Fear comes in many forms. Every October we exploit these fears—everything from spiders, zombies, and clowns to serial killers, puppets or twin girls standing in a hallway. A recent conversation with colleagues about Halloween attractions prompted a discussion on the role manufacturing/engineering plays in shocking the senses this time of year.

Since taking over as CEO of Solve Industrial Motion Group in June 2024, Ernie Lauber has focused on continuous improvement, predictive maintenance and growing the legacy brands within Solve.

Combining brands such as IPTCI, MasterDrive, PTI and TRITAN together with the LMS, SST, SPB-USA and USA Roller product lines, Solve Industrial Motion Group is a provider of high-quality metric and American Standard power transmission components and industrial-grade bearings.

State-of-the-art doesn’t begin to describe ABB’s revamped robotics and training facility in Auburn Hills, MI. The upgraded factory serves as a U.S. hub for developing AI-enabled technology helping businesses respond to labor shortages, global uncertainty and sustainable manufacturing. 

Coverage of IMTS and MINExpo International will continue on the PTE website through the end of the year and into 2025. We're excited to share the stories and new technologies discussed at both trade shows in September.

Truth be told, there are few components as versatile as the gearmotor. We find them in AGVs, AMRs, and robotics. They can also be found in automation equipment, industrial drive solutions and material handling applications. Four key trends involving gearmotors today include the simplification in design and installation, quiet and energy efficient performance, predictive maintenance and condition monitoring—and lastly—the ability to perform at the highest levels in hazardous and demanding applications.

There’s no such thing as “Too Much Information” when it comes to warfare. Lockheed Martin believes it’s critical in today’s global landscape for a warfighter to act on information as soon as it is available. Leveraging the strengths of manned/unmanned teaming enables rapid action during combat situations. With the assistance of AI, this has the potential to increase situational awareness and improve combat efficiency and effectiveness for any warfighter.

The assignment was simple: compare a CL7 Freightliner M2 retrofit—with a BAE Systems propulsion solution and an Eaton MD 4-speed EV transmission—to a similar sized truck with an ICE. Sure, you can pop the hood, examine the interior, and ask a few questions—which we did during a June 2024 event at Eaton’s Proving Grounds located in Marshall, MI—but the fun part came when we took both vehicles out on the test track to see how the EV truck handled on turns, inclines and at top speeds versus its ICE counterpart.

Siemens’ annual event Realize LIVE Americas never fails to disappoint on the technology front. Automation, AI, IIoT, the Industrial Metaverse, additive manufacturing—you name the technology—Siemens has it covered. The factory of the future is no different. The company spends a great deal of time discussing smart manufacturing, analytics and services examining what a typical shop floor might look like in 15–20 years.

CCTY (Lake Zurich, IL) is a manufacturer of high-performance motion control and assemblies including spherical plain bearings, rod ends, mast guide bearings, self-lubricating bearings, tie rods, ball joints and more. CCTY is a full-service global engineering and consulting partner that helps customers quickly turn new product ideas into reality. PTE recently discussed the company’s evolution with Yaman Obaid, a mechanical engineer specializing in robotics for CCTY.