AI is everywhere.

It’s impacting every phase of life, and every business. Take this issue of Power Transmission Engineering, for example. We have articles about AI in hydraulic systems, automation systems and maintenance (p.15); smart farming and mobile robotics (p. 18); plus mentions of AI sprinkled throughout the rest of the issue.

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:

While the factory has received a modern makeover in recent years, it’s no surprise various industrial segments are taking advantage of digital tools to promote efficiency, sustainability, and productivity. The farming and agriculture community has embraced automation, robotics, IIoT, drones and autonomous vehicles to address global food demands and production limitations.

As the world transitions towards sustainable energy solutions, the demand for electric vehicles (EVs) is rapidly growing. This shift not only highlights the importance of reducing carbon emissions but also underscores the critical role of mining in supporting the infrastructure needed for this green revolution. From lithium-ion batteries to rare earth metals, mining plays a pivotal role in powering the future of transportation. The intricate relationship between mining and EV infrastructure highlights challenges, opportunities, and the path forward.

Mark your calendars for March 19–21, 2024, as the Bearing Show—colocated with Lubricant Expo—descends upon Huntington Place in Detroit. As North America’s premier exhibition and conference dedicated to bearings, this free-to-attend event promises to be a groundbreaking convergence of industry leaders, technological advancements, and invaluable networking.

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.

Steel, iron, and aluminum are the dominant materials in the mechanical power transmission industry for good reason: high power density requires the high strength and stiffness of metallic materials. Plastics, however, offer valuable features that should be utilized for good gearbox design.

Modern spindle applications of rolling bearings require very high speeds and very high loads, often combined with poor lubrication conditions and/or high solid contamination. Examples of these applications are high-speed and high-cutting rate machine tools, where rolling bearings need to survive very though conditions. Rolling bearings in high speed and high load conditions might suffer from poor lubrication and potentially surface distress and adhesive wear. 

The release of the maxon EPOS4 Micro 24/5 CAN positioning controller has realized the option of significantly minimizing the “real estate” traditionally occupied by motor controllers.

In industry and logistics, robots generally handle monotonous tasks that they can repeat almost endlessly with steady precision. A new type of tool changer now turns the specialist for large series into a flexible all-rounder, with which even small series and individual pieces can be produced economically. The TKX changer series from the IPR specialists features a motor from Faulhaber in the electric drive of the automatic changer.

The Factory Automation (FA) Integrated Selection Tool allows customers to plan and configure their Mitsubishi Electric machines, resulting in a downloadable Bill of Materials (BOM).

Corrosive chemicals such as chlorine, acids, alkalis and solvents require special pumps to handle their corrosive properties. Centrifugal pumps are most often used and offer advantages during the production process particularly when operating with Stainless Steel ASK Couplings from Miki Pulley. 

With the SL 38 product family, Dunkermotoren, an AMETEK brand, has launched a high-performance linear motor series. As an all-stainless-steel version, the ServoLine 38 STL is built with the highest material quality and environmental resistance.

Igus, a global manufacturer of motion plastics, has developed intelligent two- and four-hole fixed flange bearings with wireless sensing capabilities for wear detection, enabling condition monitoring and preventing costly machine breakdowns.

When it comes to twisting and bunching wire and cable, consistency is key. For example, the amount of insulation required for residential wiring depends on the wire’s lay — the distance between its twists, which is also known as the pitch. Without tight control during the wire bunching process, lay variations occur. As a result, the wire will require more insulation than necessary, raising its cost. A differential gearbox can drive rotating components in a single-twist buncher to provide a more uniform lay, using less power at a lower cost than a two-motor approach.

Wieland has acquired Concast Metal Products Co. and Randall Bearings Inc., strengthening the presence of Wieland Group in premium copper and copper alloy market segments in North America.

The topic of robotics is an integral part of Hannover Messe. Robots of all sizes and shapes – from industrial robots and cobots right through to autonomous mobile robots – can be found throughout the exhibition grounds of the world's leading trade fair for industry.

A special highlight this year is the Application Park in Hall 5, which has a strong partner at its side in the form of the German Robotics Association (DRV). Among other things, the DRV has made it a mission to promote and foster the use of robotics in Germany. Given the shortage of skilled workers, there is undoubtedly potential in this direction, with Germany ranking fifth behind China, Japan, Korea and the USA in global comparison.

SKF has been awarded a Platinum Medal by EcoVadis, one of the most trusted providers of sustainability ratings for use in supply chains. This prestigious recognition places SKF in the top one percent among the more than 100,000 companies assessed worldwide for its commitment to sustainable business practices.

Artists Bruce Rosenbaum and Ben Cowden earned film credits recently for prop design on the PBS documentary The Lie Detector: A Truly Unbelievable Story. This ambitious historical account of real-life inventors, marketers, law enforcement professionals, and snake oil salesmen traces the interconnected lives of John Larson, William Marston and Leonarde Keeler.