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Articles by Miles Budimir
Harmonic Drive Archives - The Robot Report
Attendees will learn how integrated actuators can reduce engineering effort by simplifying system integration. Learn about the history of Harmonic Drive with space robots, from the Mariner missions to exploration of Mars. MassRobotics is seeking teams for the third Form and Function Robotics Challenge, which will be showcased at the 2025 Robotics Summit & Expo. Harmonic Drive will highlight new solutions in the form of integrated servo drive technology and slim actuator design.
Handling political differences in the workplace
Everywhere one turns these days, there is evidently much discord and disagreement. Much has been written describing, analyzing, and decrying the seemingly ever-increasing divisions in our society. People express the belief that we as a society are becoming more intolerant, less civil, and less accepting of differences. In fact, some may describe it as the defining element of our times. Historians and researchers have categorized this state of affairs as political polarization.
Beckhoff upgrades industrial PCs with new processor generations and Windows 11
Since the beginning, PC-based control technology from Beckhoff has benefited from a deliberate convergence of automation and IT standards. Current examples include the use of the latest industry-standard processor generations, high-quality, demand-optimized flash memory, and the long-term availability version of Windows 11.
Rollon expands TH actuator range with new size 200
Rollon has launched a new size 200 for its high-precision TH ball screw-driven linear actuator. This addition expands the existing range and offers new opportunities for designers and engineers requiring greater performance and flexibility in demanding applications. The TH actuator series is known for its compact design and positioning accuracy, with repeatability within ±5 μm, making it a trusted solution in industrial automation, packaging, and robotics.
A century and more of engineering excellence
This Top Workplace for Engineers has a "secret sauce" for its long-standing success. There aren't too many companies that can lay claim a lineage and history like that of the Chicago-based engineering firm Sargent & Lundy. The company's origins date back to the heady days of the rise of electrical power, which would change life forever.
New performance class with new planetary gearhead sizes
The new members of the FAULHABER metal planetary gearhead family are the 14GPT and 16GPT. The compact additions to the series deliver high torque with minimal volume, making them suitable for demanding applications where space is limited. They are extremely robust, capable of withstanding frequent and sudden load changes, and operate with high efficiency. The gearheads can be combined with a wide range of motors.
Rollon launches new Cobot Transfer Unit (CTU) for enhanced performance and seamless integration
Rollon has launched its new Cobot Transfer Unit (CTU), designed to push the boundaries of collaborative robot applications. With a series of key enhancements, the latest CTU model offers improved flexibility, easier integration, and increased performance, making it the ideal solution for automation processes requiring extended reach. The new CTU introduces a range of updates aimed at simplifying installation and maximizing efficiency.
Frameless BLDC motors for maximum system integration
Nanotec announces the addition of the DKA series to its portfolio of high-performance, frameless BLDC motors designed for compact, efficient drive systems. Featuring a modular design with separate stator and rotor, these motors allow for a maximum level of system integration. The DKA series offers a range of motors with diameters from 25 to 115 mm, up to 7.8 Nm of torque and speeds up to 10,000 rpm.
Frameless BLDC motors for maximum system integration
Nanotec announces the addition of the DKA series to its portfolio of high-performance, frameless BLDC motors designed for compact, efficient drive systems. Featuring a modular design with separate stator and rotor, these motors allow for a maximum level of system integration. The DKA series offers a range of motors with diameters from 25 to 115 mm, up to 7.8 Nm of torque and speeds up to 10,000 rpm.
New smart encoders from Baumer for heavy duty applications
With the new HOG800 series, Baumer presents the next generation of encoders featuring enhanced protection against corrosion, shaft currents, overvoltage and mechanical stress. Baumer has adopted the smart functions of its broad industrial encoder platform to be available for heavy duty applications. Some of these smart functions are intelligent parameterization of resolution, output level and rotation direction with embedding in the Baumer Sensor Suite.
New smart encoders from Baumer for heavy duty applications
With the new HOG800 series, Baumer presents the next generation of encoders featuring enhanced protection against corrosion, shaft currents, overvoltage and mechanical stress. Baumer has adopted the smart functions of its broad industrial encoder platform to be available for heavy duty applications. Some of these smart functions are intelligent parameterization of resolution, output level and rotation direction with embedding in the Baumer Sensor Suite.
