Posts By: Rebecca Haden

How Tall Is Your Workforce?

Machine operators may need to reach out, to lift things, or to move things from one space to another. Do you think it matters how tall they are? If you’re not sure, try setting a heavy object on a shelf or counter that’s at a comfortable working height for you. Life the object up to… Read more »

IndraDrive Servo-driven Forming Machine

We specialize in legacy Indramat components, but we keep up with the new Bosch Rexroth IndraDrive innovations as well. This particular machine, the first of its kind back in 2010, is a testament to the beauty of servos: precision and power. We can’t see where the cups end up after they’re shot out of the… Read more »

Industrial Automation and the Skills Gap

We had just written about the skills gap when a new book on the subject turned up in the mailbox. Obviously, this subject is on people’s minds. In this case, the Summit Media Group brought in experts to come up with a solution for the problem. Keith S. Campbell is the editor for the Manufacturing… Read more »

So What About That Skills Gap?

A couple of years ago we wrote about the then-controversial idea of the Skills Gap. The Skills Gap refers to the idea that a lack of qualified technical and engineering workers in the U.S. interferes with attempts to restore manufacturing jobs to their former importance in the American economy. Here’s what people who believe in… Read more »

Rexroth Helps Rustbelt Rebirth

The region around the Great Lakes, including parts of Pennsylvania, Ohio, Delaware, Illinois, and Indiana, Michigan, West Virginia, and parts of Wisconsin used to be the Manufacturing Belt, the Steel Belt, the Factory Belt. Unlike the Great Plains agricultural regions, these states rejoiced in industry, the power and prosperity of making things. Fast forward a… Read more »

Extreme Motion Control Projects

We proudly specialize in support for legacy Indramat products, but we’re also excited about Rexroth’s newer motion control projects. One that falls into the “extreme” category is Pieter Schelte, a new Allseas vessel. This behemoth may be put into service by the end of this year. The vessel is basically a giant catamaran designed to… Read more »

The 4th Industrial Revolution

If you went to the same kind of school we went to, you learned about one Industrial Revolution. It took place in the 18th century, involved steam engines and servomotors, and resulted in higher standards of living for some and some pretty grim workweeks for others. It was a time of great excitement and ideas… Read more »

The Domino Effect

Bosch Rexroth servos and motion control were recently involved in a project that provides an excellent example of how one apparently minor change can lead to major changes. The change was a fairly simple one: a pharmaceuticals package changed from a polystyrene outer packaging layer to a cardboard one. The product was destined for Walmart,… Read more »

Can Servomotors Use Human Tools?

Industrial motion control is typically about causing motors, especially servomotors, to move machines in specific ways. Often, we want the machines to move in ways that humans do — but faster, more precisely, or in circumstances that are not safe for humans. An alternative that might be part of the future of robotics is automating… Read more »

No Cabinet Motion Control?

One of the trends in industrial motion control right now is a move away from the need for a cabinet. Those air conditioned boxes your servos live in take up space, and space can be costly. Reducing the footprint of your motion control system can be desirable. Doing away with air conditioning can be a… Read more »