Advanced robotics for industrial and consumer applications demand sophisticated power-dense motion components for joints and linkages that must run smoothly, often at high torque and relatively low speed. The challenge is compounded when the robotic application must also make precise moves. At the core of most leading robotic-actuator options are electric motors. That’s because motor-driven designs […]
Integrated Motion Systems
Basics of wave and cycloidal gearing for robotics and servo designs
Many of today’s precision applications necessitate gears capable of dramatic speed reductions, power densities, and transmission accuracies. Leading choices in these designs include trochoidal and cycloidal gearing as well as gearsets relying on wave-inducing subcomponents having an elliptical or Reuleaux or other polygonal shape. Trochoidal and cycloidal gearing includes elements that rotate and trace curves around […]
Plug-and-play conveyor platform for automated production environments
With the new Light Conveyor Platform (LCP), Interroll is expanding its range of products with a platform-based material-flow solution that significantly increases the productivity of manufacturing processes. Designed as a plug-and-play modular system, the LCP allows all system integrators to implement scalable belt conveyor sections easily in order to quickly meet customer-specific automation requirements for […]
What is Machine as a Service (MaaS) and what are its benefits?
Most of us are familiar with the software as a service (SaaS) business model, in which users pay a fee to access software over the internet, without requiring an application or download to a local machine. The software as a service model made complex software, such as CRM (customer relationship management) systems, more accessible to […]
Conveyors support the shift to just-in-case manufacturing
New investments in industrial and manufacturing conveying technologies could reach $65.1B by 2026. That’s according to a new report from researchandmarkets.com. Continued push to automate material handling, assembly, and distribution operations are key drivers. Another is the pressure from regulatory changes forcing adoption of conveyors sporting gearless and other energy-efficient motor designs. Still another is […]
Five ways to drive ROI from personnel and cobot investments
In this article, we detail how assembly, packaging, and machine-tool OEMs can keep senior plant personnel in charge of the most demanding and intricate tasks — and relegate everything else to pre-programmed work routines and automated workcells. Such approaches make copious use of cobots and augmented reality (AR) tools. By Tim LeCrone • Director of […]
Aerotech introduces compact hexapod for precise 6-DOF motion
Aerotech Inc. has released the HEX150-140HL, a miniature hexapod six degree-of-freedom (DOF) positioning system that provides precise translation in the X, Y and Z directions and rotation around each of these axes. The HEX150-140HL delivers significantly better minimal incremental motion and more linear travel than its competitors — all within a compact yet stiff platform. “This hexapod’s combination of small […]
Aerotech now offers online distribution through Motion Plus
Aerotech Inc., a global leader in precision motion control and automation, and Motion Plus, an ecommerce distributor, recently announced a partnership to sell many of Aerotech’s most widely used standard products at www.motionplusmore.com. The Motion Plus marketplace offers a wide range of motion control products, including many in-stock Aerotech products available for immediate shipment. “With […]
Managing motion-design EMI for food metal detection
Electromagnetic interference (EMI) and radio-frequency interference (RFI) from ground loops and the operation of electric motor drives can degrade the performance of metal-detection equipment so essential to safe food processing. Here we look at ways to mitigate such issues. By Eric Garr • Regional Sales Manager | Fortress Technology Metal detectors in the food-processing industry […]
MK North America releases new CAD360! conveyor system configurator
Leading conveyor system designer and manufacturer mk North America now offers an all-new version of its online conveyor modeling tool, CAD360! with enhanced design tools and better access to equipment models. The tool makes it faster and easier than ever to design and share custom conveyor systems from the manufacturer. The CAD360! conveyor configurator allows […]