Pitch, roll, and yaw positioning stages feature high resolution, repeatability
The new YPR-45-45-100 Series of pitch, roll, and yaw three-axis stages from Optimal Engineering Systems, Inc. (OES) are the integration of two +/- 45 degrees goniometers for lower (pitch) and middle (roll) axes, and a large upper, 100-mm diameter, rotary stage (yaw axis). This series of three-axes stages feature four motor options.
Pitch, roll, and yaw positioning stages feature high resolution, repeatability
The new YPR-45-45-100 Series of pitch, roll, and yaw three-axis stages from Optimal Engineering Systems, Inc. (OES) are the integration of two +/- 45 degrees goniometers for lower (pitch) and middle (roll) axes, and a large upper, 100-mm diameter, rotary stage (yaw axis). This series of three-axes stages feature four motor options.
Fully enclosed, high-resolution miniature linear servo motor features high force-to-size ratio
Moticont has added the SDLM-016-032-01-01-M (Metric) direct-drive linear motor with an integrated encoder and temperature sensor to their SDLM Series of Metric and Imperial dimensioned high precision linear actuators. This motor is the smallest of the series of linear motors featuring zero backlash, zero cogging, high acceleration, high speed, high resolution, and long life.
Electroadhesive brakes provide stopping power for linear motion systems
Kirby Witte VP of Engineering ESTAT Actuation Linear motion systems must pack all the right features and components in increasingly compact designs. Brake technologies are a critical part of this puzzle, providing load holding, emergency stopping and other safety capabilities in the event of power failures. But traditional brake technologies like friction, electromagnetic and spring brakes are far too bulky and power-hungry to support the latest advancements in compact linear motion systems.
Drive integration tool streamlines servo linear actuator commissioning
Tolomatic Inc., has launched an online Drive Integration Tool that streamlines the selection and commissioning process to seamlessly match a drive system to a servo linear actuator. Tolomatic’s new Drive Integration Tool combines the motor, drive, feedback and connection information across a wide range of industry-leading manufacturers with Tolomatic’s own servo linear actuator specifications.
New high-performance dc motors from FAULHABER
Designed for even greater flexibility and a wide range of applications, the new 1218 SXR and 1228 SXR dc motors expand FAULHABER’s proven dc motor portfolio and set new standards in performance and versatility for miniature drive systems. The new SXR motors offer standard higher performance and a broader range of configuration options to meet the demands of modern drive solutions. They provide flexible voltage variants from 3 to 18 V as well as different bearing configurations.
Drive integration tool streamlines servo linear actuator commissioning
Tolomatic Inc., has launched an online Drive Integration Tool that streamlines the selection and commissioning process to seamlessly match a drive system to a servo linear actuator. Tolomatic’s new Drive Integration Tool combines the motor, drive, feedback and connection information across a wide range of industry-leading manufacturers with Tolomatic’s own servo linear actuator specifications.
New high-performance dc motors from FAULHABER
Designed for even greater flexibility and a wide range of applications, the new 1218 SXR and 1228 SXR dc motors expand FAULHABER’s proven dc motor portfolio and set new standards in performance and versatility for miniature drive systems. The new SXR motors offer standard higher performance and a broader range of configuration options to meet the demands of modern drive solutions. They provide flexible voltage variants from 3 to 18 V as well as different bearing configurations.
Kollmorgen expands functional safety support with SafeMotion Monitor upgrade
Kollmorgen announced the latest update to its SafeMotion Monitor (SMM) firmware: SMM2.0. This upgrade allows OEMs to leverage SMM functional safety features with more encoder and motor types to support a wider range of applications such as material forming, multi-axis measurement equipment, food processing and food packaging. Originally standard for the 2G Motion System, SMM2.0 will now be compatible with all motors that feature any HIPERFACE-DSL rotary-safe feedback system.
Kollmorgen expands functional safety support with SafeMotion Monitor upgrade
Kollmorgen announced the latest update to its SafeMotion Monitor (SMM) firmware: SMM2.0. This upgrade allows OEMs to leverage SMM functional safety features with more encoder and motor types to support a wider range of applications such as material forming, multi-axis measurement equipment, food processing and food packaging. Originally standard for the 2G Motion System, SMM2.0 will now be compatible with all motors that feature any HIPERFACE-DSL rotary-safe feedback system.
