- What does RARUK Automation Ltd do?
RARUK Automation Limited is a leading automation equipment provider from sister company R. A. Rodriguez (UK) Limited, that specialises in the supply of cutting-edge automation and robotic solutions, dedicated to enhancing productivity and efficiency across all industries.
Our range of automation solutions includes collaborative robots (Cobots), Autonomous Mobile Robots (AMRs), industrial and cartesian robots, through to automated warehouse storage and feeding systems. These state-of-the-art technologies enable businesses to streamline operations, reduce costs, and achieve greater flexibility in manufacturing and logistics processes.
As one of the first Universal Robots cobot distributors in the world, RARUK Automation offers a unique range of off-the-shelf and customised solutions to businesses looking to automate their processes. Typical applications include: end of line palletising, machine tending, pick & place, sanding & polishing, screwdriving, and warehouse logistics.
- What makes RARUK Automation Ltd great?
Last year we were named Universal Robots’ top distributor globally. We sold our first Universal Robot in 2011. Since then, our range has expanded to offer a range of complimentary application solutions, mobile robots, as well as automated storage and part feeding systems.
At RARUK Automation, we pride ourselves on the high level of technical support we offer. We provide a complimentary feasibility study service where customers can send us their parts to assess the viability of an application using our product portfolio. In our certified training centre, we regularly run Universal Robots Core and Advanced 2-day training courses. We are the only distributor in the UK that offers Universal Robots Advanced training. We also offer MiR Core training to help AMR users get to grips with programming and maintenance.
- What is your 5 year plan?
Our aim is to support our existing and new customers reduce operating costs and boost efficiency through meeting their automation goals. We aim to stay on the cutting edge of robotic technology and to bring the latest advancements to the UK market.
- What are you looking for from your EMN membership?
As RARUK Automation continues to grow across the UK, it is important that we further establish our presence in each region. As there is a fantastic engineering sector in the North-East, we would like to communicate our products and services, to further establish our footprint in this area.
- What information do you want to get out to members?
We want our members to be aware of just how simple and cost-effective automation can be. RARUK Automation offers expert support to customers throughout their automation journey, including comprehensive guidance during the decision-making process, training, technical support and, if needed, introducing them to one of our carefully selected integration partners who can provide a turn-key solution.
Recently, we expanded our product portfolio to include AI vision from Cambrian Robotics, real-time robot guidance from Inbolt, the SICK End-of-Arm-Safeguard (EOAS) for enhanced collaborative robot safety and Thomson’s Movotrak, which is a collaborative horizontal 7th axis.
We have a dedicated technical and demonstration centre in the North. This is an essential hub for our customers in the North of the UK, where they can witness our automation solutions in action and can see how their precise processes could be automated through feasibility trials.
We have a dedicated Robotics Sales Engineer covering the North-East – David Brooksbank.
David’s role involves advising new and existing customers on how Universal Robots can be utilised in their workplace – from the first visit to understand the customer’s application through to calculating payback forecasting and installation guidance.
- What are you going to offer back to the community?
We can offer a complete passage through a customer’s automation journey. From initial application understanding and advice to training and product distribution, right through to installation – whether it is self-installation, or for more complex applications customers may choose to work with one of our integration partners.
One common challenge for UK manufacturing, that we often hear about from our customers, is staff shortages – we can provide a cost effective and very simple solution to help manufacturing businesses, across a range of industries, overcome this hurdle.