In this back-to-basics primer, we outline the essential elements of an automated motion system ... whether it’s a piece of robotics or machine design dedicated to a specific routine. All motion systems are electric-motor-driven designs built around two kinds of components: Mechanical power-transmission components — including gears and … [Read More...] about Back to basics: The motion-system design process
Main Content
FROM THE EDITORS
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Lisa Eitel
Engineer Gary Labadie explains Destaco palletizing gripper for heavy bag handling -
Miles Budimir
How is a serial peripheral interface (SPI) used in motion microcontrollers? -
Mike Santora
Fast set-up of motor control systems from igus with no lengthy programming -
Rachael Pasini
Allient expands its Allied Motion SA Axial Flux Motor series
Applied Motion Products adds motion and I/O systems
Applied Motion Products has introduced several automation technologies, including the MCA6 Motion PLC, MET2 Remote I/O System, and AK Series StepSERVO … [Read More...] about Applied Motion Products adds motion and I/O systems
DINGS adds miniature ball screw assemblies for OEMs
DINGS’ Motion USA has expanded its precision motion portfolio with miniature ball screw and nut assemblies for OEM linear motion applications. The … [Read More...] about DINGS adds miniature ball screw assemblies for OEMs
Engineer Gary Labadie explains Destaco palletizing gripper for heavy bag handling
At the Automate Show 2026, we caught up with Destaco global product director Gary Labadie to chat about end-effecting technologies. Labadie detailed … [Read More...] about Engineer Gary Labadie explains Destaco palletizing gripper for heavy bag handling
Elmo introduces new servo drives and controller
Elmo has announced a new motion controller and new servo drives for industrial applications, including use in demanding operating conditions involving … [Read More...] about Elmo introduces new servo drives and controller
Festo to present automation technologies at Automate 2026
Festo will highlight automation technologies and initiatives focused on deployment and integration challenges at Automate 2026, scheduled for June … [Read More...] about Festo to present automation technologies at Automate 2026
Allient to present motion products at Automate 2026
Allient Inc. will present its motion control and automation technologies at Automate 2026, which will take place June 22-25 at McCormick Place in … [Read More...] about Allient to present motion products at Automate 2026
Regal Rexnord to show automation products at Automate
Regal Rexnord Corp. will exhibit robotics and factory automation products at Automate 2026, scheduled for June 22-25 in Chicago. The company will … [Read More...] about Regal Rexnord to show automation products at Automate
KHK USA adds ground helical rack series
KHK USA Inc., a factory-owned distributor of KHK metric gears, has announced its Ground Helical Rack Series, including KRHG, KRHGF and KRHGFD models. … [Read More...] about KHK USA adds ground helical rack series
Siemens introduces Sinamics S220 drive system
Siemens has introduced the Sinamics S220 drive system for industrial applications. Built on the Sinamics S120 platform, the system includes the new … [Read More...] about Siemens introduces Sinamics S220 drive system
SpinDrive launches Magma X100 magnetic bearing controller
SpinDrive, a Finnish company that develops active magnetic bearing systems for industrial machinery, is introducing the Magma X100, a magnetic bearing … [Read More...] about SpinDrive launches Magma X100 magnetic bearing controller
Bogen Magnetics encoder technologies at upcoming Automate Show
Updated June 15, 2026: Bogen Magnetics supplies magnetic-based encoders for industrial automation applications. At last year’s Automate Show, we … [Read More...] about Bogen Magnetics encoder technologies at upcoming Automate Show
Beckhoff introduces AF1000 drive for basic motion tasks
Beckhoff has introduced the AF1000 variable frequency drive for basic drive applications such as conveyor systems, pumps and fans. The drive … [Read More...] about Beckhoff introduces AF1000 drive for basic motion tasks
Royal Opera House gets a new cable-management system
A recent upgrade to the Royal Opera House included customized plastic cable management to support modern LED lighting. Live theater … [Read More...] about Royal Opera House gets a new cable-management system
Beckhoff marks 30 years of TwinCAT automation software
Beckhoff introduced its TwinCAT automation software in 1996 as part of its PC-based control platform. The software moved from DOS to the Windows … [Read More...] about Beckhoff marks 30 years of TwinCAT automation software
Yaskawa releases Compass 2 CNC software solution
The Drives & Motion division of Yaskawa America, Inc. has announced the release of Compass 2, a CNC software solution for iCube Control. Compass 2 … [Read More...] about Yaskawa releases Compass 2 CNC software solution
