Ryan Guthrie, vice-president of Shibaura Machine partner, TM Robotics, explains how advanced artificial intelligence (AI), robotics and machine learning technologies can help manufacturers improve food traceability, ensure the safety of their products and build trust with customers. Food traceability is not just a matter of compliance, it’s also essential for maintaining customer trust and brand […]
IDEC has expanded its line of emergency stop (E-stop) switches with new XA/XW series short body models. These industrial-grade and outdoor-rated models are designed in the space-saving size essential for robotic and industrial equipment applications, with features to meet the increased requirements of international safety standards. While E-stop switches have been a fundamental design and […]
A leading company in the pharmaceutical industry has opted for a transport solution from ek robotics to sustainably optimise intralogistics processes at a Swiss site. With the X MOVE transport platform, equipped with roller conveyors, the automated material transport of high-quality pharmaceuticals between different production buildings has been extensively modernised. At the pharmaceutical company, the […]
The topic of robotics is an integral part of Hannover Messe, and a special highlight at this year’s event is the Application Park in Hall 5, which has a strong partner at its side in the form of the German Robotics Association (DRV). Among other things, the DRV has made it a mission to promote […]
Thankfully, the days of manually handling parcels in warehouse sorting operations are coming to an end. Conveyors have allowed high volumes of items to be moved almost effortlessly around a facility – but they are no panacea. Often it’s robots from automation experts such as Prime Vision that excel. Sortation machines are still the go-to […]
Smart 2D profile sensors from Baumer are playing a key role in an automated sandwich and filled rolls production line at Germany company Weber Maschinebau. Baumer’s OXM 2D sensor provides precise edge control and positioning data, and delivers the calculated coordinates correctly in the units required. ‘Smart’ sensors have become an essential component in many […]
ABB Robotics and XtalPi have entered a strategic partnership to produce a range of automated laboratory work-stations in China. The new, automated laboratories will boost the productivity of R&D processes in biopharmaceuticals, chemical engineering and chemistry, and new energy materials. “Our collaboration with XtalPi marks another milestone for ABB’s collaborative robots in the life sciences […]
As part of a drive to get robots into more and more workplaces, operating side-by-side with humans, a team of expert development engineers at global motion control specialist NSK has come up with a novel way to improve the mobility of collaborative robots (cobots): the NSK Active Caster. This omnidirectional motorised drive unit, which is […]
CKF Systems was delighted to reach the end of its 35th year of successful, thriving business operation in 2023 with the largest order intake in its history. CKF is a leading robotics and automation systems integrator based in Gloucester, UK. CKF is celebrating three and a half decades of commitment to designing, manufacturing and installing […]
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, […]
The evolution of robot system integrators
Robot manufacturer FANUC works with talented SIs across sectors as diverse as food and beverage, aerospace, medical, welding, plastics and high-value manufacturing. Some of these partnerships have endured for well over a decade, during which time the skills required to be a successful integrator have evolved. System integrators (SIs) serve as a valuable link between […]