"I just thought wow," he remembers.

"Absolutely wow."

GRASP's (Guided Robot for Automatically Sorting Parts), wow factor comes from its ability to pick up randomly placed objects using a vision guided robot system, eliminating the need for additional machinery or equipment.

The robot can then manipulate the part so it is in the right orientation, and place it within an incredibly precise area.

It is the first system Aylesbury Automation has trademarked in around 30 years- the fitting acronym was thought up over a few beers down the pub.

The finished machine- the first of its type in the UK, and one of the most advanced in the world- took 18 months and £150,000 of investment in research and development, led by AA Robotics General Manger, Neil Billingham, to come up with.

It will begin to be sold to factories later this year, under the AA Robotics arm of the company.

Depending on its exact specification, the price-tag ranges from £30,000 to £35,000- although AA believes this offers good value because as well as being cutting edge technology, its sophisticated artificial intelligence means it can be produced for individual requirements within weeks rather than months, and can also be easily reprogrammed for different jobs.

And AA- which recently unveiled Mr Asahi, their robotic barman- already has plans on the drawing board for GRASP Mark II. It is hoped this will be able to recognise and manipulate bulkier, three dimensional objects, of different shapes and sizes.

"We really are pushing the boundaries of technology," said Mr Manby.

"GRASP is a phenomenonal way forward for the company."