Across sectors, the same operational truth is becoming harder to ignore: downtime has a direct impact on revenue. It ripples into supply chains, disrupts mission readiness, compromises service levels and, in some environments, creates genuine safety risk.
Airports where hundreds of airplanes take off and land around the clock require perfect planning and coordination—and the tailor-made drive technology to process thousands of passengers and their baggage securely, every day. The growing focus on capacity and security issues, as well as shorter ground times, are presenting major challenges for the airport industry.
.
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.
.
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.
.
As someone who has spent more than four decades involved in the robotics industry, I can say unequivocally that this is the most exciting time ever. From a technology that was originally used predominantly by U.S. automotive companies, robotics has now spread to nearly every industry and every country around the world.
.
The path toward success in mechanical power transmission today hinges on an organization’s ability to provide smart and digital automation solutions. Customers are looking for system components boasting more performance, precision, and cost effectiveness in robotics and industrial automation applications. Schaeffler, the global technology company specializing in solutions for the automotive and industrial sectors, offers a strong and diverse product range not only for large industrial robots, but also for lightweight and collaborative robots (cobots).
Future electric and hybrid electric vertical takeoff and landing vehicles will require high-efficiency and lightweight electric motor-driven propulsion systems. One key to designing an optimum electric motor-driven propulsion system, is to have a method for estimating the mass and efficiency of a gearbox for different power levels, motor speeds, and propeller speeds. Understanding the trade space for gearbox mass and efficiency allows the overall optimization of the propulsion system.
We have all seen the Q4 2025 headlines around electric vehicle (EV) sales and they were not good. Ford recorded a $19.5B loss in EV pullbacks (Ref. 1). General Motors posted $6B in EV debt (Ref. 2). Stellantis took a $26B hit which was compounded by underperforming EV sales and recovery from the previous CEO’s disastrous cost-cutting strategy (Ref. 3). Also, notably, was the laundry list of not-long-ago hailed startups that have went bankrupt, often leaving investors, suppliers and employees holding the bag: Bollinger, Canoo, Nikola, ELMS, Lordstown, Fisker, Arrival, Proterra, Volta just to name a few. Many more are on the brink along with dozens of startup suppliers that enticed investors with untold wealth to be gained in the automotive revolution 2.0 (Ref. 6,13,14).
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.
This white paper explores the often-overlooked role of a critical, yet underestimated component in industrial automation systems. It highlights how this element impacts performance, reliability, and efficiency, and provides insights into optimizing its use. The paper emphasizes its strategic importance in designing resilient, precise systems.
This video explores the often-overlooked role of a critical, yet underestimated component in industrial automation systems. It highlights how this element impacts performance, reliability, and efficiency, and provides insights into how to choose the correct component. The video emphasizes its strategic importance in achieving resilient automation applications.
How does a ball screw work differently than a lead screw. Under what circumstances would a ball screw be better for your application than a lead screw. What issues should be considered when selecting a ball screw assembly.
Napoleon Engineering Services’ “Brief Guide to Bearing Source Qualification” is the result of nearly 30 years of real-world experience guiding OEMs through the qualification process and is based on NES’ background in the aerospace and industrial sectors and its own desire to empower customers with the technical information needed to make informed supplier decisions.
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.
With the goal of building a full lineup of actuators for every joint required in robot construction, Bonsystems has been developing robotic actuators and introducing the BCSA V4 Series. The BCSA Micro Series is a Cycloidal Micro Actuator designed specifically for robotic hands.
Jul 2, 2026
Elgeti Engineering has released the schedule for its Online Bearing Seminars for Autumn 2026. Gain a thorough understanding of bearing technology, from basis design questions over supplier development to failure analysis. Attendees can take advantage from the broad experience of lecturers in 90 min online sessions. Choose from individual sessions, complete topics, or enroll in the full six-week program.
Acute labor shortages, rising costs and global competition continue to push manufacturers to find ways to increase production and improve quality. Productive Robotics will exhibit and demonstrate end-to-end robotic automation in two booths at IMTS 2026. Booth #339186 in the south building will feature ways to automate metal removal processes. Booth #237138 in the north building will focus on abrasive machining, sawing and finishing with a special emphasis on gear production. Unlike conventional cobots, Productive Robotics’ 7-axis OB7 collaborative robots feature zero programming in a plug-and-play configuration.
Sep 22, 2026 - Sep 23, 2026
The RPM (Reliability Process & Maintenance) Symposium (Kalamazoo, MI) is a conference event where end users can network and learn about industrial facilities, reliability, maintenance best practices, electric motor driven powertrains, and IIoT.
Sep 21, 2026 - Sep 24, 2026
Jul 15, 2026 - Jul 16, 2026
Contact | Privacy Policy
©2026 Power Transmission Engineering
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.
Current Issue
Current Issue
Archives
Subscribe
Buyer's Guide
Accessories Actuators Adjustable Speed Drives Bearings Belting & Belt Drives Brakes Chain & Chain Drives Clutches Controls Couplings & U-Joints Fluid Power Gear Drives Gear Manufacturing Services Gears Industrial Hardware and Machine Parts Linear Motion Devices Lubrication Motors Resources Seals Sensors Services SoftwareThe Power Transmission Engineering Buyers Guide is your complete directory of suppliers of mechanical power transmission components, including great companies like these.
VIEW ALL