Mike Santora

Investment by ABB Drive Products to develop next-generation products for circularity and resource-efficient future. Companies will develop design architecture for drive manufacturing by optimizing testing and assembly processes in Molg’s robotic Microfactories. Collaboration started in 2024, with ABB Robotics participation in Molg’s seed round of funding. ABB Motion’s Drive Products division has invested in Virginia-based…

CCTY, a design-to-application motion control manufacturer, is expanding its operations by acquiring additional warehouse and office space, doubling its current footprint. This expansion will allow the company to better serve its growing customer base by increasing inventory capacity. With 30,000 sq. ft. of space, CCTY is enhancing its ability to store and manage inventory, ensuring…

AutomationDirect has added METEcon multi-wire connectors that feature quality and cost-effective inserts and housings. Inserts are available in multiple pole configurations from 2 poles plus ground up to 108 poles plus ground, with screw or crimp termination types and sizes ranging from 26 to 12 AWG, 10 to 80 Amps. METEcon housings are made of…

· Total emissions must fall by at least 50% by 2050, according to the IEA[1] to meet climate goals · Five heavy industry sectors contribute nearly one-third of global greenhouse gas emissions, but provide over 25% of global GDP[2] · The report highlights readily available solutions for energy efficiency and electrification besides providing an overview…

IDEC Corporation is launching the FS1B Safety Controller — an upgrade of the popular FS1A device — providing additional features. The FS1B lets designers create streamlined machine safety systems with multiple safety channels by using any of 24 preset safety logic strategies selected with DIP switch configuration — with no programming required. Supplanting separate modules…

This is according to a European pump manufacturer, which used these bearings in centrifugal vertical pumps that transport vegetable oil at 110°C. These pumps, installed in food production facilities in Belgium and the Netherlands, are critical to the manufacturing process of frying potato chips. The client tested the pump for over a year and reported…

• Building on 50 years of robotics leadership, 2025 marks the beginning of a new era of AI application in industrial robotics. • The new age of Generative AI-powered automation makes robots more intelligent, mobile, accessible, and versatile, disrupting new and emerging sectors for robotics. • Launch of new ABB Robotics brand film unveils new…

AutomationDirect has added new specialty modules for the CLICK PLC family. CLICK PLUS CPUs offer the utmost versatility with up to two option slots for custom I/O configurations. These option slots also allow for specialty modules, including the C2-DCM serial communication module and the new C2-NRED and C2-OPCUA modules. The C2-NRED module provides an industrial…

AutomationDirect has added the new Titanio series of stepper drives from Ever Motion Solutions. These drives offer peak performance, a rich feature set, and work seamlessly with AutomationDirect SureStep stepper motors. Three new drives are available with two open-loop (no encoder feedback) models and one open/closed-loop version (a motor-mounted encoder provides position feedback to the…

Siemens Digital Industries Software announced today that it is collaborating with the University of Michigan (U-M) Center for Academic Innovation to increase industrial adoption of additive manufacturing and prepare the next-generation workforce by creating ‘Introduction to 3D Printing with Metals,’ a new Massive Open Online Course (MOOC) that provides an open, accessible resource to professionals,…

AutomationDirect has added BLOCK CT and USTE series open core control transformers to provide a flexible solution for stepping down a wide range of voltages from 208 to 600 VAC. The BLOCK CT series is made in the USA and offers a rugged design specifically engineered for isolation, lighting, or signaling systems. It is available…

Motion Industries, Inc., a distributor of maintenance, repair, and operation replacement parts, and a provider of industrial technology solutions, signed a definitive purchase agreement to acquire the net operating assets of Thompson Industrial Supply, Inc. The transaction is expected to close at the end of February 2025, subject to customary closing conditions. Family-owned and operated…

The 2025 training schedule from Fastener Training Institute (FTI) is now available. Additional classes will be announced throughout the year. “We’ve put together a very comprehensive training schedule for 2025 with more in the works,” said Jo Morris, Managing Director for FTI. “We truly have something for everyone.” 2025 in-person training classes are planned coast-to-coast,…

