CDA’s editor, Charlotte Stonestreet, recently hosted a British Automation & Robotics Association roundtable discussion on the safety benefits that robots bring to dangerous tasks and environments. Here is taster of what the panel of experts covered

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SHEFFIELD-BASED Additive Manufacturing Technologies Ltd (AMT) has teamed up with Mitsubishi Electric to further advance its innovative chemical vapour smoothing machine, PostPro 3D, by developing an integrated automation solution. This is based on Mitsubishi Electric’s MELSEC iQ-F Series compact PLC, HMIs, SCADA and MELFA articulated arm robots offered as a system option. The PostPro vapour smoothing machine fully automates surface finishing of 3D printed parts, skyrocketing productivity from a few parts finished every hour up to hundreds of parts per hour.

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The launch of ABB’s new GoFa and SWIFTI cobots marks the continuation of a journey started in 2015 with the launch of its dual-arm YuMi robot. In this Q&A, Nigel Platt, explains how cobots can help manufacturers to take their first steps on the road to robotic automation.

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ROBOTS DEPEND on miniature motors for their motion, so evolution within robotics relies on technological advances in motor design. Dave Beckstoffer highlights the key trends in miniature motor development for robots.

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ACCORDING TO a 2020 survey by Mckinsey Global, COVID-19 has caused companies to accelerate the digitalisation of their internal operations by three to four years. The surge in digital uptake will propel the robotics industry forwards, shaping its contribution to businesses in 2021. Stewart Goulding explores the robotics trends to look out for in the sector this year.

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ENGINEERS AND manufacturers are increasingly turning to robots for increased productivity, and key to these engineering marvels are linear guides. Martin Ahner discusses the considerations required when choosing these components

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Tethys Energy Services and Aerones have won a blade robotics innovation competition launched by GE Renewable Energy, the Offshore Renewable Energy (ORE) Catapult and KTN

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We all take for granted downloading an App on our smart phones - but what about something as complex as configuring and commissioning vision-guidance for robots, will there ever be a ready-made ‘App’ for that? Neil Sandhu SICK’s UK Product Manager - Imaging, Measurement, Ranging & Systems, looks at the issues

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A leading pharmaceutical manufacturer specialising in asthma inhalers has transformed its in-line testing operations thanks to an automated quality control solution developed by Mitsubishi Electric and leading system integrator Optimal Industrial Automation.

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Concrete evidence has emerged of export success for Stoke-on-Trent based engineering firm Morris Brothers, following the delivery of a custom-built slab moulding machine to an overseas customer

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Mitsubishi Electric has unveiled the first member of its new MELFA Assista series of collaborative robots, designed to offer maximum safety and durability combined with ease of use and programming, while maintaining very high positional repeatability

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As human operators and robots increasingly share a common space in the manufacturing environment, the choice between a collaborative or cooperative machine is naturally being given more consideration. Barry Weller looks how to identify the best system for an intended application

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Until recently, the Industrial Revolution was largely associated with drastic engineering efforts that transformed Britain’s industry. Two centuries later, we are experiencing another shift in global manufacturing, the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR). Nigel Smith, managing director of industrial robot distributor TM Robotics, explains how Britain can reclaim the robotics revolution with simplified robot programming.

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A world-leading robotics programme that puts human, societal and ethical values front and centre of new technology to clean-up legacy nuclear waste, the National Centre for Nuclear Robotics is led by the University of Birmingham, based at its new Extreme Robotics Lab, in partnership with the University of Bristol, Lancaster University, Queen Mary University of London, University of Edinburgh, University of Essex, University of Lincoln, University of Plymouth and the University of the West of England.

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Uncertainties surrounding Brexit have made many suppliers of fresh produce wary of investing until they know exactly what sort of deal will be struck between the UK and EU. However, David Jahn, believes that recent government announcements mean that now is the time to consider investment to mitigate the challenges created by Brexit.

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Robot manufacturers can show how robots and machines can interact seamlessly to allow production runs to be easily and quickly altered to allow for fluctuating lot sizes, as well as alleviate the workers from repetitive tasks and heavy lifting. Here, Omron identifies five questions to to ask when selecting a mobile robot for your operation

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At the MACH show, Andy Pye met with Universal Robots and some of their partner network. The products were interesting in themselves, but the real story broke a few weeks later – and took us by surprise too!

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Digitisation promises big things for the future of manufacturing. Yet there is a danger that many companies unsure of how to modernise their operations are going to be left behind. Mike Wilson, BDM for ABB Robotics UK and Ireland, explains how to identify which processes might be ripe for automation and why robots can offer the ideal starting point

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The Amazon Picking Challenge, set by global online retailer Amazon, challenged roboticists to create a robot that can pick and stow twelve products from a shelf, into a bag. The Shadow Robot Company, designer and manufacturer of state-of-the-art anthropomorphic robot hands, addressed the challenge with the help of precision bearing specialist, SMB Bearings.

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Making good with out of date equipment won’t bring about a more prosperous future for the UK’s machine shops. It’s time to consider smarter technologies. Paul Williams, Sales Manager, ABB’s UK Robotics business, explains how machine tending can involve robot technology

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More than 50 brushless dc motors, gearheads and controllers from maxon motor are responsible for the humanoid's precision movements.

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The all-round CNC milling machine The new generation ROBODRILL vertical machining centre promises unrivalled quality and precision at great hourly rates.

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Fast, accurate electrical discharge machining Where wire EDM is concerned, accuracy has traditionally come at the cost of speed.

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Short cycle times, consistent parts quality FANUC ROBOSHOT takes state-of-the-art CNC precision technology from turning and milling and applies it to electric injection moulding.

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Helping you meet your production needs Unlike conventional service and support offerings, FANUC works on the premise that because every customer’s needs are different

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All your parts online That part you need is just a few clicks away. Register now for full 24/7 access to a huge selection of original equipment parts straight from the manufacturer.

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Boost productivity with your own personal maintenance strategy Regardless of what you manufacture, ensuring your machines exhibit maximum reliability is essential to your bottom line.

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Every part. When you need it. Where you need it. Outstanding quality and constant availability during the complete lifetime of your FANUC product make us a very reliable partner.

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Upskill with FANUC and improve your productivity At the FANUC Academy we’re passionate about automation – and love nothing more than conveying that passion.

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It doesn't get any easier than this: Define the number of axes for the Mother-board, click, and done.

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Flexible CNC systems and solutions Boasting the widest range of CNC systems in the industry, FANUC provides everything you will ever need for your CNC.

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From the smallest to the strongest industrial robot in the world With more than 100 models, FANUC offers the widest range of industrial robots in the world.

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