Connect with us

Technology

Rockwell Automation Announces Cranswick to Improve Production-Line Efficiency with Precision Robotic Pick-and-Place Technology

Published

on

Gourmet-food-maker automates end-of-line packaging process using autonox robots, in collaboration with CWM Automation

MILTON KEYNES, England, June 23, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Rockwell Automation, Inc. (NYSE: ROK), the world’s largest company dedicated to industrial automation and digital transformation, today announced that Cranswick Plc, one of Britain’s leading manufacturers of premium gourmet foods, has commissioned a new robotic end-of-line pick-and-place system using autonox Robotics.

Every year, Cranswick produces millions of “pigs-in-blankets” (sausages wrapped in bacon) for the Christmas market. The final stage of the process – picking the sausages off the conveyor belt and placing them in their packaging – was still performed manually, which introduced delays and other constraints. Cranswick commissioned CWM Automation to design and deliver a fully automated pick-and-place system, allowing those employees to take on more skilled tasks.

“Automating this stage of the process presented some complex challenges,” said Åsa Arvidsson, regional vice president EMEA north region, Rockwell Automation. “The new system had to operate with remarkable precision and speed. With our strategic collaboration with autonox Robotics, we were able to support CWM Automation in making this possible.”

Powered by Rockwell Automation Allen-Bradley® Kinetix VP low inertia servo motors controlled by an Allen-Bradley® GuardLogix® 5380 safety controller, the new end-of-line pick-and-place system accurately detects the presence and orientation of each sausage. It then uses an autonox Delta robot to pick up the sausage, properly align it and place it in the appropriate package – 240 times a minute.

“We’re very happy with the new pick-and-place system,” said Mark Lundgren, chief engineering manager at Cranswick Gourmet Sausage. “Thanks to Rockwell Automation and CWM Automation, we’re able to meet our production goals and deadlines in a way that is far more efficient and cost effective. Our labor productivity on the line is greatly increased and that means our staff not only have more skilled and comfortable jobs, they’re also often free to work on other production lines.”

“Cranswick had to have the new system up and running to meet their annual production target,” explained Mick Williams, managing director, CWM Automation, a Rockwell Automation Gold-Level OEM. “To achieve this, we worked closely with the Cranswick engineering team and the systems consultants at Rockwell Automation. It was a great cooperation, and together we met what was a very challenging deadline.”

About Rockwell Automation
Rockwell Automation, Inc. (NYSE: ROK), is a global leader in industrial automation and digital transformation. We connect the imaginations of people with the potential of technology to expand what is humanly possible, making the world more productive and more sustainable. Headquartered in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Rockwell Automation employs approximately 26,000 problem solvers dedicated to our customers in more than 100 countries as of fiscal year end 2025. To learn more about how we are bringing the Connected Enterprise® to life across industrial enterprises, visit www.rockwellautomation.com.

Logo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1981317/Rockwell_Automation_Logo.jpg

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/rockwell-automation-announces-cranswick-to-improve-production-line-efficiency-with-precision-robotic-pick-and-place-technology-302790135.html

Continue Reading
Click to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Technology

e-STORAGE and Axpo Partner on First Joint Battery Project in Italy

Published

on

By

KITCHENER, ON, June 23, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Canadian Solar Inc. (the “Company” or “Canadian Solar”) (NASDAQ: CSIQ) today announced that e-STORAGE, its energy storage solutions business, has entered into an agreement with Axpo subsidiary to deploy an 8 MW/40 MWh battery energy storage system (BESS) in southern Italy. This marks e-STORAGE’s first project in Italy, a further step in its expansion across continental Europe.

Construction at Axpo’s Rizziconi power plant in Calabria is scheduled to begin at the end of 2026, with grid connection and commercial operation expected in early 2028. The battery storage system will be installed at Axpo’s existing combined-cycle gas power plant in Rizziconi, Calabria, leveraging its established grid interconnection to provide flexibility and balancing services.

Under the agreement, e-STORAGE will deliver a complete and integrated solution that combines SolBank 3.0 battery blocks, power conversion systems, and the company’s proprietary EQ-S Energy Management System into a single coordinated system under one accountable partner. The battery cells and 5 MWh capacity SolBank 3.0 pack systems are developed and manufactured at Canadian Solar’s own production facilities, providing customers with complete supply chain visibility. Today’s announced installation marks the first milestone in a wider partnership between e-STORAGE and Axpo, with both firms planning to strengthen their collaboration in the years ahead.

The Rizziconi project is a specific response to conditions in southern Italy, where rising solar output regularly exceeds what the network can absorb by midday. Historically, Calabria has faced higher power costs and weaker grid connectivity than northern Italy, which makes local flexibility especially valuable. The e-STORAGE system will capture solar energy that would otherwise be wasted and return it to the grid when needed. This will ease the pressure on a constrained network and help lower the cost of electricity for a region of Italy that has long depended on distant supplies of energy from the north and elsewhere.

