Factory automation

DigiKey, a global distributor of electronic components and automation products, invites Smart Production Solutions (SPS) attendees to visit its booth, No. 106 in Hall 7, Nov. 25-27, 2025, in Nuremberg, Germany. Visitors can enter prize drawings and learn about DigiKey’s automation offerings, including new product introductions, key suppliers and available services. SPS covers a wide…

On Wednesday, October 29th at Noon Eastern time, we’ll be announcing the winners of the 2025 LEAP Awards (Leadership in Engineering Achievement Program). You may register for the live announcement here: 2025 LEAP Awards — Winners Announcement. What we feel sets this awards program apart from so many others is the involvement of the engineering…

Beckhoff is extending automation and operating system options with TwinCAT for Linux, allowing efficient, virtualized deployment of TwinCAT software applications. The TwinCAT PLC runtime and TwinCAT functions packaged as containers can run locally on the controller or in a data center. Using the EK1000 EtherCAT Coupler, decentralized I/Os remain fully connected, maintaining communication across the…

Columbus McKinnon Corporation will exhibit its packaging and automation technologies at PACK EXPO International 2025, Sept. 29–Oct. 1, in Las Vegas. Visit Booth W-2744 for live demonstrations from CMCO brands Dorner, Garvey, and montratec. Dorner designs, manufactures, and integrates conveyor automation systems worldwide. Garvey provides conveying, accumulation, and automation solutions, while Montratec develops modular monorail…

Watch Out, a Montreal-based company with operations in Switzerland, France, and Canada, develops container-sized manufacturing cells that operate with minimal human intervention, addressing critical labor shortages while enabling domestic production. More than 10 years ago, Sébastien Laporte had a vision based on the realization that it was becoming increasingly difficult to find skilled labor, despite…

igus has introduced the DR1000 four-axis delta robot that combines high speed and precision for demanding industrial applications. Boasting a 1,000-mm working diameter and an additional rotary axis that provides four degrees of freedom, the DR1000 allows robots to seamlessly grip and orient components. Its pick rate of 96 picks per minute makes it particularly…

When production halts unexpectedly, it disrupts the entire supply chain, leading to delays in product delivery and potential loss of customer trust. Financially, the costs can be substantial, including lost revenue, overtime pay for workers, and expenses for emergency repairs. Additionally, frequent downtime can damage equipment, reducing its potential lifespan and increasing maintenance costs. Thermal…

DigiKey, a global commerce distributor offering the largest selection of technical components and automation products in stock for immediate shipment, announced the debut of Season 4 of the Factory Tomorrow video series sponsored by Siemens and Banner Engineering. The newest season explores the next wave of innovation in industrial automation solutions for global manufacturing. The modern factory is defined by…

Teledyne e2v, a Teledyne Technologies company and global innovator of imaging solutions is pleased to announce its new Optimom 5D turnkey imaging module. The new imaging module features the recently announced Topaz5D image sensor, a compact board, standard connector, and a pre-assembled lens. This comprehensive board-level vision extension seamlessly integrates full-HD 2D vision with the generation of…

Download the Nippon Bearing eBook NB’s standard TOPBALL® TW type is the forerunner of the TOPBALL Ultimate and it is available in a wide range of sizes. TOPBALL has 3 times the load capacity and 27 times more travel life than conventional bushings. Because it is self-aligning, it speeds manufacturing and assembly. It is a…

Turck’s HF Read/Write Heads are now available in a compact M12 design. Easy to integrate into confined spaces, these miniature RFID solutions provide precise identification in tooling identification and factory automation. A Bus mode version allows up to 32 HF Read/Write Heads to be connected to a single RFID interface port which effectively reduces the…

Emerson has introduced the DeltaV Flex System, a subscription service that combines the DeltaV PK Flex Controller, term-based software licensing, and product support in a turnkey solution. The result, according to the company, is more flexibility for OEMs and process manufacturers that create small standalone systems, such as research and development labs, pilot programs, or…

The markets are changing, and thus so are the requirements of the process manufacturing industry. Whether it is fluctuating demand, more customized products, or smaller batches, manufacturers need to respond more quickly and flexibly. Here, Bradley McEwan, business development manager at automation and control technology specialist Beckhoff UK, discusses how software and modular hardware enable…