Emerson has introduced the Anderson Greenwood Type 84 Pressure Relief Valve (PRV), specially designed to protect tanks and vessels used in hydrogen and other high-pressure gas applications. With Arlon 3000XT* thermoplastic seating and ASME SA-479 Type S21800 stainless steel spindle material, the Type 84 PRV delivers exceptional leak-tight performance, resistance to embrittlement, optimum seat tightness,…

AutomationDirect has added more Murrplastik frames and grommets to their current offering of cable entry systems. Cable entry frames used in conjunction with the required grommets provide easy cable installation through an enclosure and strain relief while maintaining environmental ratings. This expansion adds more frame sizes to our existing KDL/D and KDL/D-Mono series, a blank…

AutomationDirect has added configurable and programmable safety relays from Schmersal. Many safety systems require more than one specialty safety relay but do not justify the need for a safety controller. Schmersal PROTECT SRB-E configurable relays are easy to set up and reduce the number of safety relays required for a machine or system. These relays…

AutomationDirect has added ProSense FLG series detecting light grids that offer a cost-effective solution for object detection and feature a simple setup with no programming required. They have no dead zone on the full detection height and are perfect for a variety of applications, such as material handling, counting, and warehousing. The ProSense FLG series…

Precision hinges from JW Winco are wear-resistant and deliver extreme precision for every project. Certain applications, such as jig construction, automation systems, or testing systems, require moving elements supported by extremely precise bearings. The GN 7580 precision hinges offer the long service life and adjustability, to keep your project running smoothly. The GN 7580 family…

ABB Robotics has announced T-Robotics and Mbodi the winners of its 2024 ABB Robotics AI Startup Challenge, marking a significant milestone in advancing artificial intelligence solutions for industrial robotics. Selected from over 100 global applicants, these pioneering startups will help transform how industrial robots understand, learn, and adapt to complex manufacturing environments through breakthrough artificial…

Bosch Rexroth is expanding its comprehensive VarioFlow conveyor system to include the new VarioFlow belt conveyor variant, which features a fine-meshed chain surface. It ensures that Consumer Packaged Goods (CPG) are transported gently and efficiently. The VarioFlow belt product line fits seamlessly into the VarioFlow system portfolio, reduces engineering times, and enables a customized material…

AutomationDirect has added more ACCU-Torq motors from Nidec U.S. Motors. The ACCU-Torq motors are high-performance inverter duty motors and are an excellent cost-effective solution for applications that require 100% torque down to zero speed. They are available in 230/460 VAC and are now offered in sizes up to 20 hp at 1800rpm and from ¼…

It’s the holidays again, and with all the commotion and stressors of the season, few things go out the window faster for me than moderation: the food, the presents, the social engagements — it’s festivities: full-throttle. Admittedly, I can be a bit much. So, it should be no surprise that it is with that same…

Wedge anchors are among the most reliable and versatile concrete fasteners available, offering superior holding power in many situations. Due to their strength and ease of installation, they are the go-to choice for various heavy-duty applications across different industries. Wedge anchors are designed to perform in challenging environments, ensuring stability and security where it matters…

The winners of the 2024 LEAP Awards (Leadership in Engineering Achievement Program) were announced yesterday across several categories. This year’s winner in the Mechanical category is electromagnetic clutches and brakes manufacturer, Ogura Industrial Corp. GOLD Ogura Industrial Corp Power-Off Micro Clutch This brand-new product is an electromagnetic power-off clutch intended for low power consumption, small…

AutomationDirect has added the powerful LS Electric XMC motion controller to provide full EtherCAT master motion control. With a blindingly fast processor (scan times as low as 5ns) and built-in support for 8 or 16 axes of EtherCAT-based motion control (depending on the model), the XMC controller can handle virtually any motion control application. These…