Industrial automation

AutomationDirect has added C-more CTM series industrial LCD flat panel monitors that feature a 10-point projected capacitive (PCAP) glass surface touchscreen that provides a crisp widescreen view and a smooth touch, similar to screens offered with the newest cell phones and tablets. PCAP screens are highly responsive even when wearing gloves and are less sensitive…

IO-Link is an open standard, point-to-point communication link for sensors and actuators. It’s defined by the IEC 61131-9 international standard which specifies a single-drop digital communication interface technology (SDCI, commonly referred to as IO-Link) for sensors and actuators. A typical IO-Link configuration includes an IO-Link master, which is the interface between the devices and a […]

AutomationDirect has added ProSense SC6 series high-density pulse isolators and frequency input signal conditioners which handle a variety of discrete, pulse, and frequency signals. Pulse isolator models provide a simple and reliable way to split a single input into two independent outputs, while frequency input models convert a wide range of frequencies into usable analog…

Recent years have seen significant growth in industrial automation. Demand for high productivity and uptime means machines must be turn on more quickly and stay on for longer. Scaling operations must be faster than ever, too. All of this requires smart forms of industrial automation. Connor Doherty | Director of industrial automation • DigiKey New…

It often happens than new technologies enable new forms of automation — or makes them more practical. One new electric-motor design recognized by this year’s R&D 100 Awards could prove one such technology. Lisa Eitel | Executive editor Most electric vehicle or EV motors use permanent-magnet synchronous motors or PMSMs with the magnets on their rotors, and […]

On the manufacturing floor of British Columbia-based BKB Cedar Manufacturing, the whine of the drill motor and churning of its bit into tough cedar posts made a reassuringly steady cadence — until, too often, it didn’t. Workers would manually position posts by moving a heavy carriage back and forth between drilling operations. They would then […]

Bishop-Wisecarver celebrates its 75th anniversary this year as a family-owned company delivering industrial automation solutions. The company began as a custom machine builder and screw machine shop, quickly earning a reputation for solving tough application challenges from venetian blind manufacturing to production lines for Standard Oil and Cardinale Bakery. Over the decades, the company expanded…

Nidec Drives has released an upgraded version of its Connect PC commissioning tool, designed to simplify and streamline drive setup with guided, step-by-step PC-based support. Connect V3 is designed to simplify setup and improve usability, offering a clear interface and a range of capabilities, including: Auto-discovery via Ethernet, Serial, or Bluetooth Guided setup with intuitive dropdown motor…

AutomationDirect has added Eltwin solid state contactors, which provide load switching control without mechanical parts. The solid state design supports longer service life, reduced maintenance, faster switching, and a more compact form factor. Since these contactors are UL/cUL rated as motor controllers, they can be used for motors, heaters and transformers. Reversing solid state contactors seamlessly…

Emerson has introduced a solution for dust collector monitoring and control. Industries such as cement, mining, chemicals, food processing, power, and utilities often work with materials that produce dust and particulate emissions. Automating dust collection monitoring can help improve filtration performance, support compliance with environmental regulations, reduce maintenance needs, and minimize unplanned downtime. The solution…

In addition to presentations and technical sessions, several dozen companies have announced new technologies at this year’s Automate Show. Some of these have been released in announcements: Festo Didactic to showcase workforce development at Automate Columbus McKinnon showcases conveyance systems at Automate 2025 Festo showing multi-axis positioning systems at Automate Automate 2025 builds on years […]

Industrial automation is increasingly playing a significant role across multiple sectors, as robotics, control systems and flexible lines are used to automate manufacturing processes. Building on its existing expertise and technologies for industrial metrology applications, Renishaw’s new RCS product line aims to transform the process of commissioning and servicing industrial automation technologies. These products supplement […]

POSITAL is extending its family of TILTIX inclinometers by adding Deutsch DTM connectors as a new interface option. “TILTIX tilt sensors are notable for their reliable performance under difficult operating conditions” comments Christian Fell, Head of POSITAL’s operations in the Americas. “Deutsch connectors are also designed for harsh conditions, especially on vehicles and mobile machinery. […]

To turn a motion concept for a robotics application into reality, dedicated engineering expertise can be invaluable. Antonio Herrera Global Strategic Marketing – Surgical and Industrial Robotics Portescap Robotics is among the fastest growing technologies today, transforming a multitude of segments in consumer, industrial and commercial applications. The increasing use of robotics is enhancing efficiency, […]

Rollon has completed a project for a high-tech company in Europe that specializes in the design and production of electrical wires and connectors. The required system was developed by Nadella, now part of the Rollon Group. The customer needed a customized curvilinear handling system to transport coils of electric wires through nine processing stations within […]

Altech Corp has released the DO-1 universal monitor for Modbus devices. This solution allows businesses to monitor, collect, and analyze equipment and process data without additional fees or licenses. The DO-1 connects to up to 128 Modbus RTU/TCP devices and supports integration with both new and legacy Modbus networks, leveraging the protocol’s industry adoption for…

To mark its 100th anniversary, Festo has designed an extraordinary application, the Incredible Machine. Inspired by a Rube Goldberg machine, it illustrates the evolution of automation technology by linking sequential movements. This installation showcases Festo’s expertise across various automation technologies. A look into the future of automation The Incredible Machine demonstrates various motion technologies, including […]

Bosch Rexroth will exhibit its automation solutions at Automate 2025, taking place May 12-15 at Huntington Place in Detroit, MI. Visitors to booth #4807 can explore exhibits from various technology groups and speak with product experts about the latest advancements in automation. Among the offerings include: Conveyor systems for every application Bosch Rexroth will be […]

Nanotec has expanded its hollow rotary table series with the HRTA-200, the largest in the lineup, now covering flange sizes NEMA 17, 23/24, and 34. Equipped with a cross-roller bearing, all of them ensure high positioning accuracy and excellent runout characteristics – even under high loads. The HRTA series can handle forces of up to […]

Galco Industrial Electronics, Inc. has acquired Brozelco, Inc., a Tennessee-based industrial automation solutions provider specializing in engineering, system integration, fabrication, and contracting. The acquisition expands Galco’s capabilities in custom control solutions, electrical projects, and hazardous location-certified system integration. Brozelco provides automation, mining, utilities, manufacturing, and industrial contracting services in Rockford, Chattanooga, and Kingsport, TN. Brozelco…

Mitsubishi Electric has launched its MELFA RH-10CRH and RH-20CRH SCARA robots, providing manufacturers with greater flexibility in adopting digital manufacturing while addressing skilled workforce shortages. These new robots enhance industrial automation through high-speed operation, easy installation, and exceptional efficiency. Compact and lightweight, they are ideal for manufacturers aiming to boost productivity while navigating space and…

Over the last year, Design World has tracked several persistent and emerging trends that build on the last decade’s innovations. With some notable exceptions, many of the core technologies employed in motion systems and automation are familiar. Yet, propelled by the radically increased capabilities of electronics and software, these core technologies have catapulted the design-engineering […]

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…

The annual MD&M ATX West show in Anaheim, Calif. is a great place to see how far the industry has advanced precision and miniature technologies over the previous year. Micro-springs, 2-mm linear guides, and slotless motors thinner than chopsticks were just some of the miniature components on display. Planar Motors is showing parts-conveyance systems featuring […]

Pepperl+Fuchs and ThinManager, a Rockwell Automation technology, have partnered to provide operators and technicians a more streamlined and secured process with ThinManager software. Originally launched by Rockwell Automation more than 25 years ago, the ThinManager device management and content delivery platform is used by plant operators and maintenance specialists in manufacturing and process industries to centralize…