Consider a dominant form of machine control today — multicore industrial PCs or IPCs built around x86 and ARM system-on-chip processors. For discrete automation, these run deterministic control and a general-purpose OS on the same silicon. Machines advanced enough to justify such hardware include industrial networking via SERCOS III, EtherCAT, PROFINET, or EtherNet/IP to carry […]
Drives + Supplies
Elmo completes Functional Safety certification for Titanium servo drives
Elmo Motion Control has completed Functional Safety certification for its Titanium line of servo drives. The certification applies to products designed for industrial and harsh-environment applications. The certification covers Titanium servo drives used by machine builders and system designers. The Functional Safety architecture includes 20 safety functions and supports safety levels up to SIL 3 […]
The rise of cabinet-free discrete automation
Taking the approaches of older distributed (decentralized) drive setups are cabinet-free drives. Joaquin Ocampo · Product manager | Bosch Rexroth Manufacturers looking to optimize operations are increasingly leveraging control technologies that can identify and address weaknesses. These emphasize digitalized connectivity for so-called digital-transformation (DX) initiatives that yield greater insights through data. But motors and drives […]
Elmo introduces new servo drives and controller
Elmo has announced a new motion controller and new servo drives for industrial applications, including use in demanding operating conditions involving temperature, altitude, sea depth, humidity, and vibration. The products will be shown at the Elmo booth (S-3601) during Automate 2026 in Chicago, June 22–25. The new products expand Elmo’s Platinum line and introduce the […]
Siemens introduces Sinamics S220 drive system
Siemens has introduced the Sinamics S220 drive system for industrial applications. Built on the Sinamics S120 platform, the system includes the new CU320-3 control unit and is part of the Siemens Xcelerator portfolio. It is designed to support simulation, analysis and connectivity features for integration into digital workflows and to improve system performance in production […]
Beckhoff introduces AF1000 drive for basic motion tasks
Beckhoff has introduced the AF1000 variable frequency drive for basic drive applications such as conveyor systems, pumps and fans. The drive integrates with the TwinCAT automation system through EtherCAT and includes commissioning and diagnostic functions used in Beckhoff servo drive products. The AF1000 is available in two versions. One version is designed for a single-phase […]
Custom versus standard servodrives
For some applications, stock servodrives are the most suitable. Elsewhere, custom solutions justify the extra investment. Scott Rohlfs | ElectroCraft For most motion-control applications, standard servodrives are the most suitable solution. Off-the-shelf units balance proven performance, immediate availability, and straightforward integration for a wide array of industrial, commercial, and consumer equipment. In contrast, certain applications […]
Redefining premium for industrial drives
Global circularity has slipped to 6.9% which indicates industries are consuming resources faster than they can be recuperated. Efficient motor drives can help close this gap. Anne Franzas · Global product manager — Circularity | ABB Data from the most recent Circularity Gap Report underscores today’s environmental challenges and companies’ structural challenges. For the latter, […]
AutomationDirect adds IronHorse ACM AC drives
AutomationDirect has added IronHorse ACM Series AC drives for low-horsepower motor applications where only single-phase power is available. The drives provide basic V/Hz and sensorless vector control. The VFDs accept 120 VAC or 230 VAC single-phase input power and control motors from 1/8 to 3 horsepower. Standard features include five digital inputs, two relay outputs, […]
Yaskawa adds embedded Ethernet to GA501 AC microdrive
The Drives & Motion Division of Yaskawa America, Inc. has introduced the GA501 industrial AC microdrive with embedded Ethernet as a new addition to its industrial AC drive lineup. Available now, the GA501 is designed for industrial automation applications and includes embedded dual-port Ethernet. With support for major industrial Ethernet protocols, it can reduce the […]
