Robotic automation is the future for manufacturers of all sizes and can help them save money and time and even create new jobs that weren't previously available.

How breakthroughs in additive manufacturing, new computational models and sensors are transforming the profession.

Logistics robots stand are the fastest-growing and most widely adopted form of service robot and provide many potential benefits for manufacturing.

There are a number of roadblocks preventing manufacturers from achieving true Industry 4.0 processes, and at the same time, there are a number of emerging solutions bringing production further into the future.

Radwell International is using the IndustryExpo Virtual Exhibition as a ‘permanently open platform’ to demonstrate its range of industry leading automation parts and repair services to 500,000+ visitors.

Today, Radwell International operates globally as one of the largest industrial repair and distribution facilities in the world. Visitors to its virtual stand are presented with a visual browsing experience that makes it easy to find information and view the complete range of services offered by Radwell International.

In the digital age, what is the best way to grow a business? Adopting the newest and best technologies, of course. For this reason, enterprises and manufacturers in the UK have ventured into what is now known as Industry 4.0. These are 'smart factories' which incorporate cloud computing, the Internet of Things (IoT) and cyber-physical systems, among other tech advancements. In addition, many manufacturers have started to realize the benefits of implementing augmented reality (AR) to assist their production lines.

For those who are new to the world of robotic automation, it’s natural to ask why you should invest in this technology. Most business owners will want to fully understand the goals, the problems solved, the economic reasons, and the benefits of robotic automation before truly considering the investment.

In recent years, the use of collaborative robots (cobots) has offered great efficiencies to the food and beverage industry. These machines reduce the need for humans to perform strenuous, repetitive tasks. Food & Beverage is also using artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance decision-making. The two technologies are being fused to provide an even greater return.

Collaborative robots are improving efficiency in pharmaceutical research, drug production, and quality control. Collaborative robots offer pharmaceutical applications greater reliability, consistency, and precision.

People are often confused about what machine vision can and cannot do for a manufacturing line or process. Understanding how it works can help make decisions about if it will resolve problems with the application.

So exactly what is machine vision, and how does it work?

Machine vision is the use of a camera or multiple cameras to inspect and analyze objects automatically, usually in an industrial or production environment. The data acquired then can be used to control a process or manufacturing activity. A typical application might be on an assembly line; after an operation is performed on a part, the camera is triggered to capture and process an image. The camera may be programmed to check the position of something, its color, size or shape, or whether the object is there or not. It also can look at and decipher a standard or 2-D matrix barcode or even read printed characters.