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 […]
Linear Motion
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 […]
Part 1 of 2: Electric actuators as an alternative to hydraulic cylinders
Here we compare these two linear-motion technologies — and hint at a common sizing error when converting to electric actuation. By Ryan Klemetson • Business Development Manager | Tolomatic, Inc. Hydraulics offer a long service life, but they’re not as efficient as electric systems. Electric systems also provide precise position, velocity, and speed control with […]
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 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 […]
List of winners in the fourth annual LEAP Awards — Industrial Automation category
The fourth annual LEAP Awards — celebrating leading engineering achievements in product design — was the largest yet. 2021 LEAP categories were divided across four the WTWH Media brands of Design World, Fluid Power World, Fastener Engineering, and EE World. These 12 categories include Additive Manufacturing • Connectivity • Embedded Computing • Hydraulics • Industrial […]
Portescap’s Voice of the Customer program produces motion innovations
Portescap is unveiling its latest motion innovations to come from its Voice of the Customer product development process. Voice of the Customer harnesses the company’s customers’ technical insights and turns them into innovative motion products that solve complex problems for their critical applications. Customer collaborations have sparked various different Portescap product platforms, and all of […]
Integrated connector option for AMETEK hybrid actuators
Haydon Kerk Pittman, a business unit of AMETEK’s Advanced Motion Solutions Division, announces that its size 8 21-mm hybrid stepper motor is now available with an integrated connector. Offered alone or with a harness assembly, the connector is RoHS-compliant and features a positive latch to allow high connection integrity. The connector is rated up to […]
