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 […]
Linear Motion
Why operating environment matters for actuator selection
To make the right selection when specifying actuators, it’s important to consider the operating environment. Bruce Ng Valin Corporation Actuators are required for a variety of operations throughout a multitude of different industries. With so many different potential applications, one would correctly assume that the options can often be overwhelming. Many of these actuators […]
PI expands for higher electronics manufacturing capacities, shorter lead times
PI has completed the construction of additional electronics production space at its Rosenheim, Germany site. With investments of around $2.3M and a 30% increase in space, PI is strengthening its global development and production center and the economic development of the region. For 2025, another investment of $2M has been approved. The expansion will enable […]
PI’s motion-amplified piezo actuators and grippers are designed for speed
The piezoelectric effect directly converts electrical energy into mechanical motion. PI uses this effect for high-precision, solid-state-based actuators, and grippers. Embedding a piezoceramic stack in a flexure-based arrangement can increase the motion range of the piezo actuator while providing protection, precision guidance, and a mounting interface at the same time. PI’s motion-amplified piezo actuators are […]
JIECANG Linear Actuator Updates Cleaning Robot Automation
By Gloria Hu-JIECANG Overseas Marketing Manager Recently, Fulongma, an environmental sanitation solution provider, launched the world’s first skateboard-based sweeper robot, which is equipped with the JIECANG intelligent electric linear actuator products. The sweeper can operate fully automatically and has high mobility and driving ability. It provides all-round, efficient, intelligent cleaning services for multiple areas, such […]
Festo Power Up initiative aims to transform machine building for food and beverage
The Festo Power Up initiative for food and beverage machine builders aims to spur the efficient adoption of electric automation and in the process support the development of the next generation of compact, flexible, energy efficient, and data-rich machines. Three pillars support the initiative. Machine builders now have the option of a Festo one-stop-shop of […]
The latest developments in fast food automation
The fast-food industry is all about tasty food at low prices with cheerful customer service — all delivered fast. But with labor shortages and supply chain issues still plaguing the economy, how can businesses compete and survive? Fast-food restaurants across the globe are pondering ways to automate certain tasks or entire assembly lines to provide continuous service […]
Thomson’s actuators give motion system designers more options
Thomson, a provider of linear motion control solutions, has introduced a high-capacity, high-performance electric linear actuator that gives motion system designers more cost-effective options to replace hydraulic cylinders. Among the many new features of the Thomson Electrak XD linear actuator are load handling up to 25,000 N (5000 lb), depending on configuration, for a combined […]
Artificial intelligence and machine learning solutions for sit to stand robotic chairs
People around the world, especially those with injuries or limited mobility, experience sit to stand (STS) difficulties in their everyday lives. Detailing just some of these challenges is an August 12, 2022 New York Times article, Embarrassing, Uncomfortable and Risky: What Flying is Like for Passengers Who Use Wheelchairs. The author described the discomfort, danger, […]
Leading motion-control and actuation options for robotics
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 […]
