Dispensing automation expertise at Robotics and Automation 2026

Visitors to the Intertronics stand on the upper floor of the MTC can explore and learn about automated dispensing systems for a wide range of technologies, including adhesives, coatings, greases, and UV curing.

Attendees will learn about the repeatability enhancements that automated dispensing systems provide to manufacturers. The exhibition will highlight how systematic automation is especially useful for complex applications, where accuracy and process consistency are critical to manufacturing quality and product performance.

Visitors can discover how automated dispensing technology can support manufacturers to respond to ongoing skills shortages and labour gaps. Intertronics will also explain how employers can reduce manual handling requirements for previously specialist work via dispensing systems and enable operators to dedicate their time and expertise to the development of more complex products. This has been shown to improve both health and safety and job satisfaction for employees.

While the benefits of dispensing systems are clear to see, one barrier to their implementation is a lack of understanding of return on investment (ROI) and concerns about upfront costs, said Ben Swanson, Joint Managing Director of Intertronics. In reality, dispensing robots are more affordable and accessible than people think, with prices for entry-level dispensing robots starting at 6,000.

We want to challenge the idea that process automation is only meant for large companies by demonstrating how they are well-suited to smaller enterprises, concluded Swanson.

Studies have shown that the UK ranks below the global average for robotic installations and were placed 19th in international rankings, according to the International Federation of Robotics' (IFR) World Robotics 2025 data.