UR10 cobot from RARUK Automation saves labour costs at BWI
RARUK Automation has supplied a Universal Robots UR10 collaborative robot (cobot) to BWI Group’s Luton plant, which specialises in the assembly of complete suspension modules to the global transportation market. The UR10 is currently employed tending a blow-moulding machine, where completed parts are extracted every 25 seconds and placed in containers ready for shipping, saving on the need – and cost – of having a human operative in attendance.
With origins that can be traced back to the early 1900s, BWI Group is today a full service supplier of chassis, suspension and brake products. The company has partnerships with many blue-chip OEMs, including JLR, Porsche and Honda, and has a proven ability to manage tier-two and tier-three suppliers to ensure the just-in-time (JIT) delivery of modules.
At Luton, some 200 people help ensure production throughput matches demand. Of course, one way to simplify the task of meeting productivity targets, is to invest in automation.
“We did quite an extensive market study before acquiring our first robot,” explains Mike Hathway, Industrial Engineer at BWI Group in Luton. “We invited almost every UK supplier of robot technology to pitch at our facility. However, while this process was ongoing, I attended an automation workshop at JLR, where I happened to see a Universal Robots UR5 cobot in action. We hadn’t given much consideration to cobots until then, but everyone was really impressed, including me.” BWI Group duly invested in a UR10 model with 10 kg payload to suit a number of applications the company had in mind.
“First of all we put the UR10 to work tending a crimping machine,” says Mr Hathway. “The machine crimps outer canisters for air-suspension modules. To explain further, outside the flexible sleeve/bag that traps the air, there is a cylinder to help prevent over-expansion and punctures. The machine crimps the cylinder on to the bag, with the UR10 moving parts between each stage of the process: pre-check, crimp and after-check. There is one part in each station at any one time to provide continuous flow.” Previously this entire operation was manual, with a BWI Group employee performing all tasks.
Not long after the cobot was installed, an internal change of strategy saw the manufacture of these outer canisters relocated to another BWI plant in central Europe, so the UR10 was re-assigned to a different machine.
“UR-series cobots are extremely flexible and can be adapted to a whole host of applications, so we had no trouble finding another role for it,” says Mr Hathway. “We moved the UR10 to a blow-moulding machine, where it extracts dust covers every 25 seconds and loads them neatly into a container ready for shipment to another plant. Previously, the parts would just exit the machine and land randomly on a conveyor, which although a bit messy was fine when we used the dust covers in-house. However, the dust covers are now sent to another facility for assembly, so shipping them in a tangled, random way would render them unusable. If we didn’t deploy the UR10 here we would need a full-time operative at the end of the machine to pack the parts neatly. This job would be particularly dull, comprising five seconds of work and 20 seconds of waiting – hardly an efficient or cost-effective use of labour.”
“We’ve been nothing but impressed with our UR10,” says Mr Hathway. “Aside from the flexibility and reliability, the collaborative capability means we don’t need guarding and can create a far more compact cell – with due care relating to speeds, motion and grippers. Our factory is highly utilised and we don’t have sufficient space to be adding large guarded robot cells. Guarding also adds to the cost of a project. We are now looking at introducing further cobots and have a particular interest in the larger UR16.”
Another point of note highlighted is the support provided by RARUK Automation. “The company helped in the early project stages, particularly with proof-of-concept, and in addition they are always on hand if I have a question about programming.” Mr Hathway concludes.
As a final aside, BWI Group is currently in the process of creating a new business venture, Open Automation, that will semi-integrate UR cobots on a stand complete with PLC and program, ready to sell to other end users. This venture will tap into the full range of Universal Robots available from RARUK Automation.
