Recently, a number of encoder, sensor, and feedback industry experts answered several questions about trends they are seeing with these components and the industry more generally. Here’s what they had to say. MEET THE EXPERTS Bill Paczkowski | Senior product manager for PACEdge • Emerson Robert Cachro | Program manager – growth and innovation •…

We recently asked several industry experts about trends they’re seeing in engineering training, software tools, and support. Here’s what those experts had to say. Meet the experts Nathan Andaya | Director Techline SBU • LINAK U.S. Boaz Eidelberg | CTO • SAAR Inc. James Gallant | Director of operations • ISL Products International Ltd. Chris…

We recently asked several industry experts about the trends they’re seeing in the design and use of electric vehicles (EVs), scooters, eBikes, and autonomous ground vehicles (AGVs). Here’s what those experts had to say. MEET THE EXPERTS Ian Blasch | Senior director— business development • Jabil James Gallant | Director of operations • ISL Products…

In its wake, the COVID pandemic left lingering supply-chain issues that are still affecting manufacturing and other automated industries. Now some slowdowns at least have cleared. By Lisa Eitel | Executive editor The last few years’ supply-chain issues have featured container ships waiting weeks for cargo unloading; empty shelves at stores; year-long waits for appliances;…

Semiconductor products were more affected than any other by COVID-induced supply-chain issues felt around the world. International political tensions have only prolonged and exacerbated the problem. By Lisa Eitel | Executive editor Every modern gadget, vehicle, smart device, and appliance is peppered over with semiconductors galore — offering that singular function of processing power that…

In the first part of this Design World Trends series, we heard from industry experts about discrete automation’s edge devices; efforts to promote standards for increased system compatibilities and interoperabilities; and the rise of fog computing as well as industrial uses for wireless technologies such as 5G. In this follow-up piece, we detail the holistic…

Discrete automation’s edge devices include actuators, sensors, and connectivity components such as gateways and motor-mounted controllers. Many of these components feature computational capabilities to minimize data bandwidth and latency issues associated with legacy versions of centralized control. Their installation at the furthest reaches of automated equipment means their processing power is situated to filter and…

For decades, the EPA has mandated that every diesel truck in America have a Diesel Particle Filter (DPF) to catch the huge plumes of black smoke emanating from the exhaust system. This smoke is harmful to our everyday environment and a major pollutant to the world’s atmosphere. The problem with DPFs is that while they…

The COVID-19 pandemic permanently changed the way in which tens of thousands of businesses worldwide operate. It also changed how many view automation and digital transformation (DX) initiatives. The latter have proven helpful where businesses aim to make remote work for office personnel permanent; toggle operations from on to idled and back more nimbly; allow…

A digital transformation (DX or less commonly DT) is the application of software, programmable hardware, and operational technologies (OTs) to fundamentally transfigure a company’s operations and end products for the better. DX programs can be undertaken by industrial organizations, machine builders, or a vast array of other businesses; the involved OTs typically include machine-monitoring systems,…

What was unthinkable in the past has become commonplace in modern warehouses. Robots and scalable automation are now must-haves for thriving during market fluctuations. Warehouse automation has been around a lot longer in the U.S. than people may assume. Though today we think of autonomous robots and software-driven machines operating continuously in human-free environments, automation…

Additive manufacturing continues to evolve. Here’s a look at how Wayne Davey, Global Head of Sales and Go-to-Market for 3D Printing Solutions, HP Inc., sees the latest developments in this industry. MPF: Over the last few years, various commentators have discussed the need for designers to think differently when designing for additive manufacturing versus machining […]

Electric motors are at the heart of motion. Across the board, motor manufacturers are seeing increased demand for their products. Hastened by the pandemic, demand in areas such as robotics, autonomous vehicles and automated production and manufacturing lines across a wide swath of industries has risen, spurring new business as well as innovation. Some top […]

Encoder manufacturers are making sure that their offerings keep pace with broader technological changes and the demands of the market. For example, more powerful motion controllers and drives have spurred a rise in more sophisticated automation systems across a range of industries and applications. Robotics in particular is one area that continues to see growth, […]

With demand for robots growing as companies in multiple sectors look for new ways to enhance their productivity and competitiveness post-pandemic, ABB has compiled a set of growth predictions, looking at key trends driving demand for robots in the coming year. “The pandemic accelerated far-reaching global mega trends — from labor shortages and supply chain…

The Pandemic Continues To Shape Trends In Motion Control In the first months of the new year, our motion control team takes stock of the current climate in the industry and looks ahead to what’s in store for the coming year. To that end, we ask leading suppliers of motion control components to give our…

The aerospace industry was an early adopter of additive technology, followed by the automotive industry. Where do these industries stand in relation to additive technology today? In a recent interview, David Giebenhain, global product director at Protolabs, shares his thoughts. Design World · Trends in aerospace and automotive additive manufacturing The aerospace industry has been […]

To assist manufacturers on their Industry 4.0 journey, global engineering technologies company, Renishaw, has partnered with the Connecticut Center for Advanced Technology (CCAT), USA. This applied technology demonstration and training center validates, demonstrates and assists with the adoption of leading-edge industrial technologies into the global manufacturing supply chain. The two organizations will assist businesses in…

An increase in the pace of innovation and emphasis on expanding its digital presence in the face of a worldwide pandemic helped igus increase online sales by 30% in 2020. Innovations range from telescopic robot tube packages to dry-running ball bearings with 21 times the standard service life to large-scale 3D printing. Engineers and OEMs…

As industry professionals are still unable to visit Dorner in person due to trade show cancellations, Dorner is bringing the trade show to them. Dorner is hosting its own virtual showcase that includes nine demonstrations covering sanitary, automation, and industrial applications. Each demonstration contains a video narrated by Dorner experts who point out features, benefits,…

mk North America, Inc. is excited to announce the appointment of Todd Buchanan as Sales and Business Development Manager, Canada. Todd began his tenure with mk on August 24, 2020. Todd comes to mk North America with over 20 years experience in the conveying and industrial automation industries. Prior to joining the mk team Todd…

An interdisciplinary team of engineers and medics is addressing ways to increase the UK’s capacity for ventilator manufacture. Engineers, anaesthetists and surgeons from the University of Oxford and King’s College London are building and testing prototypes that can be manufactured using techniques and tools available in well-equipped university and small and medium enterprise (SME) workshops.…

Design engineers involved in motion control and system components — check it out: The 2020 Design World Motion Trends issue has gone to press, and the digital version is now live at issuu.com in case you haven’t received a hard copy. By the way, if you’d like to subscribe to Design World, the signup is […]

Sadaf Irfan, a versatile and target-oriented professional was appointed Inside Sales Representative to Lafert North America. Irfan brings more than six years of experience in technical sales and customer relationship management combined with a specialized focus in manufacturing, engineering consulting, and project management. Sadaf will have the ability to enhance Lafert’s customer relationships through her…

With the current state of the internet and the interconnectivity of devices and equipment, it is in the best interest of any company that wants to optimize the productivity of their associates tasked with technical tasks to take a look at the eLearning available. eLearning offers a wonderful ROI due to its low cost, ease […]