Frank Amend, Axpo Group Head of Batteries & Hybrid Systems, said: “We are excited to begin the construction of our first BESS project in Italy. This will be an important addition to our portfolio as we execute our ambitious BESS strategy to strengthen grid flexibility and advance the energy transition in Europe. We are also excited to partner with e-STORAGE on this project. Their integrated approach aligns with our commitment to delivering reliable and innovative energy solutions across Europe.”

Jeff Roy, President of e-STORAGE, added: “To enter one of Europe’s most dynamic storage markets through an integrated project like this proves just how effectively our technology can adapt to real grid needs. We are pleased to begin our partnership with Axpo in Italy and see this agreement as the foundation for a longer-term collaboration supporting customers across Europe.”

About Axpo

Axpo is driven by a single purpose – to enable a sustainable future through innovative energy solutions. Axpo is Switzerland’s largest energy producer and an international leader in energy trading and the marketing of solar and wind power. Axpo combines the experience and expertise of about 7,500 employees who are driven by a passion for innovation, collaboration and impactful change. Using cutting-edge technologies, Axpo innovates to meet the evolving needs of its customers in more than 30 countries across Europe, North America and Asia.

About Canadian Solar Inc.

Canadian Solar is one of the world’s largest solar technology and renewable energy companies. Founded in 2001 and headquartered in Kitchener, Ontario, the Company is a leading manufacturer of solar photovoltaic modules; provider of solar energy and battery energy storage solutions; and developer, owner, and operator of utility-scale solar power and battery energy storage projects. Over the past 25 years, Canadian Solar has successfully delivered nearly 177 GW of premium-quality, solar photovoltaic modules to customers across the world. Through its subsidiary e-STORAGE, Canadian Solar had shipped over 20 GWh of battery energy storage solutions to global markets as of March 31, 2026, and had a $3.5 billion contracted backlog as of May 8, 2026. Since entering the project development business in 2010, Canadian Solar has developed, built, and connected approximately 12.2 GWp of solar power projects and 6.4 GWh of battery energy storage projects globally. Its geographically diversified project development pipeline includes 24 GWp of solar and 81 GWh of battery energy storage capacity in various stages of development. Canadian Solar is one of the most bankable companies in the solar and renewable energy industry, having been publicly listed on the NASDAQ since 2006. For additional information about the Company, follow Canadian Solar on LinkedIn or visit www.canadiansolar.com.

About e-STORAGE

e-STORAGE is a subsidiary of Canadian Solar and a leading company specializing in designing, manufacturing, and integrating battery energy storage systems for utility-scale applications. e-STORAGE offers proprietary battery energy storage solutions, comprehensive EPC services, and innovative solutions aimed at improving grid operations. For more info, please refer to the Media&PR section of www.csestorage.com and follow our LinkedIn page.

Safe Harbor/Forward-Looking Statements

Certain statements in this press release, including those regarding the Company’s expected future shipment volumes, revenues, gross margins, and project sales are forward-looking statements that involve a number of risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially. These statements are made under the “Safe Harbor” provisions of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. In some cases, you can identify forward-looking statements by such terms as “may”, “will”, “expect”, “anticipate”, “future”, “ongoing”, “continue”, “intend”, “plan”, “potential”, “prospect”, “guidance”, “believe”, “estimate”, “is/are likely to” or similar expressions, the negative of these terms, or other comparable terminology. These forward-looking statements include, among other things, our expectations regarding global electricity demand and the adoption of solar and battery energy storage technologies; our growth strategies, future business performance, and financial condition; our transition to a long-term owner and operator of clean energy assets and expansion of project pipelines; our ability to monetize project portfolios, manage supply chain fluctuations, and respond to economic factors such as inflation and interest rates; our outlook on government incentives, trade measures, regulatory developments, and geopolitical risks; our expectations for project timelines, costs, and returns; competitive dynamics in solar and storage markets; our ability to execute supply chain, manufacturing, and operational initiatives; access to capital, debt obligations, and covenant compliance; relationships with key suppliers and customers; technological advancement and product quality; and risks related to intellectual property, litigation, and compliance with environmental and sustainability regulations. Other risks were described in the Company’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including its annual report on Form 20-F filed on April 10, 2026. Although the Company believes that the expectations reflected in the forward-looking statements are reasonable, it cannot guarantee future results, level of activity, performance, or achievements. Investors should not place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements. All information provided in this press release is as of today’s date, unless otherwise stated, and Canadian Solar undertakes no duty to update such information, except as required under applicable law.

