RARUK Automation, known for supplying the Universal Robots range of collaborative robot arms and other innovative automation solutions, has announced new partnerships with SICK and Inbolt.


RARUK Automation, known for supplying the Universal Robots range of collaborative robot arms and other innovative automation solutions, has announced new partnerships with SICK and Inbolt.

In 2024, the British Gear Association (BGA) were excited to fund a Research Project on “Non-Involute Gear Testing.” This initiative, launched by BGA member Dontyne Gears, attracted considerable attention when presented at the GEARS 2024 conference. Feedback from delegates showed there was desire for a deeper exploration of the project and results.

An innovation originating from TR Fastenings’ Italian manufacturing plant in the south of Tuscany, the patented EPW screw, with a unique self-extruding and thread-forming design, is now in its fourth generation and provides an efficient, high-quality and cost-effective solution when fastening thin sheet metal.

Across a number of industries – in particular the Electric Vehicle (EV) market – TR Fastenings works closely with its customers to simplify their supply chains. We sat down with John Dick, global procurement director at Trifast Plc, to discuss how, through close cooperation and technical know-how, the company was able to create a new fastener solution for use in an Electrical Vehicle (EV) charging unit, whilst also simplifying the customer’s supply chain.

Blyth-headquartered Draeger Safety UK has secured a safety support role in the University of Aberdeen’s hydrogen research project.
The project will investigate new materials and methods for hydrogen transportation and storage; repurposing the economic future of the North Sea (MHYSTIC) and aims to support and improve green energy supply across the UK.
Dräger, which also has an office in Aberdeen, has worked with the School of Engineering at the University of Aberdeen for the past four years.
Megan Hine, energy transition safety lead, Draeger Safety UK, said: “The safety industry has a fundamental role to play in the development of renewable and green energy and it is therefore vital that industry and academia work together to address challenges.
“Not only is the role of safety crucial to ensure public and industry confidence and trust, but there are some elements where the safety risks are not fully known, and as a result we are working very closely with the University of Aberdeen, and our clients, many of whom are at the forefront of the energy transition, to understand and manage these risks and to promote the safe use of green technologies.”
Dr Alfonso Martinez-Felipe, University of Aberdeen and project lead, added: “This project will combine experimental and computational techniques to come up with new models that explain and prevent hydrogen leakage through steels and polymers.
“Our ambition is to repurpose existing pipelines and instruments in the North Sea for their use in transport of hydrogen and its blends, contributing to circularity and reactivating the renewable energy sector in the region. We are delighted to have Drager as one of our industry partners, who will help us transfer our research findings into innovations and regulations that will establish a safe hydrogen economy in Scotland and the UK.”

Whilst looking for a new and complex component to be installed in the centre console of its latest model, a well-known Electric Vehicle manufacturer based in the USA has worked closely with TR Fastenings to create a tailored spring and spool system, in collaboration with its global sales & engineering team.

The North East Automotive Alliance (NEAA) has unveiled the highly anticipated shortlist for the 2025 NEAA Awards, showcasing the region’s most outstanding individuals and businesses within the automotive sector.

Long-standing NEAA members, Komatsu UK Ltd and AR Power have teamed up on a project which will help the Birtley-based manufacturer reduce their reliance on energy from the grid and their CO2 emissions.

Education Partnership North East (EPNE) is a multi-award winning college group comprising Sunderland College, Northumberland College, Hartlepool Sixth Form College, and EPNE Training, delivering life-changing courses to 16,500 young people and adults, many of whom are from some of the most deprived areas in the UK.

The Port of Tyne has purchased what is said to be the UK’s first fully electric foiling pilot vessel.