Motion Control and Automation

Improve reliability with UL 508A pneumatic control panels for water and wastewater systems. Reduce leaks, stabilize pressure, and extend equipment life.

Building a robot is not easy.  Programming a robot can be even more challenging without user-friendly software.  In this article, I'll explain a few of the MRC Studio's most useful features and demonstrate how the Robot Vision Calibration function can help reduce costs for your vision-enabled robots.

Many OEMs and machine builders have a vision for a specialized robot — a compact SCARA for assembly, a tabletop Cartesian for dispensing, or a small articulated arm for inspection. The mechanical concept is clear. The application is defined.

Explore precision linear motion solutions and high-performance automation expertise in California. From advanced linear actuators to motion control systems, Valin helps engineers and machine builders optimize automation, accuracy, and productivity. Contact our experts to design your next motion solution.

Motion architecture may look fine on paper until the cycle rate increases, the available space shrinks, and the “simple” pick-and-place head becomes far more complicated than expected.

One of the most challenging elements to motion control is the integration of robots.  However, the benefits that can be achieved through this type of integration cannot be understated.

If you've ever found yourself asking "What exactly is a linear servo motor positioner versus a linear servo motor actuator versus a linear servo motor stage?" you're not alone. Let’s break this down clearly and simply.

For many applications that are currently using Parker’s old ViX drives and controller/drives, AllMotion’s EZ controller/drives may be a great update path. While the ViX had some unique features, most applications didn’t need them, which makes AllMotion’s smaller products probable options.

Struggling with tolerance errors in robotic processes? Learn how Schunk AGM Compensation Units ensure precise handling and higher productivity.

In many industries, small air cylinders have long been the go-to for compact actuation needs. The EC Series Wire Cylinder from IAI delivers a cleaner, simpler, and more precise alternative. By using a wire-driven mechanism powered electrically, the EC Series removes the need for compressed air entirely.

Parker AC890 series variable frequency drives (VFDs), long used for industrial automation and motion control applications, are now being phased out. To ensure uninterrupted operations, it's critical for businesses to understand their migration options. 

Complex drive configurations can turn straightforward motor control installations into costly, time-consuming challenges. If you've ever struggled with getting a VFD up and running due to confusing parameter setups, or faced extended downtimes when replacing a VFD due to the complexity of replacing an old unit, Parker’s AC Series Drives offer a clear, streamlined solution for a variety of industrial applications. 

If you're building instruments that demand high-resolution positioning—think semiconductor inspection, digital pathology, or precision metrology—then you already know that not all linear stages are created equal.

Unplanned downtime can bring production to a grinding halt—often due to preventable equipment failures.

When every micron matters and every millisecond counts, conventional linear motion systems often fall short. If you are chasing peak throughput, ultra-smooth motion, and zero mechanical backlash, it's time to look beyond belts and screws. That’s where the Parker XLM Series Linear Motor Stages come in.

There is still a sizeable gap between expectations from the end user perspective and the reality of what is possible tapping into the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT). Implementing the tools necessary is more than just flipping a switch.  There are specific challenges associated with this implementation; however, strategies have been developed to help bridge that gap.

Thanks to the EC ELECYLINDER® 3-position mode specification option, stops are possible not only at the forward and backward ends but also at intermediate positions. The cycle time can be shortened by stopping at intermediate positions.

This application note reviews what a RESTful API is and introduces the new BusWorks NT Series RESTful API. This API simplifies web service development by enabling straightforward data transfer between I/O modules and network clients.

When applying a belt drive, especially in vertical applications that involve significant loads, understanding the design considerations and potential failure points is crucial. Here, we explore the dynamics, considerations, and best practices for deploying belt drives in such demanding situations.

This 6-axis precision pick and place stage system was engineered from the ground up and delivered in 10 weeks.

Do you need custom-engineered high-precision motion in a hurry?  Our team has done amazing work delivering complex and high-precision motion control solutions in very short time frames.  

Managing multiple actuators and axes can be a challenge, especially when trying to reduce control panel space and system complexity. Whether in manufacturing, logistics, or precision assembly, achieving scalable and efficient control is crucial for maximizing productivity and minimizing costs.

Safety is a paramount concern in the complex world of industrial automation. The Mosaic Safety Integrated Controller from ReeR Safety is designed to streamline safety management across various applications.

Have you ever wished for sharper, clearer focus on your samples, regardless of surface variations or dynamic conditions?  AutoFocus technology offers a transformative solution, ensuring optimal focus precision for imaging and process equipment, even in challenging environments.