Servo drives are electronic devices that control the precise motion of motors in automated systems, and they have become one of the most influential technologies behind today’s industrial transformation. Their rise reflects a broader shift toward flexible, intelligent, energy-efficient production. Demand for advanced motion control is accelerating fast, with global industrial automation projected to surpass 400 billion dollars within a few years. That growth is fueled by factories seeking accuracy, repeatability, speed, and the kind of reliability required for round-the-clock manufacturing.
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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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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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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When Australian steelmaker InfraBuild needed two new circuit breakers to provide backup for its main electric arc furnace, ABB had the solution—its VD4-AF vacuum circuit breaker with an innovative servomotor actuation system that delivers more than five times the operations of a standard breaker, supporting greater reliability and safety as well as lower operational costs.
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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.
Mechanical engineering develops the scientific and mathematical principles behind physical machines, but you can’t help feeling a little real-world magic taking place in the manufacture of components needed for large, heavy industrial applications. Cement production, for example, relies on gigantic equipment to grind raw materials using rotary kilns, ball mills, vertical mills and crushers.
Between trade shows including MINExpo and CES 2025, we’ve been treated to a great deal of new technology in areas like mining, agriculture, construction and heavy industrial components. Liebherr has modified its component portfolio to include digital measurement, electrification and maintenance-free technologies. Liebherr’s component product segment offers advanced solutions for slewing bearings and slew drives that meet the rising demands across a variety of applications and industries. These components are future-ready and play a vital role in making operations much more efficient.
Closed Loop control systems can handle a wide range of motions with a wide range of loads if the control system and mechanics are properly designed for the task. A couple of the more difficult combinations to design for are high inertial mismatches and backlash with hard gearing. The question is not just how to make the system stable, but rather how to also get the desired performance.
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 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!
Vector Companies is a global platform of gear, shaft, and custom component manufacturers that helps innovators move faster from print to production with dependable, high-quality parts.
Apr 13, 2026
The new KISSsoft Release 2026 features enhanced structured visualization of system behavior, a more powerful REXS interface and improved journal-bearing calculations.
Kassow Robots, a Copenhagen-based manufacturer of high-performance seven-axis lightweight collaborative robots, introduced its new models - the KR 1824 and KR 1240 - leveraging its signature, seven-axis design to bring collaborative robotics into higher-payload applications without compromising flexibility, compactness, or ease of deployment.
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
Apr 20, 2026 - Apr 24, 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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