With over 20 years’ experience in the food processing industry, Mike Mitchell has filled many roles in his career. Now, as the key accounts manager for Middleby Food Processing brand, MP Equipment, Mitchell has been pivotal in advancing food technology. He understands the demands of frequent, late-night repairs on first generation equipment.

Greaves 3D Engineering, a British company specializing in precision engineering, has introduced “The Ultimate Drivers Rig,” a state-of-the-art racing car simulator designed for portability and professional performance. This innovative simulator can be folded and stored in a compact road case, allowing for easy transport to racetracks, trade shows, and corporate events. Central to the rig’s design are 45 high-performance components from igus, including self-lubricating linear and drive technologies, cable carriers, and plain bearings, which help reduce maintenance requirements and improve overall reliability.

Ruland bellows couplings are ideal for precision motion in robotic applications due to their zero-backlash design, high torque and torsional stiffness, and various styles that ensure accurate movement and smooth operation. They are commonly used in industrial, medical, and autonomous robotic systems requiring high speed and accuracy.

Following a successful launch of the company’s new product portfolio at the International Manufacturing Technology Show (IMTS) in Chicago, Rethink Robotics Inc., the United States pioneer of collaborative robots, recently named a new all-female leadership team. Effective immediately, Julia Astrid Riemenschneider has been appointed chief executive officer and Franziska Lorenz chief operations officer. With these appointments, Rethink Robotics becomes the first and only player in the field of collaborative robotics with two women at the helm.

Thomson Industries, Inc. has released a true collaborative extension of cobots. The new Movotrak CTU 7th axis features collision detection settings for programming and control benefits. An industrial robot transfer unit (RTU) has also launched, which can be easily integrated with a user’s preferred motor and drive. Adding a horizontal operating range up to 10 meters, the Movotrak cobot transfer unit (CTU) sets itself apart with collision detection that stops the cobot when it encounters an obstacle, facilitating collaboration and increasing productivity. 

To mark its 60th anniversary, igus has launched its innovative and environmentally friendly bicycle — called the igus:bike — on a world tour, underscoring its commitment to sustainability. Made from recycled plastics, the bike will spend a year traveling through 16 countries, signaling a new form of urban mobility while demonstrating the success of a circular economy of plastics.

There’s a delicate balance in the constant evolution of today’s assembly line. Once dominated by hydraulics, manufacturing floors are incorporating a growing number of electromechanical solutions to supplement legacy hydraulic components, particularly in lower force, linear motion applications. Manufacturers that recognize this trend and harness the benefits of both hydraulic and electromechanical solutions position themselves to optimize future operations, regardless of market trend demands.

Motion Industries, Inc. has promoted Eric Gonzalez to senior vice president of Mexico, Canada, industry segments and business development, effective immediately. 

The starting signal for KUKA's digital offensive: Following the establishment of the new digital division, KUKA presented its comprehensive portfolio at its first software and digital event under the motto ‘KUKA digital powering your businesses at its headquarters in Augsburg. The long-established company, known for its industrial robots, is increasingly focusing on the consistent and seamless digitalization of global industrial landscapes. The highlight of the event: mosaixx, the open, collaborative cloud platform for industrial software-as-a-service.

Bonfiglioli is present at SPS Nuremberg from November 12-14. At Booth 450 in Hall 3A, Bonfiglioli showcases its comprehensive mechatronic proposal covering AMRs, material handling, logistics automation and packaging along with IIoT capabilities. Eyes also on electronics, with the solutions developed by Selcom.