Motors & Drives

Achieving Exceptional Precision with Air Bearing Motion Systems

Air-bearings and air bearing motion stages utilize a cushion of air to eliminate mechanical contact, thereby effectively mitigating common problems associated with traditional bearings such as friction, wear, vibration, hysteresis effects, and particle generation. Read on to learn more about their powers.

Synthetic Mini Motor with Enormous Power

Researchers have developed an artificial motor at the supramolecular level that can develop impressive power. The wind-up motor is a tiny ribbon made of special molecules. When energy is applied, the...

Product Showcase

See the product showcase, which includes Bodine type 42R hypoid gearmotors; the Pyramid Connectable (“PC”) Twisted Belt; the IMI Norgren VR Valve Manifold; CENTRUM CSF40, a stainless steel encoder scale disc; KHK USA's gear for motion design; ABB Robotics' OmniCore, an intelligent automation platform that is faster, more precise, and more sustainable; and much more.

When Is Precision Motion Control the Right Choice?

Precision motion control solutions supply an even higher level of motor control, often synchronized over several axes of motion or motors. But when are they the right choice? Read this story to find out.

New Products

See the new products, including PI's custom air-bearing motion systems, Kollmorgen’s multi-axis servo systems, HEIDENHAIN CORPORATION's EnDat 3 encoder interface, Nexen Group's new line of Rotary Indexers, and more.

Diesel Engine Research Leading to Better Efficiency, Emissions Standards on the Roads

Purdue University’s Greg Shaver doesn’t believe there should be a trade-off between protecting the air we breathe and achieving better engine...

2023 Guide to Motors

Motion Design’s 2023 Guide to Motors provides a comprehensive list of today’s top manufacturers in many technology fields.

Direct Drive Motors: Delivering Reliability, Precision, and Performance

Direct drive motors have a long-standing history as a technology that has continually evolved and improved. This article introduces the technology behind direct drive motors, explores their advantages, and discusses example applications.

Megawatt Electrical Motor Could Help Electrify Aviation

Aerospace engineers designed a 1-megawatt electrical motor that is a stepping stone toward electrifying the largest aircraft.

Design Techniques for Efficient Power Transmission

Power transmission is critical in industrial automation as it enables machines to work together seamlessly, reducing downtime and maximizing productivity.

Hydrodynamic Effect Helps Motorized Objects Navigate Inclines

The tiny motors mimic how rock climbers navigate inclines.

Chemically Driven Wheels “Morph” Into Gears

A catalytic reaction causes a two-dimensional, chemically coated sheet to spontaneously morph into a three-dimensional gear.

Micromotor Winding Technology Uses AI to Improve Motor Performance

Achievable coils increase the capabilities of the micromotors.

Automate 2023 Show Preview

Automate, to be held from May 22-25 in Detroit, MI, will provide attendees the latest in cutting-edge robotics, vision, artificial intelligence, motion control, and more.

Products of Tomorrow

To learn more about each technology, see the contact information provided for that innovation.

Motion Control Using Micro Controllers

Accomplishing motion control with digitally commanded electric motors is a responsive, precise, and energy-efficient approach suitable for a wide range of applications.

Reverse Vortex Ring

This mechanism improves rotordynamic stability in turbomachinery.

Lightweight Crane Technology for the Moon

A prototype version could be demonstrated on a large cargo lunar lander.

How Much Do You Know About the Hyperloop?

Take this quiz to find out how much you know about the hyperloop - a system that moves people and goods safely and sustainably by bringing airplane speeds or even greater to the ground.

Best Practices to Optimize Motor Selection

Optimizing motor selection for motion control applications can have significant performance, cost, and maintenance benefits.

New Products

The new products for December 2022, including a micro-sized servo drive, HVAC drives, the LogiDrive system, and more.

Test Your Knowledge About Automated Automobiles

See how much you know about automated automobiles with this quiz.

NanoGear Molecular Gear

Oscillatory and rotational motions of different parts are combined to pave the way to developing super-miniaturized mechanical devices.