Customization may not always be top of mind when machine designers are selecting motion control vendors. The hope is usually that they will find exactly what they need in the catalog and avoid what they believe to be the higher costs, delays and risks associated with custom solutions. But, given that more than 25 percent of motion system projects end up requiring at least some degree of customization, it could be beneficial to prepare for that eventuality from the outset.
Freudenberg Sealing Technologies (FST) continues to expand its seal and lubrication technology platform by providing a range of solutions addressing critical issues such as friction, performance, power and material compatibility. The following article examines three recent additions to the company’s broad range of system solutions.
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Helix develops motors, inverters, and e-powertrains for a diverse range of industries including automotive, marine, and aerospace. The company’s expertise, founded in decades of elite engineering experience, provides a diverse range of engineering technologies from a single-source.
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NASA’s successful Artemis II mission represented the first crewed lunar mission since Apollo 17 in 1972 as well as a major leap forward in humanity’s return to deep space exploration. The mission launched on April 1, 2026, and lasted approximately nine days, one hour and 32 minutes.
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Testing is a powerful tool for improving equipment reliability and reducing the risk of costly, unplanned downtime. When a bearing fails, it’s important to figure out why. Without an investigation or testing to determine the cause, there is a greater likelihood that the same problem will happen again. That’s why SKF Global Labs and Testing plays such a critical role in helping customers maximize the performance and service life of their rotating equipment.
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The earliest example of a gear train dates to at least 2,000 B.C. when Chinese engineers built a chariot that used a complex planetary mechanism made of wooden gears to let a dragon head continuously point south when driven around (Ref. 1). In Greece, a surprisingly advanced Antikythera gearbox mechanism, incorporating at least 37 precisely crafted bronze gears, was built years later, between 205–60 B.C. (Ref. 2).
The digital transformation is fundamentally changing the industry, and digital twins play a central role. They enable real-time monitoring of physical systems, simulation of their behavior, and informed decision-making. A dissertation from the TU Darmstadt Institute for Product Development and Machine Elements (pmd) shows how the FVA-Workbench gearbox design software can be implemented as a platform for creating digital twins of industrial gearboxes. The results demonstrate how the combination of detailed modeling, continuous real-time calculations, and engaging dashboard visualization offers an efficient and user-friendly solution for the development of digital twins.
We have all seen the Q4 2025 headlines around electric vehicle (EV) sales and they were not good. Ford recorded a $19.5B loss in EV pullbacks (Ref. 1). General Motors posted $6B in EV debt (Ref. 2). Stellantis took a $26B hit which was compounded by underperforming EV sales and recovery from the previous CEO’s disastrous cost-cutting strategy (Ref. 3). Also, notably, was the laundry list of not-long-ago hailed startups that have went bankrupt, often leaving investors, suppliers and employees holding the bag: Bollinger, Canoo, Nikola, ELMS, Lordstown, Fisker, Arrival, Proterra, Volta just to name a few. Many more are on the brink along with dozens of startup suppliers that enticed investors with untold wealth to be gained in the automotive revolution 2.0 (Ref. 6,13,14).
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.
Dunkermotoren explores the concept of EtherNet/IP, its history, key components, and its impact on modern manufacturing. As industries increasingly adopt automation and Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) solutions, EtherNet/IP emerges as a vital communication protocol, seamlessly connecting factory devices and equipment to Ethernet network.
Discover how R+W bellows, elastomer, disc pack and safety couplings support demanding motion control and industrial applications. Explore the defining characteristics, performance capabilities and design advantages of each coupling type and find the right solution for your requirements. Learn more about precision coupling solutions engineered for reliability, accuracy and performance.
See how SEW-EURODRIVE engineering and X.e Series industrial gear units helped power the 42-mile Dune Express conveyor. Discover how application-specific drive technology, thermal engineering, condition monitoring, and support from design through commissioning helped meet the demands of this record-breaking application.
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.
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.
Sep 23, 2026
E Tech Group recently announced an Authorized System Integrator Agreement with Rainbow Robotics that expands E Tech Group’s collaborative robotics offering for customers across the United States. Under the agreement, E Tech Group serves as a Servicing System Integrator for Rainbow Robotics’ collaborative robot lineup.
SKF has selected fiber-optic sensing specialist Sentea as its partner for the development and production of SKF Core, a new integrated hardware platform that supports the next generation of SKF Insight bearings. The collaboration represents an important step in the commercialization and scaling of SKF’s pioneering bearing intelligence technology, helping customers improve productivity, reliability and machine performance through deeper insight into machine operating conditions.
Jan 6, 2027 - Jan 9, 2027
Attracting a diverse range of professionals, including executives, engineers, designers, and entrepreneurs, CES (Las Vegas) is an excellent opportunity to connect, collaborate, and grow your professional network. The broad range of exhibits and industries represented at the show can inspire innovative solutions. Industries include 3D printing, AR/VR/XR, AI, cloud computing/data, construction tech, cybersecurity, robotics, e-Mobility, AI, vehicle tech and more.
Jan 18, 2027 - Jan 21, 2027
Nov 24, 2026 - Nov 26, 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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