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.
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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When Australian steelmaker InfraBuild needed two new circuit breakers to provide backup for its main electric arc furnace, ABB had the solution—its VD4-AF vacuum circuit breaker with an innovative servomotor actuation system that delivers more than five times the operations of a standard breaker, supporting greater reliability and safety as well as lower operational costs.
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Humanoids and cobots are rapidly serving the needs of the warehouse, logistics, material handling and packaging sectors allowing skilled workers to turn their attention to more pressing matters on the shop floor. According to MasterControl (matercontrol.com) digital transformation is revolutionizing life sciences manufacturing, driving key trends in the pharmaceutical and medical device industries.
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Bosch Rexroth continues to expand the ctrlX platform with new capabilities and automation enhancements. The control platform ctrlX COREplus is now available with AI functions on all performance levels. In the area of motion and drives, Bosch Rexroth is presenting compact, energy-efficient, and cabinet-free drives from the ctrlX DRIVE portfolio, which cover virtually all performance ranges. These are complemented by the Motion, CNC, and Robotics software ctrlX MOTION, which is ideal solution for automating production machines and systems. PTE recently had a great conversation with Garrett Wagg, product manager, controls at Bosch Rexroth on new developments in mobile robotics.
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NYCU (National Yang Ming Chia Tung University) Vulpes Racing—founded in 2008—is a Formula Student Team that combines mechanical engineering, industrial design, public relations, video production and marketing expertise.
It’s common to hear “surface roughness” described as a number that can be measured on a gage. But describing surface texture with a number is a lot like describing a concert in decibels: loudness is just part of the story. A rock band, an orchestra, and a chainsaw can all produce 100 decibels, but the full picture is much more complex and interesting.
Rolling bearings possess especially low friction characteristics. They make it possible to reduce bearing friction by half, offering the construction machinery sector the opportunity to achieve significant carbon dioxide savings without imposing high development costs. This article will examine the current solutions from Schaeffler.
More energy efficiency, higher performance and better controllability are the main reasons why more electric drive systems are being operated with frequency converters. However, these devices can cause high-frequency, asymmetrical interference currents, which, as a current passage through the output and fan-side bearings, can cause damage and premature failure.
Current-compensated CoolBlue toroidal cores made of Magnetec’s nanocrystalline material Nanoperm have proven to be effective protection against such conducted interference and its consequences. In addition, the Nanoperm Line Absorbers NaLA can also be used to significantly suppress symmetrical interference currents.
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.
Spiroid Gearing delivers precision gearing for advanced mechanical systems, engineered to handle extreme torque and complex motion requirements. With unique right-angle gear solutions, our technology enhances efficiency, reliability, and design flexibility - empowering engineers to push boundaries in aerospace, defense, robotics, and industrial applications where performance and durability are non-negotiable.
The drive system choice is dependent on key motion features of your application. Lead screws offer self-locking capabilities, while ball screws require brakes to prevent back-driving. The choice between them hinges on efficiency, cost, precision, and speed, with the screw drives themselves paired with a linear guide for optimal performance.
Elevate the aerospace program with AMETEK PDS. See how their complete actuation systems, designed by a team of experienced engineers, can meet your specific needs—from a single actuator for a cargo door to a full flap actuation system with motors, actuators, and system-level controllers.
May 13, 2026
North American companies ordered 9,055 robots valued at $543 million in the first quarter of 2026, according to new data released by the Association for Advancing Automation (A3). Compared to the first quarter of 2025, this represents a 0.1 percent decrease in units ordered and a 6.4 percent decline in revenue. While unit orders were essentially flat, order revenue declined year over year, driven largely by a cyclical decline in Automotive OEM orders, which fell 35.1% in units and 48.2% in revenue compared to the same quarter last year. Given the size and timing of automotive programs, that decline had an outsized impact on the total market.
With its new DualGear, Faulhaber presents a high-performance drive system that combines tried-and-tested BX4 and GPT technology in a single, well-thought-out unit. Developed for the demands of modern conveying systems, the DualGear provides high dynamics, robustness and precision in a compact, diameter-compliant design.
Sep 22, 2026 - Sep 24, 2026
TPS (Houston) is a vital industry event, offering a forum for the exchange of ideas between rotating equipment engineers and technicians worldwide. Now surpassing 54 years, TPS is known for its impact on turbomachinery, pump, oil & gas, petrochemical, power, aerospace, chemical and water industries through two pathways: an exhibition and a technical program.
Jun 14, 2026 - Jun 18, 2026
Jul 15, 2026 - Jul 16, 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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