At MACH 2026, industrial automation experts FANUC UK will host a LIVE on-stand demonstration of an automated drilling cell developed by Airbus and incorporating FANUC robot technology. Visitors to stand 18-449 can also see first-hand a new generation of numerical control – the FANUC FS500i-A CNC – which enables complex manufacturing environments to meet high precision and adaptability demands. In addition, FANUC will showcase its in-house robot system building capabilities, highlighting the benefits of collaboration to manufacturers across a range of industries including aerospace, defence, automotive, utilities and energy supply chains.
Collaboration in aerospace automation
The centrepiece of the FANUC UK stand at this year’s MACH exhibition is a robotic drilling system built by Airbus with the support of FANUC. The cell employs an M-800iA/60 six-axis robot, as well as a drilling effector controlled by a FANUC CNC and a mobile platform, both designed and built by Airbus. Designed for aerospace components, it has improved drilling accuracy and increased productivity for Airbus, while freeing up human employees to work on more creative and value-added tasks.
“There are numerous benefits to aerospace manufacturers of automating their drilling applications with the M800iA/60, including improved accuracy and repeatability, increased output and better use of personnel,” states Oliver Selby, FANUC UK’s Head of Sales. “The success of the Airbus drilling system demonstrates how important it is to collaborate with a robotics partner that will provide the right experience, knowledge, training and technology to support companies to achieve their commercial aims. We look forward to demonstrating the benefits of this system to MACH visitors.”
Superior control to aid innovation
Alongside the Airbus drilling cell, the FANUC stand will also showcase the next level of numerical control. The new generation FS500𝑖-A CNC is more powerful and faster than any other control system, and is poised to play a major role in automating complex manufacturing processes. Thanks to its very high computing power and new architecture, it enables increasingly complex movements to be controlled with ultra-precision and perfect synchronisation, while also supporting seamless AI integration.
In-house robot system expertise
Finally, the experienced FANUC team will be on hand to outline the importance of working with the right partner when it comes to futureproofing your manufacturing business. As well as collaborating with machine builders, system integrators and other solution providers, FANUC UK also supports end-users directly, through its flagship automation headquarters in Coventry. The company is well equipped to offer manufacturers the entire range of automation support to support the transition to digitalisation – from initial feasibility studies and cell design, through to system building, testing and full commissioning.
“As our history of collaboration proves, the right automation partner can take your manufacturing business to the next level in terms of increasing production output, improving accuracy, ensuring quality and mitigating labour challenges. We are excited to showcase to MACH visitors the range of system building services and level of expertise we have on offer to support them.”
To discover more about how FANUC UK can futureproof your manufacturing business, visit stand 18-449 at MACH 2026, NEC Birmingham, 20-24 April 2026.
For more information visit: fanuc.eu/eu-en
