2020 is seeing new trends in the application of stepper motors as well as permanent-magnet synchronous motors (PMSMs), brushless motors, and direct-drive motors including torque motors. Perhaps one of the most dramatic trends is increased use of PMSMs or synchronous ac motors. They began seeing more use in the early 2000s, and now such motors […]
Robotics
Selecting miniature motors for surgical devices
By Keith Halbert, PhD • Portescap || Device makers and surgeons have for decades relied on sterilizable brushless direct current (BLDC) motors to meet the torque, speed, and reliability requirements of surgical handtools. Now surgical robotics are leveraging these same capabilities. Today’s surgical robotics and robotically-assisted surgical devices often require BLDC motors to meet demanding […]
Environmental effects on motion components in robots
Here we outline leading factors affecting the longevity and performance of industrial robot joints. Links refer to supporting research listed at the feature conclusion. Recent years have seen continuous demand in numerous industries — automotive manufacturing to computer, communication, and consumer electronics (3C) product fabrication — for industrial robots. Compared to automated dedicated equipment in […]
Strain-wave gears and other components in off-highway + mobile robotics
Automated mobile equipment, which transports items in warehouses and freight centers as well as assembly operations, continues to boost demand for power-transmission and motion control systems. In fact, the worldwide mobile-robot market will reach nearly $15 billion by 2026, according to researchandmarkets.com. Almost all run off electric-motor drivetrains that are relatively expensive upfront but with […]
Drives and controls for robotics: See them at the 2019 Robotics Summit
In a couple weeks, the 2019 Robotics Summit (focused on the design, development, manufacture, and delivery of commercial robotics) will take place in Boston. It will be co-located with the DeviceTalks event at the Seaport World Trade Center. One display will be an array of precision processing and powering technologies for robotics. Elmo Motion Control […]
New RH-N gearbox kits from Nabtesco Motion Control are pre-engineered offering
Nabtesco Motion Control now offers pre-engineered RH-N gearbox kits. RH-N kits use the manufacturer’s newest RV-N series of gearboxes … to 20% smaller and 30% lighter than the original RV-E series. RH-N gearbox kits make for turnkey motion solutions that trim lead, engineering, and installation times. The RH-N directly bolts onto servomotors without the need […]
Chip-level connectivity and design sees synergies for motion and robotics
In a recent interview with Brendan O’Dowd, general manager for industrial automation at Analog Devices, we got the chance to hear about new devices — even to the chip level — that allow better integration of robotics into motion designs and machines for automation. Eitel • Design World: We cover motion control as it relates […]
Schneider Electric’s PacDrive 3: Smart machine drive for safe and flexible machines
Schneider Electric, global specialist in energy management and automation, is showcasing its smart machine setups for packaging at Pack Expo 2017. Schneider Electric’s smart machine setups are built on its IIoT-enabled open and interoperable EcoStruxure system architecture and platform, which delivers “Innovation At Every Level” as the manufacturer touts — from connected products to edge […]
Technologies from Bosch Rexroth you missed at MD&M West
MD&M West is known for its unwavering usefulness to attendees and exhibitors alike, and this year’s event delivered as usual. Here’s what we saw at the Bosch Rexroth booth (within the colocated ATX West) during our visit at the show. A main focus at the Bosch Rexroth booth was connected automation technology — also called the Internet of […]
Heavy duty oil rig robot takes top prize
The project from Norwegian company Robotic Drilling Systems has been awarded the most creative Energy Chain application system in biennial awards. Every two years, igus presents its “vector awards,” celebrating unique and creative uses of Energy Chain cable carrier systems. This year, the gold vector was awarded to Norwegian company Robotic Drilling Systems, for their […]