Collaborative robots have been hugely beneficial for manufacturers of all sizes over the past 15 years, and their share of the total robot market continues to grow every year. As of 2025, hundreds of different cobot models are available from dozens of manufacturers. Today, we will discuss the differences between industrial and collaborative robots, advantages of cobots, typical cobot applications, case studies, and some specific robotic solutions.


Motor solutions are the lifeblood of many applications, powering the precise movements and operations that keep automated systems running smoothly. While each system presents unique demands, the wide variety of motor types available ensures there is an option suitable for each specific need. It is vital to understand the pitfalls of choosing an inappropriate motor, given the countless motor types, brands and sizes.
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C-COM Satellite Systems, a manufacturer of mobile satellite antennas, has integrated several models of Bodine Electric motors across a variety of platforms. These motors are primarily used to drive the Azimuth
and Elevation axes on their Fly-Away (portable) and Drive-Away (vehiclemounted) systems.

Atlanta Drive Systems, Inc., Farmingdale, NJ, offers rack and pinion systems, actuators, gearboxes, servo reducers and lubrication systems for many different industries including machine tool, automation, aerospace, woodworking, material handling, robotic, food, packaging, stone and special machinery. PTE recently discussed the company’s lubrication solutions with Peter Alfano, senior applications engineer.
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As industries adopt more automation, the demand for reliable and efficient pneumatic systems, which power everything from robotic arms to air-powered tools, continues to rise. However, despite their widespread
use, these systems often suffer from hidden inefficiencies. Here, Chris Johnson, managing director at SMB Bearings—Oxfordshire, U.K.) explores how an overlooked component, industrial bearings, can improve the
efficiency of pneumatic technologies.

This paper examines the selection process, operation, maintenance practices, and state of a Sumitomo gearbox after over 24 years of operation. It is demonstrated that a quality product and careful consideration of all these factors are essential for a longer service life of the gearbox. Detailed information is provided on the operation of the gearbox, as well as the maintenance practices that should be taken to ensure its longevity. Finally, the paper examines the state of the gearbox after over two decades of use and how all these factors result in lowering carbon emissions.

Schaeffler continues to advance key technologies shaping the future of mobility and motion. One area of interest—humanoid robots—is where Schaeffler is developing advanced component and system capabilities for the next generation of robotics. PTE recently had the opportunity to discuss these technologies with Al Makke, engineering director, humanoid robotics, North America, at Schaeffler Group USA.
The Simplicity self-lubricating linear plain bearings are built to last, and they will often out-perform and last longer than a traditional linear ball bearing. Called the “little red bearing” by loyal customers, they have been a popular replacement for failing ball bearings. Simplicity plain bearings will not catastrophically fail.
The difference between a smooth-running drive and constant headaches? The right timing belt and pulley plus a whole lot more. Discover what works, what doesn’t, and put your design skills to the test—engineer your best system yet!
Discover how Regal Rexnord’s Bauer™ PMSM gear motor helped a transportation company streamline inventory, cut energy use, and save $80,000 annually. Learn how this scalable solution delivers financial, operational, and sustainability gains across facilities.
Design engineers are always on the lookout for efficient and reliable application solutions. While standard products often suffice, some challenges demand a custom approach. Custom machine couplings, critical for torque transmission between a machine's driving and driven components, require careful consideration of specific requirements to guarantee optimal performance and unwavering reliability.
Precision elastomer insert couplings offer vibration damping, easy installation, zero backlash transmission, and electrical isolation. Fitting a wide variety of drive applications including lift systems, conveyors, pumps, linear actuators, and high performance general power transmission.
Dec 12, 2025

The Motion + Power Manufacturers Alliance (MPMA) is forming a new emerging technology committee: the eVTOL & Drone Technology Committee. The inaugural virtual meeting will take place on Thursday, January 22, at 1:00 p.m. Eastern. This new group will examine this fast-moving sector where electrification, lightweight materials, distributed propulsion, and high-precision drive components intersect. As aerial mobility platforms move from prototype to commercialization, gear and bearing manufacturers are uniquely positioned to support their success. MPMA aims to ensure its members possess the knowledge, connections, and technical expertise to effectively support this new technology.

Quaker Houghton has announced the launch of three new hardware within its QH Fluid Intelligence platform, significantly expanding the company’s portfolio of automated fluid management solutions. The new QH Fluidcontrol XMS 100 & 200 systems deliver automated monitoring and control of fluid parameters with accuracy that far exceeds traditional hardware, while the QH Fluidmonitor GQ provides precision monitoring for demanding grinding applications.
Mar 3, 2026 - Mar 7, 2026

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Jan 20, 2026 - Jan 22, 2026
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