With the LSA14, Nanotec introduces its first linear actuator with 14-mm flange (NEMA 6). As one of the smallest linear actuators with stepper motor on the market, this compact unit is suitable for applications with space restrictions, such as medical or analytical instruments, or lab automation and optical applications. This external actuator has a resolution […]

With the PSA56, Nanotec launches its first linear actuator with integrated controller. This extremely compact drive unit combines the LSA56 hybrid linear actuator and the intelligent controllers of Nanotec’s PD4-E series. The integrated magnetic single-turn absolute encoder has a resolution of 1,024 CPR and supports field-oriented control via CANopen. The screw’s protective coating is made […]

Moticont’s new miniature GVCM-016-019-01M linear voice coil servo motor is smaller in diameter than a U.S. dime. This 15.9 mm (0.625 in.) diameter servo motor, also called an electric cylinder, features a high force-to-size ratio of 1.5 N (5.3 oz) continuous force and 4.6 N (16.6 oz) of peak force. The compact housing is just […]

AMETEK Haydon Kerk Pittman, a business unit of AMETEK, announces the availability of its new 43000 Max Series Size 17 single- and double-stack hybrid linear actuators. Based on the company’s best-selling compact hybrid 43000 motor, the Max Series Size 17 delivers up to a 30% performance enhancement over its predecessor when used with almost all […]

The new LDL Programmable Electric Linear Actuator from SMAC Moving Coil Actuators has been designed as a cost-competitive alternative to pneumatics. A common trend in industrial automation is that engineers are looking for electric alternatives to pneumatic components for a number of reasons, including increased control, improved cycle life, and reduced operating cost. The LDL […]

Curtiss-Wright’s Actuation Division has added a third frame size, the Exlar GTX060, to its GTX integrated motor/actuator series of industrial electromechanical actuators. The GTX Series actuators offer force, precision, and repeatability while eliminating or minimizing the maintenance and inefficiencies typical of fluid power alternatives. With continuous force ratings up to 2,668 N (600 lbf) and […]

PI’s two new series of direct-drive linear modules are geared for machine builders and system integrators. The V-855 and V-857 product families were designed for high-load and high duty cycle industrial precision motion applications where traditional actuators or linear slides with lead-screw or timing-belt drives are not precise, robust or reliable enough. The maintenance-free and […]

The new LDL25 Series Linear Actuator from SMAC has been designed as a cost-competitive alternative to pneumatics. A common trend in industrial automation is that users are looking for electric alternatives to their pneumatic components for a number of reasons: control, cycle life, operating cost and environment, among others. The LDL series actuator features several […]

Waymo will begin testing in Florida to “get a better handle on how rain affects” the sensors its uses in its self-driving cars. Waymo, the self-driving subsidiary of Alphabet, Inc., said Tuesday it’s bringing its Chrysler Pacifica minivans and Jaguar I-Pace to a closed course in Naples for several weeks before testing on public roads…

Scale AI has raised Series C funding for its annotation services, which can help train machine learning for its customers. They include leader companies working on self-driving cars, robots, and other systems.

Waymo has been testing its self-driving cars in California for years. Now Alphabet’s self-driving car division has been granted a permit to carry passengers in the Golden State. Waymo is now part of California’s Autonomous Vehicle Passenger Service pilot program, joining Autox Technologies, Pony.ai and Zoox. The permit, which was granted by the California Public…

In what is likely the final nail in the coffin, Waymo has hired 13 former Anki employees, including Co-Founder and CEO Boris Sofman. According to Sofman’s LinkedIn profile, he is now Director of Engineering, Head of Trucking, Waymo. Sofman wrote about the news in a LinkedIn post called “A New Adventure with Waymo.” Here’s part…

Drive.ai had shut down, but Apple rode to the rescue, reviving the prospects for both Drive.ai’s technology and workers and its own self-driving car research.

Which is better for self-driving cars — multiple sensors including lidar, or cameras? Aurora Innovation is betting on Doppler lidar innovator Blackmore Sensors and Analytics.

Many have wondered about the revenue model for Waymo, the self-driving car unit of Alphabet. Here’s one approach: get into the sensor business. Waymo announced today its custom LiDAR sensors to customers that don’t compete with its robo-taxi business. The news was first reported by Bloomberg. Waymo said it will initially target robotics, security, and…

The California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) this week released the disengagement reports for companies testing autonomous vehicles on public roads in California. The data, captured between Nov. 31, 2017 through Dec. 1, 2018, found that 48 companies reported driving 2 million miles in autonomous mode on California roads and highways. The California DMV defines a…

After last week’s $582 million in funding for autonomous vehicle companies, you might think that driverless investment would coast for a while. However, this week saw more than $1 billion in support for developing self-driving cars and trucks. President’s Day is traditionally the time for car sales, but the automakers and big technology companies are…

According to a business registration filing, Waymo, Alphabet Inc’s self-driving vehicle unit, is setting up shop in Shanghai. China Money Network was the first to report on the news. Waymo established a company named Huimo Business Consulting on May 22 in Shanghai’s free trade zone. While the company has an office registered on the 28th floor…

Waymo has partnered with Walmart other businesses in the Phoenix, Ariz. area to expand tests of its self-driving cars. The 400 members of Wamyo’s “early riders” program can now take a self-driving car to and from the Walmart in Chandler, Ariz. when they purchase groceries from Walmart.com. Those who go to Walmart in Waymo’s self-driving cars…

Waymo will be adding 20,000 Jaguar I-PACE electric SUVs to its fleet of self-driving vehicles, the companies announced Tuesday. Jaguar Land Rover introduced the I-PACE earlier this month, and it will serve as a high-end option for consumers willing to pay a premium for driverless ride-hailing services. According to the companies, the first self-driving I-PACE will begin public…

Thomson Industries, Inc. has extended the capability of its Electrak HD electromechanical linear actuator line to loads of up to 16 kilonewtons (kN) (3,600 lb.) This new offering delivers heavy load handling capacity comparable to hydraulic technologies but with greater controllability, smaller footprint and low maintenance. The Electrak HD expansion also sets a new stroke […]

Waymo, the self-driving vehicle unit of Google parent Alphabet, is expanding its relationship with Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA). The automaker will provide Waymo with “thousands” of Chrysler Pacifica minivans to help Waymo expand its self-driving tests. The first deliveries will start at the end of 2018. Both companies are being quiet about the exact number…