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Match the torque of rotary solenoids to your application

Magnetic Sensor Systems has launched the Made in USA R-10-200-CWM Series of clockwise rotary solenoids. Measuring 2.00 in. in diameter and 1.04 in. long with 18 different AWG options and a serrated front shaft end, these compact units optimize torque, current, and duty cycle. When power is removed, an integral return spring automatically returns the shaft to its home position. The shaft is supported by two high-precision radial ball bearings, providing smooth operation with no axial play. Applications include medical, security, and office equipment.
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Planetary servo gear unit: New economy series

SEW-EURODRIVE has expanded its PxG planetary servo gear unit portfolio with the new PxG economy series, introducing the P1.G, P2.G, and P3.G performance classes. Designed for standard industrial automation applications like packaging and material handling, these cost-effective units feature peak torque ratings from 11 to 500 Nm and over 20,000 hours of service life, helping machine builders eliminate unnecessary over-specification.
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Compact hexapod 6-DOF alignment system has overload protection

PI's compact H-811.I2HS hexapod delivers precise 6-DOF motion with patented overload protection, simplifying setup and operation in OEM applications. This built-in protection safeguards precision mechanics during installation and integration against accidental forces or improper handling. Furthermore, the hexapod mounts in any orientation, granting system designers exceptional flexibility for optical, photonics, microscopy, metrology, and automation systems.
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What is STUDROLLER technology? Cross Roller Guides

NB SLIDE WAY cross roller guides use precision rollers to provide stable, non-recirculating linear motions in precision stages, inspection equipment, semiconductor manufacturing, and more. At the heart of all NB cross roller bearings is the STUDROLLER mechanism, which eliminates the cage-creep phenomenon that, over time, can create deviances in cross roller retainer performance. NB cross roller guides equipped with this system are more accurate and better performing than any other comparable products on the market today. High acceleration and faster cycle times are possible in any orientation.
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Ruggedized Nano servo drives for harsh environs

Copley Controls has released its R47 and R48 NanoPlus Micro Module servo drives. Designed for extreme environments and space-constrained applications, these rugged platforms operate from 9 to 180 VDC, delivering peak power up to 6.3 kW. Offering CANopen (R47) or EtherCAT (R48) communications, both feature STO SIL 3 safety and broad encoder support. Well suited for COTS military, nautical, aviation, oil refining, and vehicle-based systems.
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Simplify AC motor control with the new OMRON M1 Inverter

The OMRON M1 Inverter simplifies machine design by unifying motion, safety, networking, and motor control into a single platform. Available in M1-STD, M1-ECT, and M1-EMP models, it controls IM and PM motors with high precision. Featuring SIL3 PLe STO safety and native EtherCAT, EtherNet/IP, or RS-485 communications, the M1 accelerates development within the Sysmac environment.
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Flexible planetary gearheads: Quiet, extremely robust

FAULHABER GPT gearheads for miniature and micro motors deliver high power density, exceptional flexibility, and excellent cost efficiency. Designed for seamless integration with diverse motors and encoders, these compact planetary drives feature hardened stainless steel components that reliably withstand extreme torques and abrupt load changes. Offered in standard, low-noise, and high-torque variants, they ensure precise, durable performance across wide operating temperature ranges.
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What is a low-waving linear motion guide?

If you are having a problem with your linear guides not always staying perfectly straight during use, it may be due to a phenomenon called waving -- a problem that is particularly critical in high-precision markets such as semiconductor and LCD equipment-related applications or machine tools. Thankfully, THK has an answer.
Read the full article.

NORD serves up sweet energy and cost savings for industrial bakeries

NORD DRIVE-SYSTEMS offers robust, highly configurable drive solutions designed to optimize efficiency, ensure hygiene, and reduce the TCO for automated bakery systems. From industrial-scale mixing and portioning to baking, cooling, and packaging, NORD's modular product portfolio delivers precise, reliable performance across every stage of production.
Read the full article. You may learn something even if you are not in the baking industry.

Key considerations for battery-powered motors

Battery-powered motor applications require careful design considerations to pair motor performance and power consumption profiles in concert with the correct battery type. This Power Electric article covers power requirements, performance considerations, and battery choices to assist you in selecting an efficient motor and a battery with the appropriate capacity. Good technical info.
Read the Power Electric technical article.

Driving next-gen pump and fan applications: Sinamics G210X

The Sinamics G210X is a new frequency converter for advanced pump, fan, and compressor applications, combining easy engineering with robust design. Integrated functions, seamless TIA Portal integration, and a web server reduce PLC effort to speed up commissioning, operation, and diagnostics. IP55 protection, 3C3 coating, and S2 system redundancy ensure reliable operation in demanding environments.
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New Exlar food-grade actuator

Curtiss-Wright's Actuation Division has expanded its Exlar line with hygienic electric actuators using FDA-approved materials and finishes. Designed for food, beverage, packaging, and pharmaceutical automation, the new GTF unit enables economical USDA, 3-A, BISSC, and EHEDG certification. Its IP69K washdown option, inverted roller screw, and compact servo-driven design deliver reliable, high-performance motion for hygienic machinery.
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New Texas conveyor system is 42 miles long!

SEW-EURODRIVE is helping power one of the most ambitious bulk material handling projects in North America through its contribution to the Dune Express conveyor system, a record-setting 42-mile single-flight conveyor across the Permian Basin.
Read the full article.

