The Fairino FR5 is a compact collaborative robot (or cobot) with a 5 kg payload and 922 mm reach. Engineered from the ground up to meet explosion-proof safety standards, it’s ideal for small spaces and multi-station workflows that require both precision and compliance.

In recent years, the robotics industry has undergone a remarkable transformation, making robotic arms more affordable and accessible than ever before. This breakthrough is primarily driven by advancements in manufacturing technologies and a streamlined supply chain that cuts costs without compromising quality. Affordable robotic arms are now empowering small and medium-sized businesses across diverse industries—from automotive and electronics to consumer goods and healthcare.

The future of industrial automation is unfolding rapidly, driven by advances in robotics, AI, and the Industrial Internet of Things...

At Automate 2025, Beyond the Bot caught up with Jacob from IGUS, a company that’s redefining what it means to make automation accessible, affordable, and adaptable. Known for their expertise in engineered plastics, IGUS is rapidly becoming a key player in the world of robotics and automation. Automation for small businesses.

Rising labor costs, staffing shortages, and increasing customer expectations are reshaping the restaurant industry. Artificial intelligence and robotics are no longer futuristic novelties, they’re becoming essential tools for solving back-of-house inefficiencies and enhancing front-of-house experiences.

Manual systems often conceal high error rates and costly inefficiencies. Even a 1% data entry error rate can lead to recalls, defects, or lost revenue. In 2023 alone, labeling mistakes caused 50% of U.S. food and beverage recalls — with an average cost of $10 million per recall.

Myth #10: Automating Ties You to a Single Vendor (Integrator Lock-In) Reality: A common fear is that automation locks you into a single vendor forever. In truth, good automation partners empower you to be self-sufficient. They provide training, documentation, and even source code or schematics when needed. A responsible integrator treats the relationship as a partnership, ensuring your team can manage routine operations independently.

Manual systems often conceal high error rates and costly inefficiencies. Even a 1% data entry error rate can lead to recalls, defects, or lost revenue. In 2023 alone, labeling mistakes caused 50% of U.S. food and beverage recalls — with an average cost of $10 million per recall.

There’s a lot of noise right now about AI replacing jobs—and while it’s true that automation is changing the nature of work, that narrative often misses the bigger picture. For most small and midsize businesses, the real story isn’t job loss—it’s competitive acceleration. The companies gaining ground today aren’t eliminating roles; they’re using AI to amplify what people can already do.