Other News from RARUK Automation

Latest news about Robotics
- Omron joins forces with OnRobot for collaborative robotic solutions
- After a tough two years, industrial robots are back on track
- 3D printed plastic grippers save packaging manufacturers 85% on costs
- European manufacturing breakthrough stifled by overengineered industrial robots
- DIY automation with low cost robotic touchscreen test
- Omron launches next generation SCARA robots to handle heaviest payloads
- Get the right recipe to leave the others behind
- ABB launches next generation cobots to unlock automation for new sectors and first-time users
- Universal Robots to demonstrate how to ensure dispensing consistency with cobots
- ABB launches podcast series exploring robotics and automation
- Omron launches next generation SCARA robots
- Ballet dancer Merritt Moore chooses a cobot as her new dance partner
- Robolink DP for all flexible automated applications
- Robotic production line for Pets Choice
- Advanced robotics for industrial manufacturing
- Next generation production line for Pets Choice
- Universal Robots launches vast online knowledge bank
- IP44 robolink from Igus defies water
- Hire a robot from just £63.99 per day
- Igus demonstrates Robolink in splash water applications
- Robot range is quickly extended with the new 7th axis from Igus
- Re-energising European battery cell production
- Omron appoints Reeco Automation as solution partner for collaborative robots
- Cobots key to the future of manufacturing
- Universal Robots launches SME automation month for October
- A key consideration for a successful robot installation
- ABB offers Augmented Reality on a smartphone to simplify robot installations
- Long reach with a high payload: Fanuc expands m-900 series
- Robot palletiser increases throughput and reduces costs
- Fanuc expands range of handling robots
- ABB’s new 3D inspection robot system makes quality control testing ten times faster
- UK’s only dedicated Universal Robots training centre to reopen after Covid-19 lockdown is eased
- Automatica and Munich School of Robotics and Machine Intelligence (MSRM) initiate AI platform munich_i
- Cobots maximise return on investment
- Festo gives the future of safe automation a hand
- Omron launches HD-1500 mobile robot with 1500kg payload capacity
- New cobot offers solution for post-lockdown manufacturing
- Fanuc UK to host dedicated automation event for injection moulders
- RS Components joins forces with VEX Robotics to set summer STEM coding challenge
- ABB makes manufacturing more sustainable by recycling and remanufacturing thousands of old robots
- Entry-level robots to kick-start new factory automation projects
- Fast entry into low-cost automation using a digital twin in intuitive robot control
- UNLOCK A NEW LEVEL OF FLEXIBILITY FOR FINISHING APPLICATIONS
- Robots speed up the production of Covid-19 tests
- Collaborative robot brings game-changing industrial performance
- ABB’s robot training masterclasses now available online
- Universal Robots offers free online consultations to Pharma companies
- Do you need a collaborative robot?
- RARUK opens dedicated Universal Robots training centre
- Robots play key role in the manufacture of EV battery packs
- Safe in the robotic arms of Mitsubishi Electric
- Tending to excel with a robot ‘handshake’
- Mitsubishi launches new robot model at SPS 2019
- Mobile robot moves payloads up to 250kg
- Collaborative or cooperative: which type of robot suits your needs best?
- New support offering helps to raise productivity
- Robot versus knot – it’s a tie
- LG Motion expands into collaborative robotics
- Food cutting becomes a piece of cake
- Mitsubishi introduces range of high performance delta robots
- Can robots transform your business?
- UK Robot Pioneers win Queen’s Award for Enterprise for Innovation
- British made robots already helping UK manufacturers
- New additions bring greater robot dexterity
- Robot arms are getting everywhere
- In the future you’ll be talking to your robots
- Innovation lab shows the benefits of robots
- New dresspack configurator for virtually any robot
- Three-way concept for tool changer for all robot brands
- Yaskawa and Reeco partner in cobots
- Igus introduces delta robots at under £5,000
- Universal Robots launches new flagship cobot range
- Applied Automation adds new cobot product lines
- New cobot offers flexible and reliable support
- Optimise your production
- Should robots pay taxes?
- Standards for safety when using collaborative robots
- Should robots be taxed?
