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 […]
Actuators
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
Direct-drive actuator with high torque density for more productive robots and machines
Genesis Robotics & Motion Technologies announces the availability of its new LiveDrive LDD 1800 Series Direct Drive Actuators, with an extensive range of configurations and performance options. LiveDrive direct-drive actuators eliminate the need for gearing and are redefining the next generation of parallel robots and precision machinery, unlocking capabilities beyond the reach of conventional drivetrains, […]
350 mm aperture motorized rotary actuators
ServoBelt Rotary Stage offers an economical solution for a variety of light and medium-duty rotary motion applications. It features very large clear aperture of 350 mm and provides arc-second resolution when driven from a micro-stepping or brush-less servomotor controller. The low profile design is made possible by the use of compact precision bearing. The rotating […]
Thomson electro-hydraulic linear actuators optimize force density and shock resistance
Thomson Industries, a leading manufacturer of linear motion solutions, has introduced an electro-hydraulic actuator that has the strength of hydraulic cylinders but without their complex external assemblies or extensive fluid handling requirements. Thomson Warner Linear H-Track actuators move loads of up to 4800 pounds from a compact mounting envelope. The actuators are ideal for space-constrained […]
