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Bodine Electric gearmotors have higher torque ratings

Bodine Electric Company recently upgraded the design of many of its type WX gearmotors to increase the output torque ratings while maintaining the same long-life rating. Two parts in the gearhead design were changed to accomplish the higher torque ratings: the rotor/armature shaft and the first-stage gear. This design change allowed Bodine to raise the output torque rating for any WX gear ratio where the first stage of the gearing cluster had been the "weak link." This included all of the two-stage ratios used in Bodine stock models and two of the three-stage ratios used in Bodine stock models.
Find out all the new capabilities and models in this Bodine blog.

Pick and Hold solenoid driver module designed for economy, extended life

Magnetic Sensor Systems (MSS) has released the Pick and Hold SDM950 Power Solenoid Driver Module. This "Made in America," compact, PWM driver module measuring just 2.950 x 3.000 in. is designed to consume less energy by first applying the voltage for a pre-determined period of time (pick time) necessary to activate the solenoid and then, when the plunger is seated, drop the voltage (holding voltage) to a level sufficient to hold the solenoid in the seated position. This conserves energy and extends the life of the solenoid.
Learn more.

High-precision micro-positioning actuators

For applications requiring sub-micrometer precision, PI's L-220 series linear actuators provide reliable, high-precision motion in a compact design. Engineered for demanding tasks in optics, photonics, semiconductor testing, metrology, and microscopy, select models are available with short lead times to support fast system integration. Their low backlash and non-rotating, linearly guided tips minimize tilt and eccentricity-caused errors, as is common with low-cost, rotating-tip type actuators.
Learn more and get all the specs.

How to convert from hydraulic cylinders to electric actuators and why

Hydraulic cylinders are traditionally the go-to technology for high-force linear motion. They deliver high force at a low cost-per-unit of force, are rugged, and are simple to deploy. However, electric cylinders with high-force capacities are now available, and they are more flexible, precise, and reliable than their hydraulic counterparts. This is a very detailed article, including lifecycle and power costs, force requirements, and data collection.
Read this informative Tolomatic blog.

Linear actuator from igus handles up to 600 kg

The drylin SLX-8060 from igus is a ready-to-install linear axis equipped with a dryspin lead screw drive. The corrosion-resistant system can handle axial loads up to 600 kg (1,323 lb), making it ideal for logistics, robotics, and manufacturing applications in packaging and automated material handling. Designed to simplify and accelerate assembly, the SLX-8060 can be mounted directly to aluminum construction profiles without pre-drilled holes. igus offers the SLX as a complete system with optional motor and control packages, ensuring fast deployment for automation and motion system developers.
Learn more.

Where do you get drone parts?

Based in Buffalo, NY, Allient is furthering its robust technology foundation to deliver advanced motion and power solutions for unmanned aerial systems, starting with COTS propulsion motors and extending to electronic speed controllers, gimbals, propellers, mission-ready kits, and power/electronic solutions. Across all product categories, the company manufactures more than 5 million motors annually.
Read the full article.

Kollmorgen Essentials™ System: Affordable, precise motion

Introducing Kollmorgen Essentials™ Motion Systems: High-performance, affordable, and precise motion for every industrial axis. These pre-configured systems enable simple sizing and selection, while multiple onboard communication protocols ensure seamless integration. Each system combines an optimally matched servo drive, a servo motor with integrated absolute multi-turn feedback, and a combined power/data cable. With ease of installation and commissioning, Kollmorgen Essentials ensures reliable performance across key industrial applications from packaging and warehouse automation to material handling and forming.
Learn more.

Motion Control Tech Tip: The 6 myths of stage error mapping

According to the experts at Motion Solutions, stage error mapping -- measuring absolute positioning error at a specified set of sampling points -- has gained a reputation for achieving high-accuracy motion control with lower-cost equipment. The theory is sound, but the problem is that there are a lot of misconceptions around stage error mapping that can lead to its use in unsuitable applications and disappointing results. Want to learn how you can use it for its maximum benefit?
Read the Motion Solutions blog.

ABB expands Baldor-Reliance SP4 motor line with shaft-grounded models for enhanced bearing protection

Companies can increase motor efficiency by as much as 20% by using units in the ABB Baldor-Reliance SP4 motor line, which features integrated shaft grounding technology. Designed specifically for variable speed drive (VSD) applications, SP4 shaft ground motors offer superior protection against electrical discharge damage, extending motor life and reducing costly downtime. SP4 motors are available in severe-duty cast-iron units covering a power range of 25 to 300 hp, and general-purpose rolled-steel models available in 1/4 to 20 hp.
Learn more.

What is Sensorless Closed Loop? Precise motor control without an encoder

Matt Sherman, eMobility Sales and Application Engineer at KEB America, runs through different options to drive an AC motor, including one called "Sensorless Closed Loop" that does not require additional hardware such as encoder, resolver, or cables on the motor.
Read the blog, which includes an informative video.

