Robot hire service introduced

Part of Warrington Robotics Ltd, Bots.co.uk has launched a robot rental service, one of the first of its kind in the UK. Aimed at both industrial and commercial businesses, the robots available to hire include collaborative industrial robotic arms and commercial humanoid robots. Tim Warrington, CEO at Bots.co.uk, says: “As the demand for this technology grows, we’re supporting many of our customers who are new to using robots. We are able to advise the most suitable way to implement the robot into the business, and even offer training and programming upon delivery.

“Most clients will start out with one robot, to see how it goes, usually before hiring multiple numbers,” he adds. “Robot rental is already popular in the US by businesses such as Hirebotics, but is not something that has been seen in the UK before.” Hire starts from £65 per day plus training and delivery.
For further information www.bots.co.uk

Riley Surface World awarded ISO9001

Riley Surface World, a reseller of new and used surface-finishing plant and machinery, has achieved ISO 9001:2015 certification. Managing director Michael Riley says: “The decision to apply for certification was taken to provide a clear structure for our team and enhance customer confidence. As dealers in used machinery, we were conscious that there is sometimes a negative perception of what we do. ISO certification helps to dispel that perception and lends more integrity to our products and services.

“It is also vitally important that our people adhere to the quality standards that ISO demands,” he adds. “This extends to all aspects of our business, including controlling costs, reducing risk, managing quality and improving profitability. Finally, ISO certification enables us to trade with many larger and more diverse companies and organisations where previously our credentials were not sufficient.”
For further information www.rileysurfaceworld.co.uk

Gantry robots installed at axle plant

The Kingswinford facility of axle manufacturing specialist MTI Welding Technologies has installed gantry robots from Güdel to help boost production.

MTI’s new gantry robots can be found at the heart of an automated cell used to friction-weld axle sub-assemblies destined for articulated trailers. The production cell integrates MTI’s double-head friction-welding technology with two Güdel gantry robots (ZP5 and FP3 models), a machine vision system and a series of product conveying/handling systems. Güdel UK also integrated the Siemens control with the robots.
For further information www.gudel.com

HRH Prince of Wales honours Mazak

Yamazaki Mazak has been awarded Employer of the Year at the 2018 Industrial Cadets Awards, beating the likes of Airbus, the RAF and Tata Consultancy Services to the accolade. Held at the Kelvin Lecture Theatre at the IET’s Savoy Place in London last month, the awards were presented by HRH The Prince of Wales and celebrate both the achievements of young people who have completed their nationally accredited work-based experience programmes, as well as the vital input, support and efforts of businesses, employers and education organisations.

One of just two accolades open to employers, the Employer of the Year award recognises companies that have demonstrated outstanding engagement with young people and the Industrial Cadets initiative, as well as illustrating best practice in employer engagement on the work experience STEM agenda.
For further information www.mazakeu.co.uk

Gearing up for Subcon 2018 exhibition

Subcon 2108, now in its 42nd year, returns to the NEC in Birmingham on 5-7 June. The 2018 event will see a range of new pavilions highlighting industry-specific solutions for the metal, transport, materials, automotive, aerospace and energy sectors. Of the 400 suppliers that exhibited in 2017, more than a third have already confirmed for this year.
A six-stream, 36-session conference programme will be held across two theatres. Confirmed speakers include: Paul Stein, CTO of Rolls-Royce; Henry White, BAE Systems/UK Sport technical lead; and Dr Lina Huertas, head of technology for digital strategy at the MTC.

Topics will include: the latest smart factory developments; real world applications of the IoT; and sensing, measurement and process control. Elsewhere, expert panels will explore the potential of sustainable and additive manufacturing, as well as showcasing industry case studies in cross-sector collaboration and open innovation.
For further information www.subconshow.co.uk