Packaging machinery uses cutting-edge automation, and it’s no wonder. Facilities that parcel products need to deliver high throughput, but modern consumers demand smart packaging in the form of no-fuss containers that protect everything from M&Ms to patio furniture. What’s more, there’s a continuous drive to customize packages and let consumer-facing companies wrap products for bulk…

· Equipped with Visual SLAM, ABB’s AMR T702 trolley robot offers increased speed, accuracy, and autonomy in navigation and logistics. · Integration with ABB’s AMR Studio software allows new users to easily configure AMR routes and jobs. · Intuitive Visual SLAM and user-friendly AMR Studio together can reduce commissioning time by up to 20 percent.…

TL Aerotek, a small job milling shop customer, experienced an influx of orders. They sought a solution to keep up with demand that would alleviate labor uncertainty and help to grow the business. TL Aerotek turned to their long-time supplier of milling machines for support, Expand Machinery. Expand discovered an opportunity to automate the process…

This year’s Hannover Messe trade fair (said to be the world’s largest industrial trade show) takes place from April 22-26 in this northern German city, and some may say the outlook for manufacturing is uncertain. For sure, in his opening remarks, Dr. Jochen Köckler, Chairperson of the Managing Board, Deutsche Messe AG listed many reasons…

NewTek’s smart NTC-6000 Signal Conditioner takes out the complexity of setting up a signal processing system while protecting against operating failures and cybersecurity hacks.  Both intuitive and user-friendly, the NTC-6000 Quik-Cal supports AC-operated LVDT, RVDT, or LVRT half-bridge sensors in converting unconditioned position feedback into a choice of voltage, current and digital outputs including 4-20mA, 0-5V, […]

Samtec, Inc. is shipping the Optical FireFly Micro Flyover System, the first interconnect system with the flexibility to use micro-footprint high-performance optical and copper interconnects interchangeably. Consisting of a transceiver, two-piece connector system, and cable, the FireFly Micro Flyover System supports 14, 16, 25, and 28 Gbps designs in x4, x8, and x12 configurations. The […]

ModuleWorks, a supplier of software components for the digital manufacturing industry, announced that Mitsubishi Electric has joined its Strategic Partner Program. The Strategic Partner Program initiated by ModuleWorks represents a commitment to driving the development of intelligent, integrated manufacturing solutions by fostering collaboration and innovation between ModuleWorks and key technology providers. Mitsubishi Electric is the […]

Amphenol distributor Inelco Hunter has announced the availability of the Sine Systems’ ecomate Aquarius Fathom Lock Series of waterproof connectors for industrial applications. In a mated condition, the system offers an IP67/69K rating, enabling immersion in water to a depth of 1.8M for one hour. The ecomate Aquarius connectors incorporate the latest technology, offering a […]

Answers Attributed to Brad Klippstein, Smart MechatroniX Product Manager, Bosch Rexroth Regarding Sensor Manufacturers Q: What are the challenges sensor manufacturers coming to you to solve? A: They would like better performance of their systems (i.e. better cycle times, improved scrap rates) and also to solve automation issues that have been unachievable until now. Q:…

Littelfuse, Inc. announced the release of its latest innovative product, the 59001 Reed Sensor. This miniature D-shaped cylindrical reed sensor offers a compact size, high performance, and customization options, making it an ideal choice for various industrial, appliances, and IoT proximity sensing applications. The key differentiator of the 59001 Reed Sensor lies in its compact […]

NewTek Sensor Solutions offers its Hermetically-Sealed 4-20mA sensors to accept long cables for process control and factory automation applications when standard lengths cannot reach distant control rooms, signal conditioners, PLCs, and/or data loggers. The robust analog 4-20mA current loop output enables the use of longer cables from a sensor to a control system without electromagnetic […]

On Thursday, October 19th at 2:00 p.m. Eastern time, we’ll be announcing the winners of the 2023 LEAP Awards (Leadership in Engineering Achievement Program). You may register for the live announcement here: https://event.on24.com/wcc/r/4382809/3A647A3B8A9946C4310F13AD425B782A What we feel sets this awards program apart from so many others is the involvement of the engineering community. Each year, our…