Novotechnik U.S. now offers Vert-X 26-series of non-contacting magnetic angle sensors. These sensors use a Hall effect to track the position of the shaft. Designed for challenging settings where high humidity, dampness, dust and vibrations are expected, these are suitable for automotive, off-highway, and other applications. The plug-in sensors using an AMP MQ5 six-pole connector. […]
Announcing the 2025 LEAP Awards in industrial automation
Now in its eighth year, Design World’s annual Awards in Leadership in Engineering Achievement Program highlights innovation and engineering achievements from around the globe. This year, the expert independent judging panel reviewed dozens of submissions to award gold, silver, and bronze winners across multiple categories. The following products were recognized in the 2025 LEAP Awards […]
A simple PID loop tuning technique: Part 2 of 2
Proportional, integral, derivative (PID) position servo-loop tuning can be daunting. However, one simple technique works well for most systems. Chuck Lewin • Founder and CEO | Performance Motion Devices Inc. The first installment of this two-part series detailed a simple technique called step-response tuning that helps identify good PID-gain settings in motor-positioning applications. This manual […]
A simple PID loop tuning technique: Part 1 of 2
Proportional, integral, derivative (PID) position servo-loop tuning can be daunting. However, one simple technique works well for most systems. Chuck Lewin • Founder and CEO | Performance Motion Devices Inc. There are two types of servomotors commonly used for positioning motion control applications — the dc brush motor (which uses mechanical brushes to commutate the […]
New motor could spur new applications
It often happens than new technologies enable new forms of automation — or makes them more practical. One new electric-motor design recognized by this year’s R&D 100 Awards could prove one such technology. Lisa Eitel | Executive editor Most electric vehicle or EV motors use permanent-magnet synchronous motors or PMSMs with the magnets on their rotors, and […]
Motion control boosts fence-post drilling throughput
On the manufacturing floor of British Columbia-based BKB Cedar Manufacturing, the whine of the drill motor and churning of its bit into tough cedar posts made a reassuringly steady cadence — until, too often, it didn’t. Workers would manually position posts by moving a heavy carriage back and forth between drilling operations. They would then […]
Using motion controls in autonomous robotics
A new autonomous mobile robot (AMR) employs a precision controller-drive to accurately mark construction sites with building details. By Chuck Lewin • CEO | Performance Motion Devices The construction industry is under pressure. Labor shortages, rising material costs, and demand for speed and precision are pushing builders to seek automated solutions that boost efficiency, safety, […]
Controllers from maxon impart smooth motion thanks to Hall-sensor feedback
New ESCON2 series of maxon servo controllers with CANopen and I/O commanding achieves a new level of smoothness, dynamics, and precision in machines and devices thanks to an innovative method for Hall sensor-based speed control and FOC commutation. Features include: High performance speed and current/torque control. FOC commutation up to 120,000 rpm (1 pole pair […]
Day 1: New technologies at Automate 2025
In addition to presentations and technical sessions, several dozen companies have announced new technologies at this year’s Automate Show. Some of these have been released in announcements: Festo Didactic to showcase workforce development at Automate Columbus McKinnon showcases conveyance systems at Automate 2025 Festo showing multi-axis positioning systems at Automate Automate 2025 builds on years […]
Festo showing multi-axis positioning systems at Automate
Festo is showcasing at Automate 2025 its most innovative automation solutions, including multi-axis positioning systems. Festo positioning systems can be specified in minutes and after delivery installed and functioning in hours instead of weeks. This year, Festo celebrates the company’s 100th anniversary and is emphasizing its leadership in automation. On Wednesday, May 14, at 2:30, […]
