Over the last year, Design World has tracked several persistent and emerging trends that build on the last decade’s innovations. With some notable exceptions, many of the core technologies employed in motion systems and automation are familiar. Yet, propelled by the radically increased capabilities of electronics and software, these core technologies have catapulted the design-engineering […]
Industry News
PTDA Foundation raises $148,000 during fund drive’s first phase
The PTDA Foundation has raised $148,000 in its 2025 Fund Drive to support recruitment and retention efforts for power transmission and motion control (PT/MC) employees through initiatives like the Building Awareness Campaign, scholarships, and other resources. “Our work is vital to global manufacturing, and the talent we attract drives its growth and success,” says Matt […]
Bishop-Wisecarver acquires Symation Inc. to offer more automation solutions
Bishop-Wisecarver, a provider of innovative linear and rotary motion solutions, has acquired Symation, a leader in motion control system integration. This strategic acquisition aligns with Bishop-Wisecarver’s mission to deliver diversity in mechatronic solutions. The integration of Symation’s extensive capabilities into Bishop-Wisecarver’s portfolio introduces Wisecarver Automation — a new level of expertise in mechanical, electrical, controls, […]
Thomson adds encoder option to stepper motor linear actuator online selection tool
Thomson Industries, Inc. has announced a significant upgrade to its stepper motor linear actuator (SMLA) online selector tool, adding the ability to include encoders in the design process. The new option streamlines the design and purchasing process for engineers and machine builders, making it even easier for them to weigh their options for incorporating position […]
The top motion control stories of 2024
It’s that time of year again — time for everybody to look over the year (almost) gone by and add up, look over, and reflect on… well, whatever it is that one is interested in. Here at Design World, and more specifically at motioncontroltips.com, we’ve once again sifted through the data to see what you, […]
Remembering Renishaw cofounder Sir David McMurtry
Recently passed Sir David McMurtry founded Renishaw in 1973 with John Deer, a fellow Rolls-Royce engineer, to commercialize the 3D touch-trigger probe for co-ordinate measuring machines. He had invented the probe the previous year to solve measurement problems faced in the manufacture of the Olympus engines that powered the Concorde supersonic aircraft. A brilliant engineer, […]
Power Transmission leaders gather at PTDA 2024 Industry Summit to broaden horizons
The PTDA 2024 Industry Summit, held at The Broadmoor in Colorado Springs, CO, brought together over 425 power transmission/motion control (PT/MC) industry executives to explore the theme “Broadening Horizons. Elevating Excellence.” The event sparked fresh thinking and provided actionable insights for tackling key challenges within the PT/MC sector. Participants engaged in a series of forward-looking […]
Announcing the 2024 LEAP Awards in motion control
Now in its seventh 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 10 categories. The following products were recognized in the 2024 LEAP Awards […]
Four new power transmission and motion control categories introduced for PIE Technology Platform
Bearing Specialists Association (BSA) and the Power Transmission Distributors Association (PTDA) announce the introduction of conveyors (material handling), couplings, motors, and linear bearings (round shaft) to the PIE Technology Platform (PIE). These additional product categories bring the total bearing and power transmission/motion control (PT/MC) categories available to 32. Additional categories in development include open gearing, […]
Rockwell enhances safety series with launch of Logix SIS
Rockwell Automation, Inc. builds on its safety technology portfolio with the launch of Logix SIS, a cutting-edge safety instrumented system (SIS) designed to address the evolving needs of modern industrial environments. The introduction of the Logix SIS from Rockwell Automation provides a modern and integrated safety solution, offering both SIL 2 and SIL 3 certifications […]