Cool Tools: Piezo Components Calculator

The PI Piezo Component/ Transducer Calculator is an online engineering tool designed to help users estimate key performance parameters of piezoelectric ceramic products quickly, for both static and resonant behaviors, based on user-defined inputs. Users can model piezo transducer behavior, evaluate electrical characteristics, analyze resonance and dynamics, and optimize designs. Includes material and geometry inputs.
Check out the PI Piezo Calculator.

Melexis latch slims down motor applications

Melexis has unveiled a variant of the MLX92211, a three-wire Hall-effect latch. This new device is designed for lateral magnetic position sensing and boasts high ESD protection and a high output current limit. This latest addition enables motor miniaturization by providing enhanced integration and cost-effective performance, ideal for automotive compact motors used in applications such as seat motors, sunroofs, and thermal expansion valves.
Learn more. Samples available now.

5 Tips: Motion systems for step-and-settle applications

Step-and-settle motion is a fundamental support technology for a variety of critical systems such as diagnostic imagers, but OEMs need to properly specify the motion stages if the system is going to succeed. The process is trickier than it sounds. Thankfully, the experts at Motion Solutions are here to help you find the complex balance between performance and cost while avoiding critical pitfalls.
Read the Motion Solutions blog.

How to maximize and optimize stepper motor control

Engineers from Performance Motion Devices take a comprehensive look at how to control two-phase stepper motors, beginning with the basics (operations, strengths, and weaknesses) and moving on to traditional and updated advanced techniques for control including closed loop. A very thorough presentation.
Read the Performance Motion Devices technical article.

Marine-grade electro-hydraulic linear actuator

The Thomson H-Track actuator, which is known for its innovative combination of heavy-duty, hydraulic performance and the electromechanical advantages of a compact, maintenance-free design, has expanded its capabilities with marine-grade corrosion resistance and underwater functionality. Upgrades include: a sealed motor housing, 316 stainless steel components, long-term exposure cert., IP68 dynamic rating for underwater operation, and a refined design.
Learn more.

High-power microwave weapon defeats 49-drone swarm at live-fire demo

A California-based company called Epirus recently disclosed the results of an August 26 demonstration of its Leonidas high-power microwave (HPM) system that delivers weaponized electromagnetic interference to counter swarms of robotic, asymmetric threats (drones).

The live-fire demo tested Leonidas against 61 drones across five operationally relevant flight scenarios. Leonidas' suite of capability differentiators was on full display as the system disabled 61 of 61 drones -- a 100% success rate.

VIDEO: Watch drones fall out of the sky when hit with the Leonidas microwave system at the company's recent demo. [Credit: Epirus]

The event was capped off by performing the defeat of a 49-drone swarm consisting of two threat-representative drone types -- all with one instant and low-collateral pulse of high-energy electromagnetic interference.

Leading up to finale, the prior flight scenarios were: ‍

• Multi-angle counter-swarm engagement. Two groups of three drones were flown in from opposite directions. Leonidas engaged and defeated the first trio of drones to the left then re-directed its HPM beam to engage and defeat the trio of drones to its right.
• Selective targeting. Two drones were flown into the engagement area in close proximity to one another. An audience member chose a drone to be targeted before Leonidas engaged and defeated the correct drone and left the other drone unaffected, demonstrating the system's software-defined, precision-controlled waveforms. Leonidas then engaged and defeated the remaining drone.
• Precision intercept. A single drone flew into the fire zone. Leonidas engaged and defeated the target and dropped it to the ground within a software-defined, pre-identified safe zone. Leonidas is a low-to-no collateral counter-drone solution and uses software to defeat drones exactly when and where operators need to allow for designated safety zones to protect assets and personnel.
• Multi-target engagement. Three drones flew into the fire zone at different ranges. Leonidas engaged and defeated all three drones simultaneously, demonstrating its one-to-many aerial defeat capability.

"This is a watershed moment for Epirus. We believe showcasing our weaponized electromagnetic interference is the most effective way to communicate that Leonidas is the only mission-capable, counter-swarm solution for the one-to-many fight," said Andy Lowery, Epirus CEO. "Those who joined us witnessed this first-hand as 61 drones went up, and 61 went down."

VIDEO: Overview: Asymmetric Drone Warfare -- The Sixth Domain Doctrine by Epirus. [Credit: Epirus]

The invitation-only demonstration took place at Camp Atterbury in Indiana and was attended by representatives from throughout the U.S. Department of Defense, other U.S. government agencies, and nine allied countries. The event was conducted within site range restrictions and optimized for in-person viewing.

What does the Leonidas system look like? Here, in a different demo, the U.S. Army uses the High-Powered Microwave weapon system in a training exercise at Naval Station Leovigildo Gantioqui, Philippines, April 30, 2025. [Credit: U.S. Army photo by Staff Sgt. Brandon Rickert]

The event demonstrated the first generation of Leonidas, which was designed and developed using internal research and development funds in 2022. Epirus unveiled its latest version of Leonidas in July 2025, which is expected to more than double the operational range and lethality over the 2022 system in the same form factor. With the latest system, the company has increased the weapon's effective range to up to 2 km (1.25 miles).

Source: Epirus

Published October 2025

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