FANUC America has announced plans for a $90 million investment to acquire property and construct a new 840,000 sq. ft. facility in Michigan providing production-ready space for the potential expansion of the company’s existing U.S.-based manufacturing capabilities for robots. Targeted for completion in late 2027, this strategic project is expected to add 225 jobs. This […]
What’s the best way to cut expensive downtime and maintenance for repairs on machine comms cables? Get rid of the cables! Go wireless, with help and advice from SMC. In one application, SMC’s customer was using hundreds of metres of cabling to control cobots on a 40 metre production line, resulting in complex looms. These […]
As high-speed packaging lines and robotic systems continue to increase in speed, precision and autonomy, weighing is evolving – from a simple control point into a core element of modern automation architectures, delivering actionable real-time process data. The new PW22i IO-Link single-point load cell from HBK provides precision, speed and intelligence – embedded at sensor […]
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, […]
PPS, a global leader in tactile sensing technology with over 30 years of expertise, will host a robotics webinar on April 21 and 22 focused on a critical gap in today’s systems: robots can see and move, but they cannot feel. This session will show how PPS’s TactileGlove captures real human touch data, including force, […]
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 […]
The European robotics community will descend upon Birmingham’s International Convention Centre (ICC) in March 2027 for the annual European Robotics Forum (ERF). The event brings together over 1,000 research and industry experts from across the continent to share ideas, create new connections and celebrate the best of robotics, one of the most important technologies that […]
Automha, together with Comau, is showcasing a full portfolio of end-to-end logistics solutions at LogiMAT 2026, Europe’s most important International Trade Show for intralogistics solutions and Process Management. The solutions on display are designed to optimise the entire logistics value chain – from inbound handling to automated storage and outbound shipping – addressing the needs […]
When a machine isn’t performing as expected, the solution isn’t always obvious. A performance issue might be linked to control architecture. A safety requirement might impact machine design. A networking decision might affect scalability. Solving these challenges often means speaking to multiple suppliers, comparing approaches and understanding how different technologies work together. That is exactly […]
In light of the recent news that Fanuc has announced significant investment to create production capacity for robot manufacturing in the U.S., Samantha Mou, Senior Analyst at market intelligence firm Interact Analysis, commented: “FANUC America’s $90M investment is part of a growing trend where robot manufacturers are bringing production closer to key markets, and the […]
If control was the language of the 20th century, coexistence will define the 21st. The next wave of industrial progress will be built on a more sustainable, human and resilient way of creating value – and Europe has the potential to lead this progress globally, as Fernando Colás, chief executive officer at OMRON Industrial Automation […]
FANUC UK’s vice managing director, Andy Armstrong, has highlighted the importance of sustainability and automation in driving a resilient, smart and globally competitive UK manufacturing sector. Speaking on the first day of ‘The Future of Precision Engineering’ event – held at FANUC’s Coventry headquarters on 27-29 January 2026 to showcase the latest advances in injection […]
With Packaging Innovations & Empack 2026 just around the corner, Mike Wilson, Chief Automation Officer at the Manufacturing Technology Centre, argues that robotics innovation is key to productivity, resilience and long-term packaging sector growth – and why a cultural shift is long overdue. As the saying goes, if you’re not moving forwards – you’re going […]
As industrial AI moves from hype to infrastructure, five trends are emerging that will define real operational impact in 2026, revealing why success will depend on process redesign, domain-specific intelligence, and frontline trust. The adoption of AI in industrial contexts is still recent, with limited pilot implementations and proofs of concept despite high expectations. As […]
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 […]
A robot that can locate lost items on command – this is the latest development at the Technical University of Munich (TUM). It combines knowledge from the internet with a spatial map of its surroundings to efficiently find the objects being sought. The new robot from Prof. Angela Schoellig’s TUM Learning Systems and Robotics Lab […]
Join Robotiq and Universal Robots to explore insights from recent AI conferences and the launch of new products from the companies, in a webinar on 25 March. Recent industry conferences and technology showcases have highlighted major advancements shaping the future of AI and robotics. This year, Physical AI is taking centre stage – with rapid […]
Automation and robotics distributor RARUK Automation has signed an exclusive UK distribution agreement with Trener Robotics (formerly T-Robotics). Headquartered in San Jose, California, and Trondheim, Norway, Trener Robotics offers an AI platform – Acteris – designed to bring artificial intelligence to manufacturing robots. Instead of the traditional code-based programming required to get a robot cell […]
Epson has been awarded the Platinum rating for sustainability by EcoVadis, one of the world’s most trusted providers of business sustainability ratings. The recognition places Epson in the top 1% of more than 130,000 companies assessed globally, reflecting the company’s strong performance across environmental, social and governance (ESG) criteria. In its most recent assessment, Epson […]
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 […]
LG Motion, a UK-based specialist in robotic automation and electro-mechanical motion solutions, is pleased to announce the launch of Lean Robotic Automation, a new book written by Gary Livingstone, managing director of LG Motion. Designed for manufacturers, engineers, operations leaders and automation professionals, Lean Robotic Automation provides a clear and practical framework for implementing robotics […]
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 […]
