Belgium-based Mirmex Motor uses a proprietary approach to manufacture power-dense windings for electric micromotors. The printed circuits make for motors that are 50% more compact and 70% more dynamic than comparable slotless motors having conventional copper-wire windings — all with threefold less heat waste. Mirmex provides bare windings, stators, as well as frameless and assembled […]
The many gearmotors in warehousing equipment
Today’s automated warehouses are often designed by a small group of mechanical engineers and a veritable army of software engineers — especially where coordination of purpose-built autonomous robot fleets is involved. Even so, cruise the next MODEX or ProMat show and it will become clear that warehouse equipment relies heavily on electromechanical systems — and […]
Cleanroom-compatible materials and features
Materials and features of motion components for cleanroom environments balance competing demands such as cost and performance, performance and compactness, and ease of manufacturing and assembly with cleanroom satisfaction. First thing first — reduce friction: One of two primary sources of particulate contamination that can degrade a cleanroom environment is people. The other is friction between […]
Minimizing outgassing from cleanroom equipment
Cleanrooms require minimization of friction-related particle generation. Now let’s consider another source of contamination — outgassing — and how to minimize it. Especially in cleanroom applications involving the manufacture of LEDs, optics, or glass, or the processing of silicon wafers, outgassing can damage end product. Outgassing is the desorption of vapors or gasses, either from […]
Update on designing for cleanrooms
Considering all the moving and static sources that contribute to particle generation, it’s no wonder that many designers cringe when they find out that a motion system will be operating in a cleanroom. But motion doesn’t have to be the enemy of the cleanroom. With an understanding of the particle sources and corresponding design adaptations, […]
Infranor engineer explains custom robot joint demos
In this video, Brandon Herrick for Infranor USA and Guangzhou Haozhi explains how automation components on display at the manufacturer’s 2026 MD&M West booth — including servomotors, servo drives, gearboxes, strain-wave reducers as well as niche products such as spindle motors, linear stages, and robotic joints. In addition, the supplier does a lot of customization […]
Update on robotics-related motion software, vision, and safety
In two previous articles, we detailed example integrations of motion control and robotics as well as peripheral motion systems that complement robotics. Robot-related software today offers cross-compatibilities to take mechanical concepts into validated robotic motions and deployable control code. To begin work, robot-controller simulation and programming defines joint and cartesian trajectories, kinematics, motions, singularity handling, […]
The enduring use of pneumatic grippers
In two previous articles, we detailed example integrations of motion control and robotics as well as peripheral motion systems that complement robotics. In fact, end effectors are another motion design for robotic workcells. The Design World library has more information on end-of-arm tooling (EOAT) such as process tools (for welding, for example) and inspection sensors […]
Peripheral motion systems that complement robotics
In a previous article, we detailed example integrations of motion control and robotics. So, what about the workcells and systems surrounding the robotics in their workcells? Various automated systems can serve, move, and enhance a robot to maximize its usefulness. There are various complexity levels with these peripheral motion systems. The act of machine tending […]
The motors and gearing of different robotics
Industrial six-axis robotics often integrate frameless motors at their axes. Over the last decade, permanent-magnet brushless servomotors have come to dominate. Increasingly common in six-axis robotic assemblies are frameless and direct-drive variations. A high motor pole count (with strain-wave gearing) yields high torque output and low cogging. Often completing such assemblies are an absolute encoder […]