Interactive 3D catalog makes Concentric Maxi Torque bushings and pulleys easier to specify and procure
U.S. manufacturer of power transmission and motion control components Custom Machine & Tool Co. now offers design engineers an interactive 3D … [Read More...] about Interactive 3D catalog makes Concentric Maxi Torque bushings and pulleys easier to specify and procure
Back to basics: The motion-system design process
In this back-to-basics primer, we outline the essential elements of an automated motion system ... whether it’s a piece of robotics or machine design … [Read More...] about Back to basics: The motion-system design process
PSA: Self-locking gearmotors aren’t brakes
Fractional-horsepower gearmotors must satisfy unique application requirements. In some cases, OEM design engineers specify gearmotors containing worm … [Read More...] about PSA: Self-locking gearmotors aren’t brakes
Servomotors bring realtime motion control to parallel-kinematics platform
To showcase the performance of a line of servomotors, a parallel platform was recently built to control the motion of a ping-pong ball in realtime. … [Read More...] about Servomotors bring realtime motion control to parallel-kinematics platform
Bosch Rexroth to show automation systems at Automate 2026
Bosch Rexroth will exhibit its factory automation solutions at Booth #2810 at Automate 2026 in Chicago, as manufacturers continue adopting automation … [Read More...] about Bosch Rexroth to show automation systems at Automate 2026
Bodine Electric names Jeff Stahl president after retirement
Bodine Electric Co. announced that president Jeff Bodine retired effective April 10, 2026, ending nearly 48 years with the family-owned company. … [Read More...] about Bodine Electric names Jeff Stahl president after retirement
TURCK previews Ethernet I/O module for roller motors
TURCK is previewing the TBEN-LLH-4RMC, a compact multiprotocol Ethernet I/O module for control and integration of conveyor roller motors in material … [Read More...] about TURCK previews Ethernet I/O module for roller motors
Expressions of feedback resolution for absolute encoders
Unlike the relative values output by an incremental encoder, every shaft position output by an absolute encoder corresponds to a unique digital value … [Read More...] about Expressions of feedback resolution for absolute encoders
Custom versus standard servodrives
For some applications, stock servodrives are the most suitable. Elsewhere, custom solutions justify the extra investment. Scott Rohlfs | … [Read More...] about Custom versus standard servodrives
Redefining premium for industrial drives
Global circularity has slipped to 6.9% which indicates industries are consuming resources faster than they can be recuperated. Efficient motor drives … [Read More...] about Redefining premium for industrial drives
Here’s the goal with gearbox customization
From the whisper-quiet precision needed in medical devices to the durability required in aerospace applications, fully customized gearbox design and … [Read More...] about Here’s the goal with gearbox customization
PI launches cryogenic nanopositioning development program
PI (Physik Instrumente) has launched a low-temperature development program focused on multi-axis nanopositioning systems for quantum … [Read More...] about PI launches cryogenic nanopositioning development program
How is a serial peripheral interface (SPI) used in motion microcontrollers?
When it comes to communications in motion systems, there are a range of options depending on the specific type of use case. For instance, connecting … [Read More...] about How is a serial peripheral interface (SPI) used in motion microcontrollers?
Part 4: Layers of performance and specifications in motion control
Here’s how a focus on system integration can help achieve true precision in motion control applications. Corey Foster · Director of Automation … [Read More...] about Part 4: Layers of performance and specifications in motion control
AutomationDirect adds IronHorse ACM AC drives
AutomationDirect has added IronHorse ACM Series AC drives for low-horsepower motor applications where only single-phase power is available. The drives … [Read More...] about AutomationDirect adds IronHorse ACM AC drives
In case you missed it
- Motion expands Mexico branch network with two locations
- POSITAL expands SSI options for IXARC encoders
- Yaskawa America completes acquisition of Variadores SAS
- Yaskawa adds embedded Ethernet to GA501 AC microdrive
- More options for printed-stator motors
- The many gearmotors in warehousing equipment
- What are transverse flux motors?
- Part 3: Layers of performance and specifications in motion control
- Software, Stäubli, and Beckhoff technologies form a new CNC solution
- Teknic adds NEMA 56/143 planetary gearboxes
- NanoOne 3D printer uses FAULHABER drives for alignment
- Beckhoff launches TwinCAT MC3 motion control software for PCs
- Cleanroom-compatible materials and features
- Minimizing outgassing from cleanroom equipment
- Update on designing for cleanrooms
