Recap of top linear-motion technologies at MD&M West

Last week, a large contingent of the Design World staff got to go to MD&M West 2016 colocated with ATX in Anaheim, California.

Hot topics at the show included the Internet of Things (IoT), smart components, plummeting robot prices, and increased automation even down to assembly tasks — not to mention changes in the medical industry itself.

My esteemed colleague Danielle Collins took the lead on covering an array of linear-motion technologies on display at the show — including this one from Rollon Corp. that works as a simple-to-setup Cartesian robot — but here in this post-show recap are some things I saw at MD&M West 2016 as well … including exciting technologies from Bosch Rexroth, Chieftek Precision, Fenner Precision, QC Industries, Hanning, Osborn, and Nippon Bearing.

Technology from Bosch Rexroth for automation and assembly

Below are my colleagues Paul Heney and Mary Gannon meeting with Kevin Gingerich at the Bosch Rexroth MD&M West 2016 (ATX West) booth. The big news from Bosch Rexroth at the show: The manufacturer now sells a new linear-motor transfer system called ActiveMover. The system makes highly precise transfers quickly.

For high-throughput assembly or any application needing speed and precision in transfer and handling of products, ActiveMover seriously boosts efficiency.

Here’s another picture from the Bosch Rexroth booth with the ActiveMover in the background. The robust drive delivers up to 160 N per pallet — for easy process integration in myriad applications. For customers looking for the next generation of short-cycle transfer systems, it’s here. The website to get more information on the ActiveMover is here.