Greetings 2026! As expected, EV demand has waned following some deregulation and tax credits being dropped as of September 2025. For us industry folks, this is simply reality catching up with the narrative. On the plus side, 2025 was a very good year for global vehicle sales–the best since 2019 (Ref. 1). A good economy can forgive many blunders. As gearbox designers, our work continues as our EV offerings are likely a permanent part of our product lineup, even if at a reduced volume.
Mechanical engineering develops the scientific and mathematical principles behind physical machines, but you can’t help feeling a little real-world magic taking place in the manufacture of components needed for large, heavy industrial applications. Cement production, for example, relies on gigantic equipment to grind raw materials using rotary kilns, ball mills, vertical mills and crushers.
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According to a recent study by Deloitte, the aerospace and defense industry stands at a pivotal crossroads as it enters the latter half of the decade. Forces that have shaped the sector in recent years—digital transformation, supply chain volatility, talent constraints, and geopolitical events—are converging with new catalysts such as agentic AI, emerging vehicles and the rapid evolution of autonomous systems. On the defense side, budgets are a key focus, with a growing emphasis on enhancing mission readiness. At the same time, defense priorities are shifting to accelerate the fielding of AI-enabled systems and collaborative combat aircraft. “Speed to field” is becoming the unifying metric across portfolios. (deloitte.com)
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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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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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This paper examines the selection process, operation, maintenance practices, and state of a Sumitomo gearbox after over 24 years of operation. It is demonstrated that a quality product and careful consideration of all these factors are essential for a longer service life of the gearbox. Detailed information is provided on the operation of the gearbox, as well as the maintenance practices that should be taken to ensure its longevity. Finally, the paper examines the state of the gearbox after over two decades of use and how all these factors result in lowering carbon emissions.
The spectrum of machinery and equipment used in industrial automation includes everything from electric motors to robotics and each has its own unique attributes and sealing requirements. David Kaley, Trelleborg global segment manager for industrial automation, shares his expertise on speed reducers covering what they are, how they work and key considerations for correct sealing in this article.
Schaeffler continues to advance key technologies shaping the future of mobility and motion. One area of interest—humanoid robots—is where Schaeffler is developing advanced component and system capabilities for the next generation of robotics. PTE recently had the opportunity to discuss these technologies with Al Makke, engineering director, humanoid robotics, North America, at Schaeffler Group USA.
Demand for specialty wire and cable—fueled in part by data center expansion as well as new charging stations for electric vehicles (EVs)—is in turn creating greater demand for cable production capacity. As you design machines that will satisfy the demand, you’ll want to incorporate an effective driving method that controls speed and torque with the highest precision.
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.
Bellows couplings are commonly used in applications requiring precise rotation, high speeds, and dynamic motion transmission. With zero backlash and a high level of torsional stiffness, they offer clear performance advantages in many servo-driven systems.
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!
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.
Apr 2, 2026
Thordon Bearings has announced two significant appointments which reinforce its commitment to meet growing demand for high performance, pollution-free seawater-lubricated bearings and seals in commercial shipping.
Z-THETA Positioning Module from Intellidrives is a high-performance miniature actuator designed to replace bulky electro-mechanical actuators in pick-and-place automated assembly and component placement, alignment, adhesive dispensing, electronic packaging and opto-electronic applications.
Apr 14, 2026 - Apr 16, 2026
Rapid + TCT is North America’s premier additive manufacturing (3D printing) event. The show includes an AeroDef Manufacturing showcase for aerospace and defense. Rapid examines how machine shops integrate additive manufacturing to reduce lead times, produce complex geometries and manufacture tooling in-house. The show provides insights into how additive complements traditional machining. The show takes place at the Thomas M. Menino Convention & Exhibition Center, Boston, MA.
Jul 15, 2026 - Jul 16, 2026
Jun 9, 2026 - Jun 11, 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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