During his inaugural tour, Canadian Ambassador to Austria Troy Lulashnyk recently visited the B&R headquarters in Eggelsberg. With B&R CEO Joerg Theis he discussed the future of automation technology in Canada and learned about the company's latest innovations and vision for growth in the North American market.

Fanuc America will showcase its automation solutions designed to help companies’ future proof their supply chain at Modex 2024 in Atlanta, March 11-14, Booth #B-4026. 

When motion system designers need complex, high-speed, multiaxis motion, they might first think of elaborate, prepackaged robot arms. Or, if they need only a few axes, they might configure a separate profile or round rail for each axis. But hiding between those options is simple and proven ball spline technology. This multiaxis motion solution has existed for years and is still highly relevant to today’s complex motion schemes. Ball splines use a unique architecture integrating rotary and linear motion on a single shaft. This gives them more flexibility to implement complex motion schemes in tighter spaces, providing a two-for-one deal in motion control.

Anticipation vs. reaction is the name of the game in fluid power, hydraulics, and pneumatics. The organizations embracing mechatronics, digital toolsets, AI and the electrification movement will be in a much better position moving forward. Here are a few of the trends/technologies to consider relating to fluid power and motion control today:

Netzer introduces the new VLM-60 multi-turn, hollow shaft absolute rotary encoder, the ideal solution for smooth and continuous production with limited space.

Linear guides can function reliably in challenging environments — such as Li-ion battery manufacturing — with careful selection, protection, and proper lubrication. IKO has extensive expertise and a wide range of protective accessories available to create a custom product that will perform trouble-free.

Employing the power of smartphones and Augmented Reality (AR), KUKA has launched its new KUKA.MixedReality software that allows users to visualize the environment of robot cells live on their smartphones to support fast, safe, and intuitive robot startups. The free mobile app displays tools and interference geometries for early detection of potential hazards that can then be eliminated before a robot even starts to work.

Universal Robots has reported Q4 revenue of USD 103 million, up 21 percent on Q4 2022. The quarter was the company’s largest revenue quarter to date. 2023 annual revenue was USD 304 million, down 7 percent on 2022.

In December 2023, ABB Electrification Norway AS signed a contract with LIS, Movu Robotics distributor in Norway, to install Movu's escala order fulfillment solution in its production premises in Skien, Norway. 

CES 2024 boasted 4,300+ exhibitors, including a record 1,400+ startups from around the globe. The event continued to showcase the innovative trends shaping our future.