Top Stories

New Hydraulic Fluids Aimed at Energy Savings

Al Presher, Contributing Editor, October 1, 2009
A coalition of university researchers and industry suppliers organized through the NSF-sponsored Center for Compact and Efficient Fluid Power (CCEFP) are working together to boost the efficiency of fluid power applications.
Ten Tips for Motor Dev-Kit Success

Jon Titus, Contributing Editor, September 14, 2009
A dev-kit veteran, Contributing Editor Jon Titus shares his secrets for choosing and using motor control dev-kits.
Magnetic Clutch Delivers Smooth Torque Control

Design News Staff, September 14, 2009
Allied Automation has developed a new lipstick production machine. The formulations and production processes used in the manufacture of lipsticks play a key role in the strength of the final product.
Go Beyond Motors to Reduce Energy Use

Rich Mintz, SEW-Eurodrive for Control Engineering, September 14, 2009
Electronic speed controls and optimization of mechanical systems offer the potential for significant energy savings.
Servo-Like Performance

Al Presher, Contributing Editor, August 18, 2009
A key trend for stepper motor design is delivering improved “servo-like” motion performance, while maintaining a competitive price advantage over other offerings.
MoonBots Robotics Competition Announced

Karen Field, Editor-in-Chief, August 5, 2009
A new global MoonBots competition, announced here at NIWeek, challenges student teams to design robots using LEGO MINDSTORMS to perform simulated lunar missions.
Extreme Motor Performance

Al Presher, Contributing Editor, July 20, 2009
Vacuum and radiation-hardened gear motors and resolvers are designed to perform reliably in extreme conditions after withstanding radiation dose requirements.
Motion Technology Powers Wind Energy

Al Presher, Contributing Editor, July 16, 2009
Mechanical motion technology is a key element in the evolutionary path and long-term growth of wind energy solutions.
100-Percent Duty-Cycle Actuator

Al Presher, Contributing Editor, July 15, 2009
As a replacement for air cylinders, while also offering advanced linear motion capabilities, new integrated actuators are utilizing servos to guarantee a 100-percent duty-cycle, enhanced performance and reliability.
Planetary Design Lowers Costs

Al Presher, Contributing Editor, July 6, 2009
New gearhead products use planetary technology to deliver precision and value.
Manufacturers Unify Networking Hardware and Reduce Costs

Al Presher, Contributing Editor, June 15, 2009
Scott Hibbard, vice president of technology for Bosch Rexroth, identifies key trends in automation/motion networking and describes new technology developments with SERCOS III.
Hybrids in Motion

Al Presher, Contributing Editor, June 15, 2009
Green, hybridized motion technology using electric and hydraulic solutions is poised to deliver increasing levels of immediate impact in commercial vehicles. What remains to be seen is how hybrid production ramps up in the next 12 months, and how effectively engineering investments pay off on targets of 30-50 percent fuel savings.
Servo Motor Sizing Concepts

Matt Pelletier, Yaskawa Electric America, June 15, 2009
Misconceptions engineers can fall into when selecting a servo motor include sizing based on the horsepower rating of the presently installed motor or sizing based exclusively on the application's torque requirements, and that the inertia ratio must be 1:1.
Technology in a New Age of Power

Gary Wagner and Jim Gillberg, Fairchild Semiconductor Inc., June 15, 2009
The evolution of Automotive Power MOSFETs is accelerating the impact on the progress of automobile power devices.
Hydraulic-Aided Simulations

Al Presher, Contributing Editor, June 15, 2009
A new Structural Building Components Research Institute (SBCRI) testing center can replicate real-world performance of construction products and systems using hydraulic actuators and monitoring sensors.
Sensorless Control of a Brushless DC Motor

Daniel Torres, Microchip Technology Inc., June 15, 2009
Digital signal controllers make it possible to meet torque and speed demands in sensorless applications.
Air France Crash Underscores Challenge of Designing Complex Automated Systems

John Loughmiller, Contributing Editor, June 4, 2009
An engineer/pilot discusses the circumstances surrounding the Air France Flight 447 crash and the possible consequences of aeronautical system design choices.
Leveraging Adaptive Control

Al Presher, Contributing Editor, June 3, 2009
Adaptive control algorithms are continuing to advance the state-of-the-art in digital servo drives.
A DIY Solar-Powered Stirling Engine

Karen Field, Editor-in-Chief, June 2, 2009
Engineer Doug Connor built a working prototype of a small Stirling Engine powered by sunlight, taking measurements and figuring out how to improve performance.
Maker Faire 2009: Cupcake and Snail Art Cars, Solar-Electric Chariots, Recliner-Chair Runabouts and Steampunk Vehicles

Steve Leibson, Contributing Editor, June 1, 2009
The 2009 Maker Faire was an engineer's dream venue, billed by its creator Make magazine as the world's largest DIY event. Attractions included component part and model rocket assembly as well as a diverse set of electric-powered vehicles.

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