Newtech Shortlisted for Four Awards at the Automate Awards 2026

Newtech Intelligent Automation is proud to announce that we have been shortlisted in four categories at this year’s Automate Awards: Innovative Robotics / Automation Solution, Partnership of the Year, and two places in Higher or Degree Level Apprentice of the Year. Winners will be revealed live at the PPMA Show 2026 this September.

Innovative Robotics / Automation Solution: RoboSONIC Inline-Vision

Our RoboSONIC Inline-Vision system has been shortlisted for Innovative Robotics / Automation Solution. Built specifically for the food-to-go sector, RoboSONIC combines an ABB six-axis robot arm with a Cognex In-Sight smart vision system to deliver fully automated, real-time robotic cutting of sandwiches, wraps and ciabatta products, without ever stopping the line.

RoboSONIC was developed to tackle the food-to-go sector’s toughest operational pressures: labour shortages, high agency costs and strict hygiene demands, all while conventional single-cut, manually positioned machines struggle to keep pace. Its architecture is also built to scale, supporting multiple robots running in parallel lanes as a customer’s throughput grows, meaning the same core platform can flex from an entry-level installation through to a high-volume, multi-lane line.

Partnership of the Year: Newtech and ABB

We are equally proud to be shortlisted for Partnership of the Year, recognising sixteen years of collaboration between Newtech and ABB Robotics. The relationship began in 2010 with a single robot order, at a time when robotic automation was still a hard sell in food manufacturing, and has grown into one of the most established manufacturer-integrator relationships in UK food automation. Newtech is now the only UK ABB Value Provider that specialises exclusively in the food sector, with more than 100 ABB-powered systems running in food factories worldwide and over 25 robot installations delivered in 2026 alone.

Across Newtech’s machines, ABB’s collaborative, delta and six-axis robots handle two critical jobs: high-speed pick-and-place of delicate or high-value food products, and precision ultrasonic cutting, where robotic platforms are paired with ultrasonic blade technology to portion products cleanly and maximise yield. Over the past two years, ABB has deepened its support for Newtech through demonstration robots, forward-order flexibility and hands-on training, while ABB’s RobotStudio® software has become central to Newtech’s move toward digital twins, simulating and validating new systems before a single component is built.

Looking ahead, both companies are already exploring emerging technology, including physical AI, to keep food automation at the cutting edge.

Higher or Degree Level Apprentice of the Year: Keegan Elliott and Luke Flynn

Perhaps most exciting of all, Newtech has secured not one but two shortlistings in the Higher or Degree Level Apprentice of the Year category, with both Keegan Elliott and Luke Flynn recognised for their outstanding progress and contribution. Investing in the next generation of engineering talent is central to our company culture, and seeing two of our apprentices recognised at a national level is a proud moment for the whole Newtech team. Congratulations, Keegan and Luke, on this well-deserved recognition.

Looking Ahead to PPMA Show 2026

The Automate Awards winners will be revealed live during the PPMA Show 2026 this September, and the Newtech team will be there to celebrate with the rest of the industry. Whatever the outcome, we’re incredibly proud to have been shortlisted across four categories, a reflection of the innovation, partnership and people that make Newtech who we are.

We look forward to seeing many of you at the show. Watch this space for updates on the night!

If you’re attending the PPMA Show, see RoboSONIC Inline Vision, alongside RoboPICK in person on stand C112.

We will also be showcasing RoboPICK at 10.00am on Thursday 24th September in the Live Demonstration Theatre, stand B100.