Maintenance-free Magnashear electric coupler brakes from Force Control
Force Control introduces the Magnashear electric coupler brake which features oil shear technology to provide precise stopping and repeatable positioning, in a compact footprint. They are ideal for demanding applications where the motor is reversed each cycle or there are frequent start/stop cycles. Unique oil shear technology and multiple friction discs allow for high heat dissipation and low inertia, providing a lot of stopping power in a compact package.
Photonics alignment systems feature motion in 4 and 6 degrees of freedom
PI’s new F-141 photonics alignment system provides high throughput with motion in 4 and 6 degrees of freedom for industrial test and assembly of photonic integrated circuits (PIC). This ultra-compact precision alignment system fits inside a space of approximately 5 by 7 by 4 in. (W x L x H) while providing 40 mm of XYZ travel and 12 degrees of rotation around the optical axis, ideal for array alignment.
New mini hexapod from Aerotech with 6 degrees of freedom
Aerotech Inc.’s new HexGen HEX150-125HL Miniature Hexapod is a six degree-of-freedom (DOF) precision positioning system. This compact, cost-effective hexapod, with a 150-mm base diameter and a nominal height of 125 mm, achieves minimum incremental motion to 15 nm and payload capacity up to 12 kg for applications requiring multi-DOF motion – especially those with constricted operational environments.
New mini hexapod from Aerotech with 6 degrees of freedom
Aerotech Inc.’s new HexGen HEX150-125HL Miniature Hexapod is a six degree-of-freedom (DOF) precision positioning system. This compact, cost-effective hexapod, with a 150-mm base diameter and a nominal height of 125 mm, achieves minimum incremental motion to 15 nm and payload capacity up to 12 kg for applications requiring multi-DOF motion – especially those with constricted operational environments.
Photonics alignment systems feature motion in 4 and 6 degrees of freedom
PI’s new F-141 photonics alignment system provides high throughput with motion in 4 and 6 degrees of freedom for industrial test and assembly of photonic integrated circuits (PIC). This ultra-compact precision alignment system fits inside a space of approximately 5 by 7 by 4 in. (W x L x H) while providing 40 mm of XYZ travel and 12 degrees of rotation around the optical axis, ideal for array alignment.
Maintenance-free Magnashear electric coupler brakes from Force Control
Force Control introduces the Magnashear electric coupler brake which features oil shear technology to provide precise stopping and repeatable positioning, in a compact footprint. They are ideal for demanding applications where the motor is reversed each cycle or there are frequent start/stop cycles. Unique oil shear technology and multiple friction discs allow for high heat dissipation and low inertia, providing a lot of stopping power in a compact package.
Thomson adds encoder option to stepper motor linear actuator online selection tool
Thomson Industries, Inc. has announced a significant upgrade to its stepper motor linear actuator (SMLA) online selector tool, adding the ability to include encoders in the design process. The new option streamlines the design and purchasing process for engineers and machine builders, making it even easier for them to weigh their options for incorporating position data into their designs. The Thomson selector tool automates the process of selecting the right SMLA for machine design needs.
Orbex Group offers new compact wheel drives for advanced mobile robots
Orbex Group, a U.S.-based supplier of slip rings and electric motors, has introduced a new family of compact wheel drives (CWD), increasing its offering of precision motion solutions. The CWD-500 and CWD-1000 are integrated motor, gearbox, encoder and wheel combination units, designed to facilitate easy application in compact robotic applications like autonomous mobile robots (AMR) and automated guided vehicles (AGV).
Brushed dc motors find use in robotic applications
Torque-dense and efficient motors are essential in developing humanoid robots. And brushed dc motors are answering the call. Edited by Miles Budimir Senior Editor Humanoid robots, designed to operate in close interaction with humans, rely heavily on smooth and controlled joint and limb motion. This makes the selection of the motors that power the axes of motion critical.
