A camera pre-loaded with software runs machine vision and inspection. A motor is identified automatically, once its encoder is connected to its drive. A stepper's controls connect directly to fractional-hp servomotors and other actuators. It's all commonplace in a realm where embedded controls now reign, where nearly all necessary instructions can be stored on the chip. A reason for unfettered acceptance is the increasing power and intelligence of the microprocessors. Plus, of course, the fact that benefits — reduced pieces and parts, minimal code writing, quicker time to market — far outweigh the loss of a little freedom and flexibility for the designer.

Baldor drives compatible with Ethernet Powerlink now accept a plug-in module to convert them into 'smart drives', or complete multi-axis control solutions. It saves a lot of cost compared with systems built using an external controller, as well as delivering the simpler cabling and set-up benefits of Ethernet-networked motion control. More…

Engineers and scientists use virtual prototyping to design, optimize, validate, and visualize their products digitally. NI SoftMotion for SolidWorks enables mechanical and control engineers to collaborate and gives them a way to assess the operation of moving parts and visualize realistic machine operations. View the tutorial.

TELERACE is a heavy-duty telescopic rail system providing precise, smooth motion for both motorized and manual operations in high-tech, industrial, and transportation applications.

A Complete Miniature Linear Stage just 1 in. H x 1.75 in. W with 273 lb. Static Capacity, straight line accuracy of .0001 in., complete with stepper motor for ultra-smooth operation, high efficiency anti-backlash ball screw drive for exceptional repeatability, easily assembled to fit your multi-axis applications at "off the shelf" prices.

If the plethora of feedback technology options boggles your mind, you're not alone. Choosing encoders and resolvers is getting more complicated. This article reemphasizes the right starting point — your application — and its environment and control electronics. A handy table summarizes types by resolution, accuracy, IP rating, shock, and vibration limits.

Increasingly, electronic devices such position sensors are designed with the end goal of fitting more onto a PCB. A new unipolar Hall-Effect digital position sensor meets the objective, as it comes with subminiature surface mount package and occupies less space on a PCB than this company's previous Hall sensors.

Factory automation and motion control machinery endures varied bumps and vibration. To preserve system reliability, you can try a new shock absorbing bumper. With a stainless steel core and an Asker F urethane rubber cap (75 hardness rating), it provides relief for some of the jarring, vibration, noise, and abrasion.

Engineers once only dreamed of quick, online access to catalogs, drawings, and quality technical references. Today, much is available, yet good resources get missed. Don't pass by this 350-page guide to all the common linear motion hardware — covering basic principles to practical applications of rails, guides, bushings and shafts, drives.

DryLin ZLW is a lightweight, belt-driven actuator equipped with a hard-anodized aluminum profile, a compact linear guide, and plastic sliding elements. DryLin ZLW is ideal for quickly positioning small loads and is a great cost savings versus ball bearing systems. Request or download your complimentary slide tables brochure now.

The versatile LIC 4000 incorporates absolute technology to a multi-substrate scale tape linear encoder design. Providing absolute position measurement, this new encoder from Heidenhain is characterized by its high resolution of 1 nanometer and its fast, purely serial EnDat 2.2 interface.

The AEAT-60xx series is a high-performance, low cost, optical absolute magnetic encoder module, designed to detect absolute angular position for precise motor feedback.

For the data sheet go here.

For a sample request go here.

The I-Mark system is a combination of PC software and motion control drive boards that can run any dot peen or scribe marking machine. It features high resolution networkable motor drives for stepper or servo motors, and an intuitive graphical user interface for marking layouts, machine management, and program creation. Learn more...

A universal controller is helping give robots more freedom, portability, and reliability. The 43-gram, battery-run module replaces a controller cabinet to which the robot would otherwise be tethered. The patentable idea: minimize size by eliminating parts from standard controllers used for isolating elements and cutting inductive and capacitive noise. This archived video describes its use in the robot arm.

If doing more with less perks you up, this system should get your machines purring. It combines motion controller, drives, power supplies, and high-speed PLC to drive eight axes directly. It will also drive as many as 72 networked axes, all with a smaller footprint and less cost compared to other network solutions.

Buyers want low-cost goods that perform; suppliers bend to meet demand, as Festo did with a new toothed, belt drive actuator. Helping keep it cheap: only the unit's ends are supported, getting needed rigidity from its steel guides. Designers' compromise to earn 65% savings? Keeping the bending forces within limits.

Sorting out your drive alphabet? This video categorizes AC variable frequency drives, from basic shaft turners to motion-capable drives that can compete with brushless servos. It introduces sophisticated vector and flux-vector drives and hints that many AC systems — with encoders, digital input cards, and cooling — can achieve motion control-like performance.

Sine Systems' MotionGrade™ M23 and M40 connector systems are designed for performance and reliability in the most demanding environments. These connectors are suited for advanced feedback applications, robotic, machine tool, medical, and automation environments where control signal transmission or power is required in a compact delivery system. Product announcement.

Nook Modular Linear Actuators are flexible positioning systems made of self-supporting and wear resistant aluminum profiles. Modular linear actuators can be used as a single axis solution or assembled for a multitude of gantry XY and XYZ positioning duties including inspection, pick-and-place, assembly or dispensing applications.

Punch line: The glass needs redesigning. If you tell the joke to a gathering of senior engineers who've heard it too many times, your audience might miss the rest of your message, too. Humor can enliven your career; heeding these Dos and Don'ts can help ensure it serves you well.

When art is part of the environment, it changes over time — perhaps what the artist envisioned when creating Spiral Jetty in 1972. Since, it has been transformed by submersion in and re-emergence from Salt Lake, blanched from black to white by salt and silt, and altered by partying visitors.

Paying for Carbon Emission Reduction?

To cut carbon emissions in half by 2050, the world needs to get busy. Some nations won't, others can't afford to. Who should take the lead?