Collaborative robots have been hugely beneficial for manufacturers of all sizes over the past 15 years, and their share of the total robot market continues to grow every year. As of 2025, hundreds of different cobot models are available from dozens of manufacturers. Today, we will discuss the differences between industrial and collaborative robots, advantages of cobots, typical cobot applications, case studies, and some specific robotic solutions.


Motor solutions are the lifeblood of many applications, powering the precise movements and operations that keep automated systems running smoothly. While each system presents unique demands, the wide variety of motor types available ensures there is an option suitable for each specific need. It is vital to understand the pitfalls of choosing an inappropriate motor, given the countless motor types, brands and sizes.
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C-COM Satellite Systems, a manufacturer of mobile satellite antennas, has integrated several models of Bodine Electric motors across a variety of platforms. These motors are primarily used to drive the Azimuth
and Elevation axes on their Fly-Away (portable) and Drive-Away (vehiclemounted) systems.

The SKF Lincoln SL-6 metering device is a single-line automatic lubrication system injector. Its proven design is thoroughly updated to meet new demands on maintainability, leakage-protection and long-lasting performance even with harsh extreme pressure greases. Today’s manufacturing environment demands less maintenance time, higher productivity demands and little to no tolerance for unplanned production stops.
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Atlanta Drive Systems, Inc., Farmingdale, NJ, offers rack and pinion systems, actuators, gearboxes, servo reducers and lubrication systems for many different industries including machine tool, automation, aerospace, woodworking, material handling, robotic, food, packaging, stone and special machinery. PTE recently discussed the company’s lubrication solutions with Peter Alfano, senior applications engineer.
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The path toward success in mechanical power transmission today hinges on an organization’s ability to provide smart and digital automation solutions. Customers are looking for system components boasting more performance, precision, and cost effectiveness in robotics and industrial automation applications. Schaeffler, the global technology company specializing in solutions for the automotive and industrial sectors, offers a strong and diverse product range not only for large industrial robots, but also for lightweight and collaborative robots (cobots).

I would like to briefly discuss some thoughts on ball bearing efficiency specifically in terms of applied load and resulting stress. I don’t want to trivialize this subject; there are textbooks written on the subjects of electrohydrodynamic lubrication (EHL), octahedral subsurface shear stress and friction losses due to elastic hysteresis. This is a just a high-level discussion on the importance of individual bearing stress on efficiency.

Curious about the state of robotics and automation? A day or two at Huntington Place in Detroit this spring should clear everything up. Automate 2025 attendees might see robots serving coffee, robots maintaining shop floors, robots building other robots. We have officially crossed the threshold from future possibility to practical application.
The Simplicity self-lubricating linear plain bearings are built to last, and they will often out-perform and last longer than a traditional linear ball bearing. Called the “little red bearing” by loyal customers, they have been a popular replacement for failing ball bearings. Simplicity plain bearings will not catastrophically fail.
The difference between a smooth-running drive and constant headaches? The right timing belt and pulley plus a whole lot more. Discover what works, what doesn’t, and put your design skills to the test—engineer your best system yet!
Discover how Regal Rexnord’s Bauer™ PMSM gear motor helped a transportation company streamline inventory, cut energy use, and save $80,000 annually. Learn how this scalable solution delivers financial, operational, and sustainability gains across facilities.
Design engineers are always on the lookout for efficient and reliable application solutions. While standard products often suffice, some challenges demand a custom approach. Custom machine couplings, critical for torque transmission between a machine's driving and driven components, require careful consideration of specific requirements to guarantee optimal performance and unwavering reliability.
Precision elastomer insert couplings offer vibration damping, easy installation, zero backlash transmission, and electrical isolation. Fitting a wide variety of drive applications including lift systems, conveyors, pumps, linear actuators, and high performance general power transmission.
Next generation RexPro chain allows users to assemble chain safer, faster, and easier by using only an impact driver, while maintaining the industry-leading fatigue and wear life that Rex chain is known for.
Dec 9, 2025

Flender, a global manufacturer specializing in mechanical and electrical drive technology, has certified Atlanta Gear Works as a Flender Service Partner.
A 125-year-old company headquartered in Bocholt, Germany, Flender offers a wide range of gear units, couplings and generators for various heavy industries, with a particular focus on the wind energy sector. Its services include installation, commissioning and maintenance.

At SPS Nuremberg, Bonfiglioli is showcasing its comprehensive ecosystem of mechatronics, combining gearmotors, inverters and sensors with automation software tools. A special focus is given to the newly expanded Axia drive family, while five mechatronic packages dedicated to applications for rolling conveyor, palletizer, flowpack, compact warehouse elevator and material handling complete the range displayed at the exhibition.
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