Leading packaging machinery and robotic automation specialist, RMGroup, in collaboration with ABB Robotics UK, held an engaging interactive workshop on 30 March. The well-attended event, which offered guidance through the ever-changing robotics and automation landscape, took place at ABB’s Milton Keynes headquarters.
Following a welcome presentation by Steve Banton, channel manager ABB Robotics UK, delegates listened to a presentation and saw a robotic palletising and AMR demonstration by RMGroup’s technical compliance manager, Paul Jewell. Thereafter, a presentation by Dr Martin Kidman, product manager for SICK UK (Safety products, systems and services) followed, his talk centred on SICK’s sensor solutions that help control processes securely and efficiently. A panel discussion with an open Q&A rounded off the morning’s activity. The lively session covered a range of topics including, barriers to adoption, robot capability and implementation, collaborative robotic systems, the future of robotics and the next generations, and more.
The afternoon offered live demonstrations of applications utilising industrial and mobile robots, including palletising, pick and place, material handling and storage operations. Table-top exhibits by supplier partners, including SICK UK, print and apply labelling specialist, Logopak, and automation experts, Simmatic, provided delegates with opportunities to discuss specific areas of interest.
ABB Robotics UK hailed the success of the event, thanking both RMGroup and partner suppliers for their participation, with Steve Banton saying: “It is great to be shining the light today on one of our partners [RMGroup] that we hold in such high regard. Trusted partnerships are so important as we manufacture and provide technical solutions to the end user.
“Events like this provide confidence in what robotics and automation can achieve across multiple of applications and industries. To see the equipment first-hand, talk to the experts and know you are working with the right companies makes this type of format a worthwhile experience.”