Motion Control
Automation is highly dependent upon motion control, including the mechanical components that drive industrial equipment. Motion control articles on this page will include subjects like servomotors, gearmotors, drive systems and much more.
Safe Torque Off Is Being Embraced Industry-Wide
Servo drive manufacturers have coalesced around a new status quo: Safe Torque Off. After a decade of development, the technology has become widely recognized as the standard in workplace safety; cheaper, safer, and more compact than the competition. If you’re working to meet modern standards for workplace safety today, there’s a pretty good chance you’re going to start here. Read More
Ethernet-Ready AC Microdrive
Yaskawa America's new GA501 AC drive includes embedded dual-port Ethernet capability and the ability to connect via EtherNet/IP, PROFINET, Modbus TCP/IP, EtherCAT, BACnet/IP, or MECHATROLINK-4. The drive also comes with standard DIN rail mounting for up to 7.5 HP, and spring-tension I/O terminals. With support for all major industrial Ethernet protocols and topologies, the GA501 eliminates the need for additional hardware, reduces installation time, and simplifies system design. Read More
Kollmorgen Expands Hazardous Location Portfolio with AKME Servo Motors
Kollmorgen introduced the AKME Series of hazardous location servo motors with ATEX and IECEx global certification for use in locations that require Zone 2 and Zone 22 ratings. Built on the established performance, quality and reliability of the AKM servo motor platform, the AKME series allows machine builders to achieve new standards of compact, versatile performance in environments involving ignitable gases or dusts. Read More
Software, Motion Control and Robotics Combine for CNC Precision
On paper, a robot is just a set of joints and motors. On a production floor, however, it becomes something entirely different. CNC Solutions in Belgium learned that the hard way years ago, when teach-in methods that worked for simple pick-and-place began to crumble under CNC-class workloads. In milling, sanding, laser or plasma cutting paths, the motion isn’t a few hundred points; it’s millions. Read More
Nord Expands IE5+ Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motor Line with Larger Model, Additional Horsepower
Nord has introduced a new size 112 model to their line of IE5+ permanent magnet synchronous motors. This product line focuses primarily on energy efficiency, and thus cost savings, but they are expanding the line to handle bigger, more torque-intensive tasks with a larger model. Read More
ABB Partners With RS To Distribute Conveyor Belt Products
While announcing that service solutions provider RS would now carry their line of conveyor products, ABB touted their contactors and soft starters. Both product lines are part of a unified message: reduce energy costs and wear and tear by using gentler products. Read More
NORD Introduces Digital Twin Capabilities
NORD DRIVESYSTEMS has introduced digital twins for system development. This innovative technology allows engineers to verify early in the planning process whether the drive concept is suitable for the system, even complex systems, significantly reducing the project timeline and achieving greater efficiency and availability. Read More
Nord To Feature Mainline Electric Motors and Gear Units at GEAPS Exchange 2026
Nord gave a brief preview of what they'll be bringing to GEAPS Exchange 2026, a prominent trade show for the grain industry in North America. Their Maxxdrive line of high torque gear units will be front and center at their booth. Accompanying them will be several helical bevel gear units, electric motors, and a screw conveyor package, all highly customizable to tackle various environmental conditions. Read More
More Torque with Fewer Magnets
AMKmotion has launched its new DIP series of synchronous servo motors. Delivering up to three times the acceleration of comparable drives, they combine high power density with a compact footprint. The integrated reluctance torque component significantly reduces the use of rare-earth materials. Read More
Yokogawa Introduces OpreX A8 Intelligent Edge Controllers
The semiconductor manufacturing industry continues to advance at an unprecedented pace, driven by rapidly increasing precision requirements and growing system complexity. As equipment configurations and control targets diversify, engineers are often required to modify or completely rewrite control software to accommodate new specifications or design changes. Because traditional controllers tightly couple software behavior to hardware, even small adjustments can lead to lengthy redevelopment cycles, slowing innovation and delaying equipment rollout. To overcome these limitations, Yokogawa has introduced a mechanism that enables software development centered on data rather than hardware dependencies. This architecture allows the control software to seamlessly absorb variations in equipment design, functionality, and operating conditions. Read More
Latest Embedded PCs from Beckhoff Enable More Complex Automation and Control
Beckhoff's latest embedded PCs offer multi-core CPUs, increased memory and 1Gbit interface to offer more computing power for ultra-compact controls for complex automation tasks. Read More
New Servo Drive Opens New Possibilities for AI, Predictive Maintenance
The new ACOPOS M4 from B&R combines is designed for challenges such as predictive maintenance, scalability and machine performance. A new embedded system enables the implementation of predictive maintenance, allowing problems to be detected before they lead to costly errors. In addition, the ACPOPOS M4 provides compatibility with the open-source OPC UA FX protocol for a secure key technology for industrial communication networks, enabling real-time communication in the industrial environment. Read More
Stainless Electromechanical Axes from Festo Suited for Cleanroom Automation
High rigidity and high guide load capacity combine with powerful drive elements to offer high feed forces and accelerations for shorter cycle times and a long service life in the new ELGD axis family from Festo. A stainless steel cover strip is friction-free on the outside and does not allow any particles to form there, making the ELGD axes suitable for use in cleanrooms and future-oriented industries such as renewable energies, the production of electric vehicles, the manufacture of batteries and the semiconductor industry. Read More
Schaeffler Highlights Automation Solutions at CES 2026
Schaeffler presented its comprehensive motion technology portfolio at the Consumer Electronics Show 2026 (CES) beginning January 6 in Las Vegas. The exhibition highlights intelligent motion components and systems that address key industry challenges across humanoid robotics, energy generation, industrial automation, and vehicle technology. Read More
