We had a lot of fun last week at the Automate 2017 Show in Chicago — and some 20,000 other people did as well. Hot new robotics, motion control, and other technologies for automation wowed crowds big and small. On the front for linear motion, the big news this year at Automate was the expanding use of seventh-axis systems for extending […]
Belting Association (NIBA) and Power Transmission Distributors Association (PTDA) — Joint Industry Summit September 27 to 30
Planning is well under way for the NIBA/PTDA Joint Industry Summit, September 27-30, 2017, at The Diplomat Beach Resort in Hollywood, Florida, for top executives and those who aspire to leadership among distributors and manufacturers in the belting and power transmission/motion control industries. The one-time, combined meeting presents an opportunity for cross-channel/cross-industry networking and collaboration […]
Motion controller for linear and rotary air-bearing stages from PI
Air bearings provide advantages over mechanical bearings when frictionless vibration-free motion is required, highly constant velocity control is crucial, and when angular repeatability and geometric performance must be optimal. Nanopositioning industry leader PI (Physik Instrumente) L.P. has released a new high-performance motion control controller designed to handle 1, 2 or 4-axis of PIglide air bearing […]
Thought leader Jeremy Miller on the migration from fluid power to electromechanical technologies
At a recent visit to the Parker Hannifin Electromechanical and Drives Division in Irwin, Pa., I got the chance to hear the perspective of Jeremy Miller, Product Manager — Linear Mechanics. I asked him about some of the major design objectives Parker’s customers cite when changing their designs from fluid power to electromechanical. Click here […]
Festo showcases transformative flexible automation at Automate 2017
Festo showcases at Automate 2017 in Chicago (April 3 to 6) the Handling Guide Online — a new design tool that lowers engineering overhead and speeds delivery of flexible handling subassemblies. The company also introduces new Piezo proportional air valves for better control than traditional solenoid valves in many applications. These and other products, including a family of gantry-based handling […]
Intelligrated demonstrates ASRS + robotic picking at Automate 2017
Intelligrated, a leading North American-based automated material handling solutions provider, showcases fully automated each picking at Automate booth #1616 in the north hall of McCormick Place in Chicago. Advances in robotic vision, perception, motion planning and grasping enable picking capability that approaches the speed and ability of manual operators while offering superior predictability, scalability, accuracy […]
Intelligrated to showcase sortation, software and fulfillment solutions at ProMat 2017
With more than 20,000 attendees representing over 450 companies expected in Chicago for ProMat 2017, Intelligrated announces its show lineup. At booth #S-2003 in the south hall of McCormick Place, Intelligrated delivers the broadest lineup of sortation solutions in the industry, fulfillment technologies, labor management software and lifecycle support services to help businesses meet demanding […]
National Society of Black Engineers annual convention set for launch in Kansas City, Mo.
Two years ago, the National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE) set a bold, ambitious goal for itself: to lead the United States to graduate 10,000 new black engineers annually by 2025, up from 3,501 African-American engineering graduates in 2014. NSBE’s plan to achieve this goal requires development of a stronger base for the organization and […]
Thomson releases new linear-actuator videos
Thomson Industries Inc. has released its latest set of educational videos on linear actuators. The web videos illustrate step-by-step methods on how to install and control actuators in order to meet various industry demands. Thomson Tech Tips videos support design engineers who may face potential mishaps or simply want to ensure proper operation of the […]
Thomson PC Series electromechanical linear actuators with factory integrated servo motors
Thomson Industries, Inc., a leading manufacturer of electromechanical motion control solutions, is now offering users of its industry leading PC Series precision linear actuators an optional, pre-mounted and pre-tested servo motor. Bundling linear actuators with servo motors simplifies ordering, reduces the need for additional validation after installation, increases reliability, and reduces the total cost of […]