Compact servo drives for harsh environs

Built on Copley's proven NanoPlus platform, the compact, 1.2-oz R-Series Nano servo drives withstand extreme temperatures, vibration, shock, and humidity. Available in R47 (CANopen) and R48 (EtherCAT) models, they suit space-constrained, harsh environments such as mil/aero robotics and gimbals. This commercial off-the-shelf series provides a hardened option without defense-specific development lead times.
Learn more from Copley Controls.

Hybrid actuator with force up to 14,726 lb

Kyntronics' new all-electric HyCore hybrid actuator is a compact, low-cost alternative to traditional hydraulic, pneumatic, and electro-mechanical systems. Engineered for OEMs, it delivers up to 14,726 lb of force. The self-contained design eliminates leaks and wear, providing precise control, shock-load tolerance, and high efficiency. It simplifies integration and lowers operating costs for mobile equipment, packaging, assembly automation, and more.
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Should automatic crash alerts be standard, and free, in all new vehicles?

Automatic crash notification (ACN) systems should become a standard safety feature in every new vehicle, like seat belts and air bags, according to a new paper by members of the American College of Surgeons Committee on Trauma (ACS COT), published in the Journal of the American College of Surgeons (JACS). The authors note that, today, ACN is often offered as a premium connected-vehicle service that may stop working when a subscription expires.

The authors recommend nationwide adoption of ACN and advanced automatic crash notification (AACN), along with a standardized approach to share and interpret crash data among automakers, emergency responders, trauma experts, and federal agencies.

ACN alerts emergency responders after a serious collision. It can provide the vehicle's location and, in many systems, establish voice communication between an operator and the people inside the vehicle. AACN systems also transmit detailed crash information that helps emergency responders estimate injury severity before arriving at the scene. The paper draws on prior research, including National Highway Traffic Safety Administration modeling that estimated AACN systems could save between 360 and 721 lives each year.

"Seat belts and air bags are standard, because they are safety features, not luxury services. Automatic crash notification should be treated the same way," said lead author Theresa L. Chin, MD, MPH, FACS, a trauma and burn surgeon at UCI Health. "In a serious crash, the system can tell EMS where the crash happened and provide early signs on the severity of crash and potential for significant injury. That can help the right resources start moving sooner, especially in rural communities where help may be farther away."

Minutes matter after a serious crash
Longer delays between a crash and notification of emergency medical services have been associated with a greater risk of death, particularly in rural areas. ACN can shorten that interval by automatically reporting the crash, its location, and the time of the crash, even if occupants are unconscious, disoriented, or otherwise unable to call 911. AACN can also add vehicle telemetry (data such as the change in vehicle speed, rollover, airbag deployment, and restraint status) to provide an early estimate of how likely there is to be severe injury.

Information showing that a vehicle rolled over several times may prompt a different response than a low-speed collision. Information on seat belt use and two-way communication with occupants may help responders determine how many people are involved and whether multiple ambulances are needed. The data may support decisions about deploying specialized trauma care such as advanced life support units, air medical transportation, extrication equipment (for example, the "jaws of life"), or direct transport to a trauma center.

Safety technology should not be bundled with convenience features
Many ACN systems are packaged with paid connected-vehicle services such as remote start, door locking, mobile Wi-Fi, roadside assistance, or concierge features. As a result, drivers may unknowingly lose crash notification when a complimentary trial ends or when they cancel a package of services they don't otherwise use.

Dr. Chin said she discovered, while working on the project, that ACN in her own family's vehicle was no longer active because the bundled subscription had not been renewed. In fact, at a conference in a room of trauma professionals, "Only one person knew that their vehicle had an active crash notification service," she said.

The European Union has required inclusion of an emergency notification system known as eCall in all new vehicles since March 2018. The system automatically contacts emergency services following a serious crash and does not require a paid subscription.

How drivers can check their Vehicle
Drivers can take several steps to determine whether their current vehicle has ACN or AACN:

• Search the owner's manual or manufacturer's app for terms such as "automatic crash notification," "emergency call," "connected services," "911 assist," "eCall," or "SOS."
• Look for an SOS or emergency button, often located near the rearview mirror or overhead console.
• The presence of a button is a clue, but drivers should still confirm that the service is activated.
• Check whether the system requires a paired phone or an active subscription. Some systems use a built-in cellular connection, while others work only when the driver's phone is connected through Bluetooth.
• Use the vehicle identification number (VIN) when contacting the manufacturer or dealership to confirm whether ACN or AACN was included in that specific model, model year, and options package.

"Most people assume that the safety systems built into their vehicle will be available when they need them," Dr. Chin said. "Drivers should not have to discover after a serious crash that an emergency feature was tied to a premium service they stopped paying for."

Calling for standard access and better data sharing
The ACS COT has previously issued a statement supporting:

• Making ACN and AACN standard in all new motor vehicles without additional subscription fees, while improving availability and connectivity in rural areas with limited cellular coverage.
• Developing reliable pathways for crash information to reach 911 centers and emergency response systems, with more consistent technical standards across automakers.
• Making ACN and AACN data available for research by injury prevention scientists and trauma system experts studying crashes, EMS response times, and injury patterns.
• Supporting federal research and collaboration with National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and other organizations to better understand how vehicle data can improve communication among 911 centers, EMS agencies, and hospitals.

"Injury prevention does not end when a crash occurs; it also means reducing the harm that follows," said co-author Leah C. Tatebe, MD, FACS, chair of the ACS COT Injury Prevention Program Area and associate professor of surgery at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine. "This information could close a dangerous gap between time of crash and treatment. That protection should be built into every new vehicle, not reserved for people who can afford an ongoing subscription."

Source: American College of Surgeons

Published August 2026

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