- Fanuc launches SCARA robot range for assembly, packing and material handling
- Small and cost-effective: low-cost robolink robot arm in a compact design
- Cobot force control with high sensitivity
- Collaborative automation – a guide to common applications
- Universal Robots draw the crowds in Regent Street
- ABB extends the YuMi family
- Easy transition from ‘helping hand’ to full automation
- New White Paper: Cobots – a catalyst for reshoring
- Mitsubishi extends robot range with first collaborative robot
- Six-axis robot turns 3D printing into an art form
- Automata slashes the cost of robotics
- RARUK Automation highlights robots at Advanced Engineering
- Seminar provides step-by-step guide to improving your productivity with robots
- Dual gripper speeds output and relieves tedium
- Innovative Collaborative Robot sets new benchmark
- Omron debuts world’s fastest and first 4 arm Delta robot
- Resist the urge to blame the robots
- Schunk publishes its new lathe chuck catalogue
- New collaborative robot products and applications showcased at Northern Manufacturing
- Yaskawa MotoLogix hooks up with Routeco
- Universal Robots receives ‘Best Design’ award
- Mabey puts cutting-edge ABB robots to work
- Motoman robots plus AirGrip equals a better grip on bottles
- New robot lends precision and reliability to the production of hearing aids
- One stop shop for robotics and motion
- The future is bright for robotics
- A simple guide to robot safety
- Free online training in robot programming
- Cobots driving efficiency improvements
- Low-cost robotic range simplifies complex tasks
- Collaborative robots provide burger flipping assistance
- Low cost robotic range from RS Components
- Simple guide to robot safety
- Universal Robots now certified for cleanroom applications
- Cobots key for product testing
- Open source robotics
- Low-cost robotic range available from RS simplifies complex tasks
- Seminar provides step-by-step guide to improving your productivity with robots
- Igus expands robolink D modular kit with plastic gearing
- Universal Robots racks up the benefits at Etalex
- Igus robolink D 5-axis articulated arms now available pre-assembled
- RARUK Automation appoints robot sales engineer
- Twin robots learn to live and work with each other
- Yaskawa investing in Europe for future growth
- Igus extends robolink with direct drive arms
- Universal ‘co-bots’ boosted by next-generation robot programming
- Igus humanoid open platform robot
- UCB life scientists use robots to test cells by the billion
- X-STK confirmed as Preferred Partner for Universal Robots
- ABB Robotics introduces Connected Services to improve UK productivity
- Hands up if you know one robot arm from another
- Harder, better, faster
- Robot programming via PLC is key in food plant
- Benefits of Rodriguez-supplied technologies filter through at FDC
- Delta robot with open-architecture controller
- Teradyne announces new Universal Robots president
- Universal Robots now certified for applications in cleanroom environments
- Robot automates SIM card packaging
- Low cost robots help students get up to speed
- Collaborative robots meet machine tending needs
- Igus robolink robots tend machine tools
- Omron acquires Adept’s classy robots for fast-moving automation
- Collaborative robots boost production and prevent errors
- Foodie fads spark robot rethink
- UCB life scientists use robots to test cells by the billion
- The breakthrough of smart robots at Automatica 2016
- ABB to showcase latest robotic innovations at MACH 2016
- ABB introduces its first SCARA robot family
- Mitsubishi demonstrates MELFA SafePlus robotic safety
- From distributor to preferred partner
- AUTOMATICA 2016: Innovations for the food industry
- Applied Automation to distribute Universal Robots
- Second tea packing system ordered
- Second tea packing system ordered
- COMAU and B&R assimilate robotics into machine control
- London start-up simplifies robotic automation at a 10th of the cost
- Life sciences focus for AUTOMATICA 2016 in Munich
- 10,000 Comau robots controlled by B&R
- Modular system for safe robotics
- Path tracing robot with pattern recognition
- Safety considerations with CoBots
- Direct drive robotic arms support lean automation
- Omron acquires Adept Technology
