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INDUSTRY NEWS NEW PROJECT TO DEVELOP SMART SKIN TO PROTECT ROBOTS IN SPACE
Space exploration in the future will increasingly rely on robots as the primary workforce, but this means they need to be built to withstand abrasive dust, intense solar radiation and temperatures from -150°C to +120°C. With this in mind, The European Space Agency (ESA) has appointed a pan-European consortium led by Danish Technological Institute (DTI) to develop the next generation of a protective cover for robotic arms. The project – ‘Smart Skin for Exploration
Cobots’ – aims to advance the technology to a level where it can be demonstrated under space-like conditions. The smart skin technology is being designed
to be adaptable to different robotic arms, both for upcoming lunar missions, future Martian missions, and for in-orbit operations. At its core is a 3D-printed scaffold that can be mounted on the robotic arm. This serves as a platform for four integrated functions: a thermal and dust-protective layer that shields against extreme temperature fluctuations and abrasive dust penetration; flexible power and data cabling; sensors capable of detecting and preventing collisions; and features that
COMAU AND OMRON
SIGN COLLABORATION AGREEMENT
A new strategic collaboration agreement between COMAU and OMRON Robotics is aimed at accelerating the adoption and deployment of advanced industrial automation solutions for manufacturers worldwide. This will focus on high-growth sectors including electronics, semiconductors, medical manufacturing and light industrial intralogistics. The partnership is responding to
rising customer needs for scalable and adaptable automation solutions that integrate seamlessly into both existing production lines and next-generation manufacturing environments. By leveraging the portfolios, technological capabilities and business models of both companies, the agreement enables a broader and more accessible offering for global customers. “This initiative is fully aligned with our
strategy to expand Comau’s solution portfolio through high-impact partnerships,” said Pietro Gorlier, CEO of Comau. “Omron is an ideal partner, sharing our vision of open innovation and customer-centric value creation. By combining Comau’s robotics expertise with Omron’s complementary technologies and software capabilities, we enable the delivery of solutions that are easier to deploy, highly adaptable, and future-ready. This collaboration also strengthens Comau’s presence in high- growth sectors and new geographies, helping customers effectively manage increasing industrial complexity through reliable, safe, and scalable automation.”
www.comau.com
https://omron.co.uk/en/home
6 DESIGN SOLUTIONS MAY 2026
enhance human-machine interaction. 3D printing has been chosen because
it offers the necessary design freedom, but the technology will be pushed beyond its comfort zone, with new approaches to design and material selection. Traditionally, Multi-Layer Insulation (MLI) materials have been used on all spacecrafts. However, these applications are static without any motion. Developing a similar type of thermal insulation for moving parts is significantly more challenging, but it allows for a wide range of future applications for robotic systems. Although the smart skin technology is being
developed specifically for the unique challenges of space, parts of the technology may in time have wider application potential. “We see strong potential for the technology eventually to find applications in companies where robots are exposed to extreme conditions. Think of metal foundries, where dirt and extreme heat challenge equipment performance. The technology we are developing could potentially extend the service life of critical equipment and reduce maintenance
costs,” commented Christian Dalsgaard, senior consultant at DTI. Admatis (Hungary) is developing the thermal
protection, while PIAP Space (Poland) and Redwire Space Europe (Luxembourg) are making their expertise and robotic arms available. This ensures that the smart skin technology is designed from the outset for the specific systems it is intended to protect.
www.dti.dk ANGLIA COMPONENTS NOW DISTRIBUTING
SAME SKY TECHNOLOGIES A Pan European authorised distribution agreement has been signed between Anglia Components and Same Sky, the manufacturer of technologies including audio, interconnect, motion and control, relay, sensor, switch, and thermal management solutions. Same Sky was formerly known as CUI Devices. Same Sky products are now available via Anglia’s
eCommerce platform
www.anglia-live.com, serving both UK and EU customers David Pearson, Anglia’s technical director, said:
“This partnership significantly enhances our audio portfolio and expands the breadth of innovative technologies we can offer. Same Sky also brings a rapidly developing range of interconnect solutions and an extensive selection of thermal management products, including Fans and Peltier devices. We are looking forward to bringing these innovative components to our UK and EU customer base through
www.anglia-live.com, our online platform.”
www.anglia-live.com ESSENTRA SURPASSES 2030 EMISSIONS TARGET
Essentra Components has surpassed its 2030 Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) commitment five years ahead of schedule, by achieving a 62% reduction in scope one and two emissions against its 2019 baseline. This milestone was driven by a sustained transition to renewable electricity across the company’s global
manufacturing sites. The company now sources 71% of its electricity from renewables globally, with 7% generated on site through solar installations – including two new systems commissioned in 2025 at its manufacturing facility in Ningbo, China, and its UK head office in Kidlington. Together, these sites are expected to produce 1.7 million kWh of electricity annually. The same reporting period saw Essentra achieve zero waste to landfill across 25 of its operational sites,
and it was also recognised on CDP’s A List for the first time and awarded a Gold rating by EcoVadis. Essentra has also launched a range of caps and plugs that are 100% post-consumer recycled.
This launch built on material innovation work at Essentra’s Centre of Excellence in Kidlington, UK, where 68 trials of recycled and biomaterial alternatives were completed during the year. Jennifer Spence, ESG Director at Essentra said: “Achieving what we set out to do by 2030 five
years ahead of schedule is something the whole Essentra team should be incredibly proud of.” Spence added: “But this isn’t a finish line. With new targets on the horizon and a clear pathway to net
zero in our direct operations by 2040, the most ambitious chapter of our ESG journey is still ahead of us.”
www.essentracomponents.com
www.designsolutionsmag.co.uk
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