During the 1980s, the UK underwent a significant economic transformation, often associated with the policies of then-Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher. This period marked a decisive shift from a manufacturing-based economy to one increasingly dominated by services, finance, retail, and consumer spending. As the country embraced these changes, the manufacturing sector diminished in importance, reflecting broader trends seen in other Western economies, particularly the United States. This evolution was driven by a combination of government policies aimed at deregulation and privatization, which sought to stimulate economic growth and enhance competitiveness in a rapidly changing global market. The lasting impact of this transition continues to shape the UK’s economic landscape today.
Interview with MTC’s Mike Wilson: ‘Automation is not optional if the UK wants to rebuild manufacturing’
Robotics needs a service framework.
RSF defines a common language for robot service capability, lifecycle operations, certification pathways, and service-provider networks.
Research Highlights Risks of Smart Systems Including AI, Robotics, and Bioweapons
Recent discussions have highlighted the risks associated with advanced technologies, including industrial robots, drones, and AI systems. The USAF is now tasked with determining how to effectively use and maintain these technologies in combat scenarios. Meanwhile, ANYbotics has developed robot dogs capable of navigating secured facilities while adhering t...
AI and Robotics
Amazon Announces $100 Million Investment in New Robotics Manufacturing Facility in Indiana
Amazon has revealed plans to invest $100 million in a new robotics manufacturing plant located in Indiana. This strategic move aims to enhance Amazon's capabilities in robotics and automation, aligning with the company's ongoing commitment to innovation in supply chain management. The establishment of this facility is significant as it underscores Amazon'...
Robotics Automation AI
RobotToday Weekly September 21 – 25, 2026
Cognex buys RealSense, Qualcomm acquires PickNik, the IFR counts 5 million factory robots, AGIBOT deploys 300 robots at Chimelong, and Tekever raises $580 million.
RobotToday Weekly
PAL Robotics Unveils TIAGo Pro Arm for Advanced Manipulation and AI Research
PAL Robotics has launched the TIAGo Pro Arm, a standalone robotic manipulation platform designed for researchers in robot learning and physical AI. This new system is being showcased at IROS 2026 in Pittsburgh, running from September 27 to October 1. The arm features seven degrees of freedom and is built on ROS 2 and ros_control, incorporating Series Elas...
Amazon Plans $100 Million Investment in New Advanced Manufacturing Facility in Indiana
Amazon has announced a significant investment exceeding $100 million to establish a new 585,000-square-foot advanced manufacturing facility in Greenwood, Indiana. This facility is expected to create 300 skilled manufacturing and engineering jobs, producing products that will enhance Amazon’s fulfillment and robotics network across North America. The estab...
Autonomous Mobile Robots (AMRs) Collaborative Robots Manufacturing
IonQ to Install 256-Qubit Quantum Computer at Florida International University for Research
IonQ, a US quantum computing company, plans to install a 256-qubit trapped-ion quantum computer at Florida International University (FIU) in Miami by late 2027. This installation will provide researchers and students direct access to IonQ's sixth-generation quantum hardware, marking the first deployment of the Superion 256 system in Florida. The significa...
Science
ITESO Team Develops RoboMeshA Portable Educational Platform for Robotics Learning
In Guadalajara, Mexico, a team from ITESO, Universidad Jesuita de Guadalajara, has developed RoboMeshA, a portable educational platform aimed at enhancing robotics and AI learning in high schools lacking advanced tools. This initiative, part of the EPICS in IEEE program, involves 15 engineering students and faculty advisors who designed a self-contained m...
Robotics Ai Type-ti
Amazon to Invest Over $100 Million in Indiana Manufacturing Plant for Robotics Network
Amazon has announced plans to invest more than $100 million in a new advanced manufacturing facility in Greenwood, Indiana, aimed at supporting its North American fulfillment and robotics network. The 585,000-square-foot facility is expected to open by 2028 and will create approximately 300 jobs, with average salaries nearing $100,000 annually. This inves...
AI AI Funding & Investment Robotics
University of Applied Sciences Magdeburg-Stendal and KUKA Systems AWS Launch FSW Research Platform
The University of Applied Sciences in Magdeburg-Stendal, in collaboration with KUKA Systems AWS, has introduced a new research cell dedicated to friction stir welding (FSW). This initiative aims to enhance the development and testing of innovative manufacturing processes, leveraging advanced robotics and digital technologies. The centerpiece of this resea...
XPENG Hosts Inaugural Robotics Supply Chain Partner Conference on September 22
On September 22, XPENG conducted its inaugural Robotics Supply Chain Partner Conference, gathering top supply chain firms specializing in essential components such as robot joint modules, actuators, and precision structural parts. This conference is significant as it marks XPENG's commitment to strengthening its robotics business through strategic partner...
Eureka Robotics and Shelley Automation Collaborate to Enhance North American Manufacturing with AI Solutions
Eureka Robotics and Shelley Automation have formed a partnership to integrate Eureka's AI Vision System into Shelley's automation solutions. This collaboration aims to introduce AI-powered bin picking capabilities to North American manufacturers, enhancing the efficiency and reliability of automation on the shop floor. The integration of Eureka's AI Visio...
Top Logistics Consulting Firms for Effective Supply Chain Automation Strategies
Warehouse robots represent the appealing aspect of supply chain automation, but the success of automation programs hinges on strategic decisions made prior to implementation. Key factors include network design, freight strategy, and data management, highlighting the critical role of logistics consulting firms in achieving successful automation outcomes. T...
Logistics Supply chain Warehouse robots
Janome Industrial Equipment Europe GmbH
Germany
German sales subsidiary of Janome Industrial Equipment (Japan), distributing servo presses and desktop/Cartesian robots in Europe since 1984.
Industrial Technology Research Institute (ITRI) 工業技術研究院
Taiwan
Hsinchu County, Taiwan applied-technology research institute founded 1973; over 6,500 staff developing autonomous mobile robots and AI perception systems.
ROS-Industrial
United States
Open-source consortium managed by SwRI extending ROS to industrial manufacturing automation, with global hubs in Americas, Europe, and Asia-Pacific.
BioRobotics Laboratory, Korea University of Technology and Education
Korea, Republic of (South)
South Korean university research laboratory focusing on haptics, exoskeletons, rehabilitation robotics, and autonomous ground vehicles.
McMaster Manufacturing Research Institute
Canada
Hamilton, Ontario applied manufacturing research center at McMaster University; runs a 21,000 sq ft facility with seven research labs.
Robotics Education & Competition Foundation
United States
The REC Foundation is a US nonprofit that runs VEX-based robotics and drone competitions reaching 1.1 million students across 70 countries.
E-COBOT
France
French AMR manufacturer and system integrator offering the HUSKY robot range and MyCobot fleet management software.
EasyMile
France
Toulouse, France autonomous-vehicle software company founded 2014; EZTow and EZDolly systems automate industrial tow tractors and cargo movers at airports.
Filics
Germany
Munich-based robotics startup making ultra-flat omnidirectional AMRs that drive under Euro pallets for space-efficient intralogistics.
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