- Fanuc robotic golf cell highlights precision and vision
- Omron demos path tracing delta robot with freehand pattern recognition
- Robot delivers 18 month ROI
- First Fanuc MC410iC/185 robot in the field at Askew & Barrett
- Aerotech introduces RCP-DELTA robot and controller
- Fanuc unveils world's highest payload collaborative robot
- Robots are on the march
- Schunk has a hand in precision gripping
- Unlocking the potential of robotic automation
- Robot 'first timer' meets exponential growth in demand
- Superior operating performance and reduced operating costs
- Sweetcorn Factory First for FANUC
- Busting the myths around robotics
- ABB acquires Gomtec to expand collaborative robotics portfolio
- Igus to offer €1500 industrial robot
- Teradyne announces Universal Robots acquisition
- Flexible product gripper
- Flexible, light-weight table-top robot
- Lightweight, table-top robot for collaborative working
- Getting a grip on collaborative robots
- Putting safety first when working with robots
- Robotics in the supply chain will enhance humans, not replace them
- Browse robot videos by company, technology or industry
- Robotics update brings the best of the web
- Using robots for bespoke and low volume processes
- robolink helps robots break free
- En route to robot safety
- Measuring robot works tirelessly outdoors
- Adaptive robot gripper system
- RA Rodriguez introduces third generation robots
- Robot gripper based on the human hand
- Tiny gripper accomplishes 3mm stroke in 0.03s
- HANNOVER MESSE showcases latest generation of industrial robots
- Picked to perfection
- Top tips for staying safe when working alongside robots
- Universal Robots launches third generation products
- New resource for industrial robot information
- Lightweight robots incorporate absolute encoders and adjustable safety
- Service robots revolutionise clean-up of the Sydney Harbor Bridge
- "Farming intelligence" creates greater value
- AUTOMATICA 2014: Focus on automobile production
- Innovations in life sciences
- Robots for metalworking
- Service Robots - Clever colleagues at work
- Service Robots - intelligent and autonomous
- Service robots in the medical industry
- Working with robots simply as automation components
- Table tennis star takes on fast, flexible KUKA robot
- Improving the state of UK manufacturing
- Mitsubishi Electric robot emulates intuitive human cake icing movements
- An innovative approach to automating ultrasonic testing
- Universal robot is a star attraction at Honda's Technical Festival
- The brains behind an effective robot solution
- The robot revolution that never quite happened...
- Table tennis legend to take on KUKA robot
- Robot transformations
- FANUC paint shop robots boost installed UK base
- An innovative approach to automation for production of airbag control sensors
- KUKA announces Siemens cooperation
- How to take control of a robot arm
- Next generation of high speed pickers
- Robot helps to get MS sufferer back to work
- Mitsubishi Electric robot picks stem cells
- Novel energy chain system increases uptime for Jaguar Land Rover
- Performance robot is food safe
- Robotics integrates with vision, motion and PLC in single platform
- Innovative robot design set to revolutionise the market
- Increase production flexibility with a robot arm tool changer
- Transforming your sustainability with robotic automation
- Huge uptake reported for automation grant
- Innovation in lightweight, low cost robotics
- Automation Brings Everything Together in the Electrical Industry
- ABB doubles investment in training centre
- Getting to grips with the bionic FinGripper
- Pick and place delta robots
- Robot night shift gives ALM a competitive edge
- Seeing your name in lights, thanks to KUKA robots
- Economical, flexible robot found after 10 year search
- Aerotech launches Cartesius T-style robots
- Automation transforms forge's finishing facility
- Compact high-speed robot requires minimal workspace
- It's time for the UK to embrace robots
- Modular robots were inspired by nature
- Robot arm tool changer is faster and stronger
- Robot range completed by six-axis launch
- Robot retrofits: Axis 1 safety
- Save assembly time and costs
- ABB robots featured in "Terminator Salvation" movie
- Bionic penguins mimic real life movement
- Energy and data supply for robotics