In a belt drive system, the motor, belts, pulleys, and sheaves all receive engineering attention during design and specification. The motor base typically does not. It is the overlooked component, selected on frame size and bolt pattern, specified late in the process, and treated as a passive structural element, something that holds the motor in place and sets belt tension at installation.
Leaders from across the construction and heavy equipment manufacturing industries gathered in Las Vegas recently for ConExpo-ConAgg 2026. The show celebrated the innovation, economic impact and workforce powering the $2.2 trillion U.S. construction sector today.
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Bosch Rexroth continues to expand the ctrlX platform with new capabilities and automation enhancements. The control platform ctrlX COREplus is now available with AI functions on all performance levels. In the area of motion and drives, Bosch Rexroth is presenting compact, energy-efficient, and cabinet-free drives from the ctrlX DRIVE portfolio, which cover virtually all performance ranges. These are complemented by the Motion, CNC, and Robotics software ctrlX MOTION, which is ideal solution for automating production machines and systems. PTE recently had a great conversation with Garrett Wagg, product manager, controls at Bosch Rexroth on new developments in mobile robotics.
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Humanoids and cobots are rapidly serving the needs of the warehouse, logistics, material handling and packaging sectors allowing skilled workers to turn their attention to more pressing matters on the shop floor. According to MasterControl (matercontrol.com) digital transformation is revolutionizing life sciences manufacturing, driving key trends in the pharmaceutical and medical device industries.
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Drones are tasked with providing state-of-the-art autonomous capabilities, unique movements, automated inspection, urban delivery solutions and advanced military operations. They upgrade agricultural farming technology, provide safety and logistic solutions and report key disaster and engineering mapping. PT components such as motors, controllers, and sensors are an integral part of their core structure.
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More than a billion people around the world unite to ring in the New Year, their eyes set upon the glittering New Year’s Ball in Manhattan. Thousands are gathered at Times Square — the famed “Bow Tie” of Midtown — braving the December cold and peering through glasses with numerically shaped frames. Millions more tune in from their various screens at home.
With so much riding on its descent, the Ball, along with the mechanical and electrical systems responsible for its operation, must operate like clockwork.
In the highly competitive gear manufacturing industry, Master Power Transmission (MPT) recognized the need for innovation. To achieve this, MPT partnered with Ready Robotics, undertaking a transformative journey into advanced automation through their Automation Readiness Assessment (ARA).
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.
It’s an exciting time in the electric motor industry. In the past two years more truly innovative new technology development has occurred than in the previous two decades. We can thank the e-mobility movement for that. It’s not just cars, trucks, bikes and buses, but just about everything else that moves on wheels as well as on water and in the sky.
Push beyond traditional 60Hz limits with advanced VFD strategies like field weakening and motor supercharging. Expand speed range, improve system stability, reduce cooling requirements, and even downsize motors. Discover how to unlock more performance and efficiency from your gearmotor design.
Spiroid Gearing delivers precision gearing for advanced mechanical systems, engineered to handle extreme torque and complex motion requirements. With unique right-angle gear solutions, our technology enhances efficiency, reliability, and design flexibility - empowering engineers to push boundaries in aerospace, defense, robotics, and industrial applications where performance and durability are non-negotiable.
The drive system choice is dependent on key motion features of your application. Lead screws offer self-locking capabilities, while ball screws require brakes to prevent back-driving. The choice between them hinges on efficiency, cost, precision, and speed, with the screw drives themselves paired with a linear guide for optimal performance.
Bellows couplings are commonly used in applications requiring precise rotation, high speeds, and dynamic motion transmission. With zero backlash and a high level of torsional stiffness, they offer clear performance advantages in many servo-driven systems.
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 robust performance of the robot welder at Centerline Brackets led the Florida-based manufacturer to an exceptionally rapid return on investment, achieved in less than three months. The Universal Robots' collaborative robot dramatically cut production time and addressed labor shortages while ensuring consistent weld quality for heavy-duty brackets.
Apr 22, 2026
WEG S.A. and SpinDrive has announced a strategic partnership. Unveiled at Hannover Messe 2026, the collaboration will integrate SpinDrive’s AMBs and built-in IoT condition monitoring into WEG’s electric motor offering, creating an oil-free, maintenance-free drive solution designed for the demands of modern industrial processes.
Schneider Electric will spotlight new milestones in its strategic collaboration with Microsoft at Hannover Messe, demonstrating how their combined technologies are enabling manufacturers to modernize operations, accelerate engineering, and strengthen resiliency.
Jun 14, 2026 - Jun 18, 2026
The Manufacturing Engineering Division (MED) of ASME sponsors the Manufacturing Science and Engineering Conference (MSEC) every June. MSEC (State College, PA) is the annual forum for the exchange of advanced manufacturing research knowledge. It is intended to disseminate the most recent developments in manufacturing research through technical presentations, poster sessions and panel sessions. The event is hosted by Penn State University.
Jul 15, 2026 - Jul 16, 2026
Jun 9, 2026 - Jun 11, 2026
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Power Transmission Engineering is THE magazine of mechanical components. PTE is written for engineers and maintenance pros who specify, purchase and use gears, gear drives, bearings, motors, couplings, clutches, lubrication, seals and all other types of mechanical power transmission and motion control components.
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