Brushed DC motors find use in robot applications, humanoid development
Humanoid robots, some of which are designed to operate in close interaction with humans, rely heavily on smooth and controlled joint and limb motion. This makes the selection of the brushed DC motors that power the axes of motion critical. In addition to high torque density and responsiveness, efficiency to enable long battery life is key. Reliability is important.
High-precision dual-axis Alpha-Beta goniometers from OES
OES (Optimal Engineering Systems) has released a new series of dual-axis high-precision Alpha-Beta stages capable of rotating an object around a fixed point in space on a spherical surface. The AK150-10-15-01 Dual-axis Goniometer Stepper Motor driven stage (pictured) features +/- 0.01 degrees repeatability, 0.05 degrees accuracy, and 0.0006 degrees resolution with a 10 micro step-per-step microstepping driver.
maxon unveils High Efficiency Joint drive, a new actuator for dynamic robots
maxon has launched the High Efficiency Joint (HEJ) Drive 70-48-50, the newest addition to its High Efficiency Robotic Joints portfolio. This advanced actuator sets new standards in torque density and efficiency, catering specifically to autonomous mobile robots operating in unstructured environments such as humanoids, quadrupeds, exoskeletons, or mobile manipulators. The HEJ 70-48-50 delivers a peak torque of 50 Nm and reaches speeds up to 28 rad/sec, all while maintaining a mass just above 1 kg.
maxon unveils High Efficiency Joint drive, a new actuator for dynamic robots
maxon has launched the High Efficiency Joint (HEJ) Drive 70-48-50, the newest addition to its High Efficiency Robotic Joints portfolio. This advanced actuator sets new standards in torque density and efficiency, catering specifically to autonomous mobile robots operating in unstructured environments such as humanoids, quadrupeds, exoskeletons, or mobile manipulators. The HEJ 70-48-50 delivers a peak torque of 50 Nm and reaches speeds up to 28 rad/sec, all while maintaining a mass just above 1 kg.
Quick adjust flange collars now with hex and square bores
An expanding line of quick adjust flange collars for mechanical drive systems where regular adjustments are required has been introduced by Stafford Manufacturing Corp. of Wilmington, MA. Python flange collars feature a split hub on the flange that allows easy installation and an integrated Flip-Lok lever-operated clamp that permits one-handed tightening and positioning.
Quick adjust flange collars now with hex and square bores
An expanding line of quick adjust flange collars for mechanical drive systems where regular adjustments are required has been introduced by Stafford Manufacturing Corp. of Wilmington, MA. Python flange collars feature a split hub on the flange that allows easy installation and an integrated Flip-Lok lever-operated clamp that permits one-handed tightening and positioning.
Why operating environment matters for actuator selection
To make the right selection when specifying actuators, it’s important to consider the operating environment. Bruce Ng Valin Corporation Actuators are required for a variety of operations throughout a multitude of different industries. With so many different potential applications, one would correctly assume that the options can often be overwhelming.
Why operating environment matters for actuator selection
To make the right selection when specifying actuators, it’s important to consider the operating environment. Bruce Ng Valin Corporation Actuators are required for a variety of operations throughout a multitude of different industries. With so many different potential applications, one would correctly assume that the options can often be overwhelming.
POSITAL boosts resolution of IXARC incremental rotary encoders
POSITAL has enhanced its IXARC family of incremental magnetic encoders, increasing the maximum resolution to 32,768 pulses per revolution (PPR). This upgrade includes new phasing options, offering a choice of wider index (Z) pulses, making it easier to replicate the features of older encoders – an important feature for the Maintenance, Repair, and Operations (MRO) market. This higher resolution is made possible by the introduction of TMR magnetic sensor technologies.
POSITAL boosts resolution of IXARC incremental rotary encoders
POSITAL has enhanced its IXARC family of incremental magnetic encoders, increasing the maximum resolution to 32,768 pulses per revolution (PPR). This upgrade includes new phasing options, offering a choice of wider index (Z) pulses, making it easier to replicate the features of older encoders – an important feature for the Maintenance, Repair, and Operations (MRO) market. This higher resolution is made possible by the introduction of TMR magnetic sensor technologies.
High-resolution goniometer stages with +/- 45 degrees of travel
Optimal Engineering Systems, Inc. (OES) has added four high-resolution, low-profile goniometers to their expanding catalog of high precision positioning stages. This newly released, AK120-45 Goniometer Series features precision ground worm gears with a 296:1 ratio and pre-loaded cross roller guides, and +/- 45 degrees of travel with 10 kg of load.
