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Matthew Jaster, Senior Editor, has a B.A. in journalism from Columbia College Chicago and has 15+ years of writing and editing experience in automotive, manufacturing, engineering, law and arts and entertainment. He's been with Gear Technology since 2007.
My first trip to the CTI Symposium USA six years ago was eye-opening regarding the ambitious forecasts for electrification in the automotive industry. Hybrid transmissions took center stage back then with a hint at a fully electric future on the horizon. Individual components were showcased in the expo hall as well as the technology sessions. Optimism for self-driving vehicles, e-mobility and the switch from ICE to electric vehicles was somewhat restrained. Today, the future of EV and HEV drives and components looks much more attainable.
Charging power. Infrastructure. Longer battery life. Every time the industry comes together for the CTI Symposium, we get a clearer picture of the technology development toward our electric future.
The latest trends and emerging technologies in areas like robotics, automation, mechatronics and motion control will be on-hand at Automate 2022 in Detroit. The following is a preview of some of the products that will be available on the show floor in June:
The range and flexibility of lubrication and sealing technologies continues to expand as companies look to scale down production times while increasing productivity. The industry is focused on environmental impact, automation and compact systems. Here’s just a few of the latest technologies in the industrial market:
The gear and gear drive segment of mechanical power transmission continues to focus on performance, reliability and safety. There are several new products offering increased load capacity, reduced friction and longer service life. For those components unable to keep up with industrial demands, there’s a gearbox MRO team waiting to handle emergency repair services.
LogiMat, May 31 - June 2 in Stuttgart, Germany, provides attendees with a comprehensive review of all the main themes in the logistics sector, from procurement to production and deliveries.
Toni has mastered the art of mixing cocktails — swirling high-proof liquor through the air and elegantly swinging the shaker. Unlike most bartenders, Toni is mounted on the counter and boasts two mechanical arms (KUKA KR Agilus robots). This fully automated robotic bartender — from Italian company Makr Shakr— serves fresh drinks via an app.
A flagship coupling in the Huco range, the Oldham solves the problem of side forces due to misalignment. Misalignment couplings that bend or flex do cause some side loading on bearings and shafts as the coupling tries to spring back. Of course, over prolonged use this can result in rapid deterioration of bearings, extra load on the motor, and eventual coupling fatigue.
Manufacturing is facing constant challenges stemming from labor shortages and disrupted supply chains to productivity declines and the high replacement and maintenance costs of legacy equipment. Trends today include equipment upgrades, e-commerce, a push for more robotics and automation and faster software and IIoT solutions.
Automate 2022 takes place June 6 – 9, 2022 at the Huntington Place Convention Center in Detroit, Michigan to discuss the latest trends and emerging technologies in areas like robotics, automation, mechatronics and motion control.