Axpo Holding AG, Corporate Communications
T 0800 44 11 00 (Switzerland), T +41 56 200 41 10 (International)
(Available 7.30 a.m. to 5.30 p.m.)
medien@axpo.com

Canadian Solar Inc. Investor Relations Contact
Wina Huang
Investor Relations
Canadian Solar Inc.
investor@canadiansolar.com

e-STORAGE media contact
media@csestorage.com

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/e-storage-and-axpo-partner-on-first-joint-battery-project-in-italy-302807541.html

SOURCE Canadian Solar Inc.

Continue Reading

Technology

High Patient Volume Tops Staffing Shortages as Leading Driver of Burnout in Cancer Centers

Published

on

By

New LeanTaaS report finds 65% of cancer centers are expanding services, but leaders say scheduling and capacity management tools outrank more clinical staff as the top requirement for growth

SANTA CLARA, Calif., June 23, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — High patient volume is the leading driver of burnout in cancer and infusion centers, outpacing inadequate staffing, according to LeanTaaSState of Cancer Centers in 2026 report, released today. Based on a national survey of nearly 300 cancer center and infusion center leaders across community health centers, academic health centers, private practices, and non-oncology infusion centers, the findings reveal a shift in how organizations are responding to rising demand: by turning to capacity management, operational technology, and AI-powered solutions to improve access to care while reducing pressure on care teams.

That shift comes as cancer centers prepare for significant expansion. Nearly two-thirds (65%) plan to grow and add new services in 2026. However, more than twice as many respondents identified scheduling and capacity management tools as their most important requirement for growth than those who cited the need for additional clinical staff. Together, the findings suggest cancer centers are increasingly pursuing growth through optimization — serving more patients by making better use of existing capacity rather than simply adding resources.

Key findings from the report:

65% of cancer centers plan to expand services or add new programs in 2026, up from 53% in 202540% identified scheduling and capacity management tools as the most important requirement for growth, compared with 18% citing more clinical staffNearly one-third of cancer centers (29%) list high patient volume as the top contributor to burnout, followed by inadequate staffing at 19%40% said last-minute shift or coverage adjustments consume the most time and contribute to staff stress or burnout92% reported limitations with current data systems or EHRs, creating added friction for operational decision-making44% believe AI and advanced technology would be most helpful in scheduling and capacity management

Taken together, the findings suggest AI and operational technology are emerging less as future-facing innovation projects and more as practical tools for managing capacity, staffing workflows, and patient access.

“What’s striking is that cancer centers aren’t primarily asking for more resources — they’re asking for better ways to manage the resources they already have,” said Mohan Giridharadas, founder and CEO of LeanTaaS. “The findings suggest that operational strain is increasingly becoming a workforce issue. As centers find themselves increasingly squeezed on capacity, the burden falls on care teams. Leaders are looking for ways to reduce that friction so centers can maintain access and clinicians can focus on patient care.”

The report points to a growing challenge for oncology leaders: how to expand access to care while protecting staff from burnout and maintaining financial sustainability. Operational resiliency and optimization is critical as the American Cancer Society estimates 5,800 new diagnoses daily, adding to the 650,000 to 1,000,000 U.S. patients seen by cancer and infusion centers annually. The report’s findings suggest that treating this higher volume of patients may depend less on adding staff or physical resources and more on unlocking capacity already available within existing centers.

The full State of Cancer Centers in 2026 report is available to download here.

About LeanTaaS

LeanTaaS transforms health system, hospital, clinic, and infusion center operations through software and services that combine lean principles, predictive and prescriptive analytics, and machine learning. The company’s software and services are being used by 200 health systems in 1,200+ hospitals, centers, and clinics across the nation, which rely on the iQueue cloud-based solutions to increase patient access, decrease wait times, reduce healthcare delivery costs, and improve revenue. LeanTaaS is headquartered in Santa Clara, CA with an office in Charlotte, NC. For more information about LeanTaaS, please visit https://leantaas.com/, and connect on LinkedIn.

Media Contact

Kayla McMenamin
media@leantaas.com

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/high-patient-volume-tops-staffing-shortages-as-leading-driver-of-burnout-in-cancer-centers-302806721.html

SOURCE LeanTaaS

Continue Reading

Technology

/R E P E A T –Media Advisory – Minister Hodgson to make energy and mining announcements in Yellowknife/

Published

on

By

YELLOWKNIFE, NT, June 19, 2026 /CNW/ – The Minister of Energy and Natural Resources, the Honourable Tim Hodgson, will make energy and mining announcements on the margins of the 2026 Energy and Mines Ministers’ Conference (EMMC) taking place in Yellowknife, Northwest Territories, June 24–26, 2026. Media availabilities will follow.

Electricity announcement

Date: Tuesday, June 23, 2026

Time: 3 p.m. MT

Mining announcement

Date: Friday, June 26, 2026

Time: 8 a.m. MT

All accredited media are asked to pre-register by emailing media@nrcan-rncan.gc.ca. Details on how to participate will be provided upon registration.

Follow Natural Resources Canada on LinkedIn.

SOURCE Natural Resources Canada

Continue Reading

Trending