High-resolution goniometer stages with +/- 45 degrees of travel
Optimal Engineering Systems, Inc. (OES) has added four high-resolution, low-profile goniometers to their expanding catalog of high precision positioning stages. This newly released, AK120-45 Goniometer Series features precision ground worm gears with a 296:1 ratio and pre-loaded cross roller guides, and +/- 45 degrees of travel with 10 kg of load.
New servomotor series features integrated water cooling
With the AM8300 servomotor series, Beckhoff expands its drive technology portfolio to include modular motors with integrated water cooling. Compared to conventional convection-cooled motors, these devices support higher speed requirements and boost standstill torque by a factor of three. The efficient and effective cooling technology enables extreme power density, accommodating a rated power of up to 40 kW in the smallest installation spaces.
New servomotor series features integrated water cooling
With the AM8300 servomotor series, Beckhoff expands its drive technology portfolio to include modular motors with integrated water cooling. Compared to conventional convection-cooled motors, these devices support higher speed requirements and boost standstill torque by a factor of three. The efficient and effective cooling technology enables extreme power density, accommodating a rated power of up to 40 kW in the smallest installation spaces.
New Motion-PLC combines motion and logic, reducing cost and complexity of machine design
Trio Motion Technology has launched Motion-PLC, a new class of machine controller that combines motion, robotics, and logic. Motion-PLC provides Trio’s advanced motion control performance with the functionality and simplicity of a PLC to reduce the cost and complexity of machine design. The new controller combines multi-axis motion control and IEC language programming with Trio’s new MS I/O system for flexible I/O expansion.
New Motion-PLC combines motion and logic, reducing cost and complexity of machine design
Trio Motion Technology has launched Motion-PLC, a new class of machine controller that combines motion, robotics, and logic. Motion-PLC provides Trio’s advanced motion control performance with the functionality and simplicity of a PLC to reduce the cost and complexity of machine design. The new controller combines multi-axis motion control and IEC language programming with Trio’s new MS I/O system for flexible I/O expansion.
Plug-and-play linear voice coil stage features 1.0-micron resolution
A new linear dc motor driven stage from Moticont features one-micron resolution. The high performance VCDS-025-038-02-B1-01 linear voice coil stage features high speed, high acceleration/deceleration, zero backlash, smooth motion, precise positioning, high reliability, and low cost. This non-commutated stage is also clean-room friendly. This compact linear voice coil (also called a moving coil) stage is just 127.0 mm (5.000 in.) long by 50.8 mm (2.000 in.) wide by 54.0 mm (2.125 in.) high.
Plug-and-play linear voice coil stage features 1.0-micron resolution
A new linear dc motor driven stage from Moticont features one-micron resolution. The high performance VCDS-025-038-02-B1-01 linear voice coil stage features high speed, high acceleration/deceleration, zero backlash, smooth motion, precise positioning, high reliability, and low cost. This non-commutated stage is also clean-room friendly. This compact linear voice coil (also called a moving coil) stage is just 127.0 mm (5.000 in.) long by 50.8 mm (2.000 in.) wide by 54.0 mm (2.125 in.) high.
New 48-V electric linear actuator improves energy efficiency in medium-duty applications
Thomson Industries, Inc., has announced that its Electrak MD actuator now has a 48-V rating. The availability of a 48-V actuator that can handle loads of up to 2 kN (about 450 lb.) equips battery powered system designers with energy efficiency, cable management and control capability that might otherwise require larger, more expensive actuators. “The more electrical functionality and axes of motion on a vehicle, the more sense it makes to use higher-voltage batteries to drive the actuators.
POSITAL upgrades acceleration-compensated dynamic TILTIX inclinometers
POSITAL has upgraded its Dynamic TILTIX inclinometers (tilt sensors) with enhanced signal processing algorithms, significantly improving their ability to provide accurate tilt measurements under challenging dynamic conditions. While the previous generation of dynamic inclinometers has been successfully used in many applications, the new algorithms offer more reliable performance in complex multi-axis dynamic environments.
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