Coventry-based Fanuc will mark its return to the Interplas show taking place at the NEC, Birmingham from 28-30 September with the UK trade show debut of its latest lightweight collaborative robot (cobot) as well as also celebrating the 25th anniversary of strategic partner and systems integrator, Hi-Tech Automation.

Both Fanuc and Hi-Tech have partnered together over the years on a broad portfolio of automation solutions for the plastics industry, notably but not exclusively focusing on the development and delivery of turnkey cells for Fanuc’s Roboshot series of all-electric injection moulding machines.

Visitors to the stand will be able to attend a special presentation to commemorate Hi-Tech Automation’s 25th anniversary.

Gary Probert, director at Hi-Tech Automation, said: “After a difficult 18 months for the plastics sector, we are delighted to not only be returning to Interplas, but to be able to mark the occasion by celebrating 25 years on from when we were founded.”

Customisation will be a key theme of Fanuc’s stand, highlighting how automation can be tailored to suit any and all requirements across the plastics sector. Taking centre stage will be the CRX-10iA lightweight cobot, which is compatible with Fanuc’s Roboshot range.

At Interplas, this versatile cobot will be used to dispense hand sanitiser to customers, illustrating its capacity to operate alongside humans in a safe and precise way.

In addition to this, Hi Tech Automation’s standard range of modular multi-function cells suitable for the Fanuc Roboshot range, from 50 to 450 tons, will be accompanied by a dedicated information portal outlining where automated solutions can be used within the plastics industry.

David Raine, Fanuc UK & Ireland key account manager, said: “Hi Tech Automation has been one of our key systems integrators over the years for our Roboshot machines, and we are delighted to be celebrating its 25th anniversary at what is sure to be a really vibrant event.

“Trade shows such as Interplas offer a great way to get to grips with the latest technology and learn what companies such as Fanuc and Hi Tech can offer for a visitor’s future automation plans. The fact that we are able to use our latest cobot to safely dispense sanitiser is testament to the progress our industry is making and we are very much looking forward to seeing everyone there.”