrow bay resulting in barely […]
Automate UK has announced a pioneering partnership with Health and Safety Executive (HSE) and the Regulatory Innovation Office (RIO) to create new guidance on how collaborative robots can safely work alongside humans. Along with the Manufacturing Technology Centre (MTC), the organisations are working together with government and industry to support the safe and responsible adoption […]
Rockwell Automation has released a new season of ROKStudios, its thought leadership video series featuring in‑depth interviews with executives from leading machine builders and industry associations. The latest season shares perspectives from across the global packaging and manufacturing ecosystem, with each interview exploring how OEMs are evolving their strategies to deliver value across the full […]
With its MEng (Hons) Autonomous Robotics degree already attracting applications from students, NMITE has launched an Introduction to Robotic Operating Systems (ROS2) course designed for locally based companies who have an involvement or interest in autonomous systems, unmanned platforms, or robotics. The first module of the series, Fundamentals and Applications, is an eight-week course (run […]
FANUC has announced an enhancement of its Physical AI Robot System through a strategic collaboration with Google, as part of its initiative to accelerate automation by advancing open platforms and Physical AI capabilities. As part of the collaboration, FANUC has developed a Physical AI system for industrial robots that incorporates the latest innovations from Google […]
STEMMER IMAGING announces the launch of SIS-TA, Smart Industry Store – Technology Access, a newly established subsidiary designed to address the growing demand for fast, transparent, and highly efficient procurement processes within industrial automation. Launched officially on 1 June, SIS-TA introduces a fully digital and transactional sales platform for smart industry components, strategically expands STEMMER […]
Robotiq is unveiling IQ, an AI-enabled platform for your automation project. IQ captures your reality, connects stakeholders, guides each step, and generates a predictable palletising workcell path from first conversation to deployment. IQ’s first step is Fit Check, a structured assessment of your operation and your application. Five minutes and then a clear answer: whether […]
Industrial networks are advancing. They’re getting faster, more complex, and more dependent on uptime than ever before. To meet these demands, HMS Networks is pleased to announce the launch of the N Tron NT7000 Series, an advanced managed industrial Ethernet switch platform designed for real world industrial environments where failure is not an option. When […]
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 […]
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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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, […]