Automation and smart technologies are fundamentally changing what manufacturing environments look like — and more importantly, what they can achieve. Rewriting the rules of flexibility and efficiency, automated and digitalized workflows make it possible to produce more complex products in less time with less waste.
As someone who has spent more than four decades involved in the robotics industry, I can say unequivocally that this is the most exciting time ever. From a technology that was originally used predominantly by U.S. automotive companies, robotics has now spread to nearly every industry and every country around the world.
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Leaders from across the construction and heavy equipment manufacturing industries gathered in Las Vegas recently for ConExpo-ConAgg 2026. The show celebrated the innovation, economic impact and workforce powering the $2.2 trillion U.S. construction sector today.
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Pack Expo East drew more than 7,300 attendees and 2,700 exhibitor personnel to highlight the latest advancements in automation, smart manufacturing, sustainable materials, and AI-driven solutions. The regional event provided new machinery, breakthrough materials, advanced automation, and smart manufacturing technologies transforming the industry in 2026.
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Servo drives are electronic devices that control the precise motion of motors in automated systems, and they have become one of the most influential technologies behind today’s industrial transformation. Their rise reflects a broader shift toward flexible, intelligent, energy-efficient production. Demand for advanced motion control is accelerating fast, with global industrial automation projected to surpass 400 billion dollars within a few years. That growth is fueled by factories seeking accuracy, repeatability, speed, and the kind of reliability required for round-the-clock manufacturing.
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The following article is a collection of products and technologies featured at IFPE and CONExpo/CONAGG 2023.
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.
For over two decades, our Montreal-based engineering simulation consultancy has provided advanced solutions to a diverse range of industries. Our expertise has facilitated the resolution of complex engineering challenges, leveraging the latest technologies in computational fluid dynamics (CFD) and heat transfer analysis. Among our recent projects, one particularly notable case involved a company specializing in converting combustion engine vehicles to electric vehicles.
Automation has become a key driver of efficiency and productivity, regardless of industry. Among the most popular automation solutions are automated guided vehicles (AGVs) and autonomous mobile robots (AMRs). While both technologies automate and enhance material handling and reduce manual labor, there are key differences in their functionality, flexibility, and areas of application that set them apart.
This white paper explores the often-overlooked role of a critical, yet underestimated component in industrial automation systems. It highlights how this element impacts performance, reliability, and efficiency, and provides insights into optimizing its use. The paper emphasizes its strategic importance in designing resilient, precise systems.
This video explores the often-overlooked role of a critical, yet underestimated component in industrial automation systems. It highlights how this element impacts performance, reliability, and efficiency, and provides insights into how to choose the correct component. The video emphasizes its strategic importance in achieving resilient automation applications.
How does a ball screw work differently than a lead screw. Under what circumstances would a ball screw be better for your application than a lead screw. What issues should be considered when selecting a ball screw assembly.
Napoleon Engineering Services’ “Brief Guide to Bearing Source Qualification” is the result of nearly 30 years of real-world experience guiding OEMs through the qualification process and is based on NES’ background in the aerospace and industrial sectors and its own desire to empower customers with the technical information needed to make informed supplier decisions.
Push beyond traditional 60Hz limits with advanced VFD strategies like field weakening and motor supercharging. Expand speed range, improve system stability, reduce cooling requirements, and even downsize motors. Discover how to unlock more performance and efficiency from your gearmotor design.
Vector Companies is a global platform of gear, shaft, and custom component manufacturers that helps innovators move faster from print to production with dependable, high-quality parts.
Jul 24, 2026
GWJ Technology GmbH has launched completely redesigned websites for its eAssistant and TBK brands,as well as its corporate website. With this relaunch, the company introduces a modern, user-friendly design and optimized content that makes it easier than ever to access technical information and engineering software solutions. The new websites focus on intuitive navigation and a clear information structure, enabling users to quickly find the content they need.
Conveyors are critical equipment at aggregate plants. Downhill conveyors, loaded with tons of material, don’t leave much room for error. When brakes fail and a belt gets away, the result is immediate and dangerous. Material moves where it shouldn’t, and equipment takes the hit. Unfortunately, that’s exactly what happened recently at an Oregon aggregate plant. A brake failure caused a loaded belt to let loose, damaging both the belt and sections of the conveyor framework. Operators responded with front loaders and dump trucks, making repeated trips up and down the incline to clear material. The plant was down. With replacement parts carrying lead times of up to 20 weeks, there was real concern about how long it might stay that way.
Sep 22, 2026 - Sep 23, 2026
The RPM (Reliability Process & Maintenance) Symposium (Kalamazoo, MI) is a conference event where end users can network and learn about industrial facilities, reliability, maintenance best practices, electric motor driven powertrains, and IIoT.
Sep 21, 2026 - Sep 24, 2026
Oct 18, 2026 - Oct 21, 2026
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Power Transmission Engineering is THE magazine of mechanical components. PTE is written for engineers and maintenance pros who specify, purchase and use gears, gear drives, bearings, motors, couplings, clutches, lubrication, seals and all other types of mechanical power transmission and motion control components.
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