EDITORIAL ROUNDUP

Next-Generation Human-Robot Safety

Oxford Technology is investing in BeyondFence, a robotics company developing ISO-compliant technology that allows humans and robots to work safely together without traditional physical safety barriers. BeyondFence replaces safety perimeters with certified intelligence built around the robot’s surface. By integrating this touch-detection technology, BeyondFence empowers robots to freeze movement instantly upon physical contact with a human hand or torso, for example. The investment from Oxford Technology will support the company’s initial operating costs as it progresses toward securing its first commercial sale.

More information www.oxfordtechnology.com

Record Order Marks Milestone For Hydrogen UAVs

Intelligent Energy (IE), a specialist hydrogen fuel cell manufacturer, has unveiled a 120 kW hydrogen fuel cell power system for heavy-lift fixed-wing drones and secured its largest commercial order to date in the uncrewed aerial vehicle (UAV) sector. The twin milestones come as Intelligent Energy’s UAV business continues to grow, driven by rising demand for hydrogen-powered drones capable of flying further, carrying heavier payloads and operating for longer than battery-powered alternatives. The announcements follow the UK Government’s commitment to invest £5bn in drones and autonomous systems.

More information www.intelligent-energy.com

Colchester Names RAMET As Scotland Distributor

Colchester Machine Tool Solutions (CMTS) has entered a new strategic partnership with RAM Engineering & Tooling (RAMET), appointing the business as its exclusive distribution partner for Scotland. Through its Colchester, Harrison and Pratt Burnerd brands, the company offers a wide portfolio of manual and CNC lathes, milling machines, automation systems, and work-holding solutions designed to improve productivity and precision.

Based in Kirriemuir, Angus, RAMET is a specialist technical sales and support organisation focused on delivering high-quality CNC machine tools and manufacturing solutions across the UK. Under the new agreement, RAMET will provide full sales and support coverage for Colchester Machine Tool Solutions products across Scotland, including technical consultation, project delivery and aftersales service.

More information www.colchester.co.uk

Machine Shop Tops Out At Sheffield Forgemasters

Sheffield Forgemasters has marked an important milestone in the development of its 30,000 m² new machine shop with a topping out ceremony for the installation of the final steel roof beam. Attendees were invited to sign their names on the final roof beam before Sheffield Forgemasters’ longest serving machinist, Paul Haxton, and first year apprentice, Joe Garrett, were invited to tighten the ‘golden bolt’ to hold the beam in place.   

Gareth Barker, COO at Sheffield Forgemasters, said: “Our new facility means we can bring together our years of expertise and investment in state-of-the-art machine tools to deliver incredible accuracies and improve our ability to innovate, making Sheffield Forgemasters more competitive on the world stage. For many of our machinists, this was the first time they had visited the new site, which will eventually be their new workplace.”

More information www.sheffieldforgemasters.com

Enginuity And CBM Agree To Strengthen Skills

Enginuity has signed an MoU with the Confederation of British Metalforming (CBM), marking the beginning of a partnership to strengthen SME manufacturing skills, workforce development and employer engagement. The agreement brings together the charity’s expertise in addressing industrial skills challenges with CBM’s 200-strong network of metal-forming businesses. The organisations will collaborate to understand sector needs, develop workforce solutions and ensure skills provision and training offers are fit for purpose, aligned with employer requirements and responsive to changing industry demands.

More information www.thecbm.co.uk