ABB has acquired Swiss start-up Sevensense, a leading provider of AI-enabled 3D vision navigation technology for autonomous mobile robots (AMRs). Sevensense was founded in 2018 as a spin-off from Swiss technical University, ETH Zurich. “This marks a significant step towards our vision of a workplace where AI-enabled robots assist people, addressing our customers’ needs for […]
FANUC has joined forces with baking oven manufacturer WIESHEU and retail specialist Wanzl to develop the automatic Bakisto system. Comprising three interconnected systems – a FANUC cobot; Wanzl’s smart baked goods presenter ‘BakeOff i’ featuring artificial intelligence and a network-enabled baking oven; and the WIESHEU TrayMotion automatic loading and unloading system – Bakisto automates important […]
Could 2024 be the year that UK manufacturers finally embrace robotics? After trailing behind our international counterparts for years, the UK is now starting to catch up when it comes to the installation of industrial robotics. Seven experts from FANUC UK share their views on the hottest automation trends to look out for in 2024. […]
RARUK Automation will be showcasing the latest robotic technology to improve the efficiency of internal logistics operations at Retail Supply Chain and Logistics Expo. The event will be taking place from 27-28 February at the ExCeL London. On stand SC3011, RARUK Automation will be combining cobots and AMRs in a palletising demonstration. As the only […]
To enable its ReBeL cobot to be able to take on more human-style tasks, igus has developed a finger gripper. It is made entirely of lubrication-free plastics, making it cost-effective and easy to integrate. igus’s ReBeL is a compact and lightweight cobot that makes it possible to get into robotics with relatively low investment, making […]
Up until now, industrial Ethernet has only been able to reach the control level before it needs to switch to BUS systems via gateways. Single Pair Ethernet (SPE), delivered via HARTING’s T1 Industrial connector, allows equipment to connect via end-to-end IP-based communications right up into the field level. HARTING says there is immense potential for […]
As companies make increasing use of cobots and modular machinery for flexible manufacturing, plug and play connectorisation is needed so that systems can be disconnected and reconnected quickly, without the need for skilled labour and with no risk of miswiring. The experts at HARTING explain. Research carried out by the World Economic Forum in 2020 […]
Sanofi, one of the world’s leading vaccine manufacturers, Sanofi, has implemented an OMRON palletising solution with robotics to enhance efficiency and relieve workers from strenuous tasks. At Sanofi’s Marcy-l’Étoile site, where one billion doses of vaccine are produced and distributed annually to 150 countries, the focus is on continuous improvement and streamlining processes. One area […]
Flexxbotics, delivering workcell digitalisation for robot-driven manufacturing, has announced robot machine tending connectivity compatible with the full line of HURCO machinery, including 5-axis machining centres, 3-axis machining centres, portal machining centres, horizontal machining centres and turning centres. With Flexxbotics, next generation machining environments using robotics with HURCO equipment achieve higher yields, greater throughput and increased […]
Orbbec has developed the Persee N1, an all-in-one combination of a popular stereo-vision 3D camera and a purpose-built computer based on the NVIDIA Jetson platform, and equipped with industry-standard interfaces for the most useful accessories and data connections. Developers using the newly launched camera-computer will also enjoy the benefits of the Ubuntu OS and OpenCV […]
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
... Read More »
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, […]