Igus is expanding through investments in its Low-Cost Automation and has now acquired the majority shares in Commonplace Robotics based in Bissendorf near Osnabrück. As an integrator, Commonplace Robotics specializes in intuitive control systems and software and power electronics for robotics, both in industry and in education. The two companies have been cooperating intensively for six years. They have, among other things, developed the igus Robot Control, which supplements igus’ low-cost kinematics made from high-performance plastics.

Attendees and exhibitors from across the globe are getting ready to make their way to CONEXPO-CON/AGG and the International Fluid Power Exposition (IFPE) next March, after government and corporate travel restrictions have either been reduced or eliminated since the 2020 show.

At Pack Expo 2022, KUKA Robotics will feature several productivity enhancing automation solutions designed specifically for the Fast-Moving Consumer Goods industry sector. In Booth #N-6236, the company will spotlight its range of fully hygienic robots for food processing, picking, packaging, palletizing and advanced vision applications.

NUM has launched a series of brushless linear servomotors designed specifically for continuous duty cycle applications in machine tools.

Jake Schieffer is taking on a new role within Beckhoff USA as vice president of sales. This promotion results from Schieffer’s significant successes as regional director – Midwest. In the newly created national position, he will continue to promote business alignment throughout the sales organization and accelerate growth across the U.S. Based at the Beckhoff USA headquarters office in the Minneapolis area, Schieffer reports to President Kevin Barker. After Schieffer’s promotion, Steve Boelte was selected to fill the position of regional director – Midwest.

Visit ABB at Booth 6438 at WEFTEC 2022 in New Orleans, October 10-12 to meet experts, and view innovative and efficient solutions designed to help the water/wastewater industry keep its operations flowing.

Wachendorff is expanding its range of Ethernet-based encoders: Encoders with the EtherNet/IP protocol are now available, including the most compact in the world: the WDGA58F. Wachendorff's R&D team has succeeded in minimizing the sensor to an installation depth of just 46.5 mm.

Every machine builder knows that they have to meet stringent safety requirements to protect workers from the risk of injury. If they build machines for the EU market, they should know that the European regulatory landscape is more advanced than in most other regions, with newer and more rigorous requirements for safety design and testing.

EU-equivalent safety capabilities are also being adopted by many non-European manufacturers despite the lack of specific in-country regulations. Sooner or later, every machine builder will need to offer functional safety capabilities or be left behind. Let’s look at what that means.

The Orbex Group, a manufacturer of high-performance electric motors and slip rings, introduces standard slip rings with an IP65 protection rating, providing washdown tolerance in many food, beverage and pharmaceutical manufacturing applications.

Bosch Rexroth will expand its presence in North America: A new plant is being built in Queretaro, Mexico. Bosch Rexroth has been successfully operating in Mexico for 40 years. In Queretaro, local production capacities for the manufacture of products and components for mobile applications as well as for factory automation will be increased from summer 2023, and there is space for further growth. Bosch Rexroth will invest some 160 million euros in the new site. The aim is to strengthen local production for the North American market and thus be able to serve customers even better and more efficiently in the future.