A "compact automation" is a mechatronic system that performs a whole series of consecutive production steps autonomously. "Compact" refers to the small dimensions, in the millimeter and centimeter range, of the products to be processed. Designing and constructing such systems is one of the core activities of the Austrian machine manufacturer STIWA. Its modular system LTM-CI has been optimized for small parts assembly. Linear and rotating micromotors from Faulhaber perform key tasks in these systems.

Universal Robots, the Danish collaborative robot (cobot) company, and MiR, the Danish manufacturer of AMRs (autonomous mobile robots), recently celebrated the grand opening of their new 215,000 sq. ft. headquarters in Odense, Denmark. Partners from UR and MiR's global ecosystems attended the event, including NVIDIA and Siemens, with whom Teradyne Robotics and its companies have recently announced several collaborations. 

ABB Robotics is continuing the expansion of its modular large robot portfolio with the introduction of the new IRB 7710 and IRB 7720. The new robots, combined with recently launched IRB 5710-IRB 5720 and IRB 6710-IRB 6740, offer a combined total of 46 different variants capable of handling payloads between 70 kg-620 kg, to give customers a new level of flexibility, greater choice and performance in their operations. 

GWJ Technology GmbH has presented a new version of its desktop solution TBK with numerous enhancements, particularly in the field of gearing. The TBK calculation software has been used successfully worldwide for more than four decades to dimension gears, shafts, connections, bearings, and other machine elements as well as complete gearboxes. With its various interfaces to 3D CAD systems, the TBK software is a powerful calculation tool for development, design, work planning, production, and quality assurance.

Eaton’s heavy-duty 4-speed electrified vehicle (EV) transmission was named a 2024 Automotive News PACEpilot Innovation to Watch at an awards ceremony on April 29. The recognition acknowledges post-pilot, pre-commercial innovations in the automotive and future mobility space. 

Production facilities are increasingly the targets of cyberattacks. Industrial companies are therefore required to identify and close potential vulnerabilities in their systems. To address the need to identify cybersecurity vulnerabilities on the shop floor as quickly as possible, Siemens has launched a new cybersecurity software-as-a-service.

Operation Next provides an accelerated-hybrid program that combines online education with hands-on training to earn credentials for in-demand careers in advanced manufacturing. BBTC’s rolling start program will train students in Computer Numeric Control (CNC) and Welding. Each year 200,000 service members transition out of the military across the nation, and it is estimated that nearly 2 million advanced manufacturing workers will be needed to fill vacant positions in the U.S. by 2028.

Precise positioning of semi-conductor wafers during SCARA assembly operations requires instantaneous braking and holding power while minimizing heat in the system. The latest compact and slender Miki Pulley BXR-LE brake models provide the needed perfectly controlled braking in a confined area of the system using minimal power.

Regal Rexnord Corporation recently displayed its solutions for the metals industry at AISTech 2024.

Festo introduces its newest generation of Cartesian-handling-system mechanical axes. The ELGD-TB, tooth belt actuators, and ELGD-BS, ball screw actuators, are based on an innovative Festo design.