THIS WEEK’S HIGHLIGHTS

AFRC announces 100th member

The National Manufacturing Institute Scotland (NMIS) has welcomed its 100th member with international aerospace specialist ATI Inc joining the University of Strathclyde’s Advanced Forming Research Centre (AFRC) as a tie-one member. It marks the start of a collaboration in advanced engineering and materials science that will support sustainable air travel.

Based in Dallas, Texas, ATI is a major producer of materials to global aircraft engine manufacturers. The company has over 100 years of experience in creating superalloys that withstand extreme heat, pressure and corrosion. Access to the AFRC’s FutureForge facility will support ATI with the development of next-generation materials and processes.

More information www.nmis.scot

Over 300 at Mills CNC open house

Mills CNC’s recently-held ‘Pushing the Boundaries’ open house saw over 300 visitors attend
the two-day event in Leamington Spa. The 16 machine tools on show included a SMX
2100SB multi-tasking machine, DVF 5000 and DVF 6500 five-axis machining centres, a TT
twin-turret, twin-spindle turning centre with dual Y axes, and a large-capacity VTL.
A number of the machines on view were integrated with Mills’ industrial and collaborative
robot automation systems. Pride of place went to a SYNERGi Premier automated
manufacturing cell and the first showing of a new, multi-level automated pallet change
system. A McLaren Formula 1 car was also on display.
More information www.millscnc.co.uk

£200,000 automation cell unveiled

A £200,000 automation cell was unveiled at In-Comm Training’s Telford Technical Academy
earlier this month. The independent training provider has extended its commitment to
employer-led provision by introducing a six-axis ABB industrial robot and bespoke conveyor
system that replicates a real-world manufacturing line.
In-Comm’s new automation cell gives learners access to component nesting and sensing,
robotic operation, PLC programming, and interfacing systems. Training will focus on
delivering Level 3 and Level 4 courses, with engineers learning how to interact with PLCs,
perform essential maintenance tasks and automate production lines.
More information www.in-comm.co.uk

Kuka Digital: new business segment

Automation group Kuka has founded a new business segment. With Kuka Digital, the long-established German-based company known for its orange industrial robots is expanding its software and digital business. The goal: end-to-end digitalisation of production machines, from first 3D simulation, through connectivity and data analysis, to the use of AI. 

Specifically, Kuka’s digital segment is focusing on a software and digital portfolio that is not limited to the company’s robots. Regardless of machine type and manufacturer, customers should be able to use software solutions for their production machines and thus digitalise their production halls from end to end.

More information www.kuka.com

FANUC Hails UK Robot Stars

A team representing the UK’s finest young robotics talent, and supported by factory
automation specialist FANUC UK, has been honoured at WorldSkills Lyon 2024. Jason Scott
and Charlie Carson, both from Northern Ireland, were awarded the Medallion for Excellence
in the category of Robot Systems Integration, where they competed against teams from 18
different countries.
The duo attended Northern Regional College and Scott now works at AES Global while
Carson attends the University of Ulster. Over 1500 young people from 69 countries
competed over four days of competition in 62 different skills at WorldSkills Lyon, which was
watched by over 250,000 spectators.
More information www.fanuc.eu