The built-in controller and functions in the actuator include movement logic such as parallel operation and run-to-position, as well as position feedback and diagnostics, depending on the interface used. This can reduce programming and integration effort and support machine development and optimization.

Application examples

At SANOVO, LINAK LA21 actuators with IO-Link are used for positioning in an egg packaging machine, with predefined recipes for changeovers.

The setup allowed SANOVO to remove mechanics, cylinders and sensors from the machine design and reduce component and labor costs by approximately EUR 2,000 per machine.

At Schur Automation, LINAK LA25 actuators with EtherNet/IP are integrated into the company’s existing automation architecture.

The LINAK IC actuator portfolio gives engineers options for actuator selection and interface choice while including integrated control, communication and functions. Each interface has been tested and validated in major PLC environments, including Siemens SIMATIC, Omron and Allen-Bradley, to support integration and communication.

The offering launched globally on October 22, 2026.

For more information, visit linak-us.com.

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Available in sizes 65, 80 and 110, the TV actuators provide precise and repeatable linear motion for industrial applications.

The redesigned actuators use two linear guide blocks positioned at the maximum practical distance from each other, with the ball screw nut between them. This arrangement increases the support span for handling moment loads.

A polyurethane sealing belt protects the ball screw drive and linear guide system from contaminants. Micro-bearings inside the carriage guide the belt and help limit resistance as it moves through the carriage.

The TV actuators are available with different ball screw leads to support various speed and load requirements. For longer strokes, an optional internal ball screw support helps reduce shaft deflection and allows higher operating speeds.

The actuators are designed for industrial automation, packaging and robotics applications requiring precise and repeatable linear motion.

Ball screw technology for precise linear motion

The TV actuator range combines a rigid construction with a ball screw drive and linear guidance system. A linear rail with two preloaded recirculating ball bearing blocks and a square cross section provides guidance, with positioning repeatability of up to 5 μm.

Dedicated lubrication channels for the linear rail and ball screw support maintenance of the actuator during operation.

The redesigned TV series provides machine designers with options for meeting different precision, load and speed requirements in automation systems.

For more information, visit rollon.com.

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The new Aerotech LaserTurn280 is a motion platform for high-volume laser machining of these cylindrical medical-device components.

Previously displayed in prototype form at medical-technology tradeshows, the LaserTurn280 is based on Aerotech’s PRO280LM linear-stage design. Three versions have different rotary-stage drives — the ASR1400, ASR1100, and ACS150 — to machine tube diameters from 0.3 to 30 mm. Clamping systems abound and include TF20 and W12 collets as well as dead-length and ER16, ER25, and ER40 precision collets. Linear travel is to 300 mm and speed to 1,000 mm/sec.

Collet chucks with dead length minimize axial movement of the tube and reduce the risk of stitching errors during feed. This is particularly important when machining longer workpieces such as hypotubes. The clamping mechanism is pneumatically actuated and is designed for operation with dry oil-free nitrogen or compressed air.

“The LaserTurn280 is the result of direct feedback from the market,” said Aerotech product manager Brian Fink. “Engineers need platforms that can be quickly integrated into their existing production lines while enabling higher throughput. The LaserTurn280 was developed precisely to meet these requirements.”

According to the manufacturer, the platform’s high rigidity allows calibrated accuracy to ±1 µm (linear) and ±30 µrad (rotary) with bidirectional repeatability of ±0.4 µm and ±15 µrad respectively. The system is driven by ironless linear motors sporting noncontact optical encoders. Seals protect internal components from contamination — especially important for wet-cutting applications. The LaserTurn280 can be supplied in either a dry or wet cutting configuration; the latter features an integrated fluid handling system.

Integrated cable management and an open aperture for tube passage keeps integration simple and tidy; optional pneumatic grippers at the front and rear enable automated workpiece handling. Mounting is via eight M8 fixing points.

“The platform [makes for] minimal tube scrap, reproducible part quality, and series production,” added Fink.

The platform works with Aerotech’s Automation1 motion controller that (among other things) supports a position synchronized output (PSO) function for precise synchronization of the laser pulse and axis movement. Meanwhile, enhanced tracking control (ETC) reduces path errors during the machining of fast and complex contours. Both technologies are particularly relevant for stent manufacturing, for which tight geometric tolerances and short cycle times are key.

Workpieces range from a few millimeters to lengths of over one meter. With its selection of rotary stage drives and collet options, the LaserTurn280 is designed for a wide range of these applications.

“The demands of medical device manufacturing [include] smaller structures, tighter tolerances and higher production volumes,” said Fink. “The LaserTurn280 supports this and enables integration without complex adjustments to individual components.”

Aerotech | aerotech.com

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By Brenda Courim • Molly Lynch | Güdel Inc.

Factory operating environments are as diverse as the products made in them. Some settings (for the production of electronics, pharmaceuticals, and medical devices) are spotless. Cleanrooms for semiconductor manufacturing are nearly sterile — only allowing ten particles of 0.1 µm or greater per cubic meter of air. On the other end of the spectrum are factories housing processes that make for environments hostile to the manufacturing equipment itself, with dirt, metal chips, weld slag, paint overspray, and worse. Yet other factories are relatively clean but extremely hot or cold and inhospitable to automation equipment — as in cold rooms and freezer storage, for example.

Let’s explore different extreme environments and the engineering and product requirements to successfully deploy linear motion in the form of RTUs and gantry robots in those places. Here, some engineers might stop and ask: What about the six-axis robotic arms riding on the RTUs? Well, such robots are actually easier to protect than linear systems. The structure of the standard robot (whether traditional industrial or collaborative) allows for the enclosure of drivetrains, bearings, sensors, and lubrication. Their joints’ rotary axes lend themselves to gasketing and seals that keep contaminants out.

Major robot companies offer models for high-temperature applications having specialized paint, gaskets, cables, and lubrication. The same holds true for washdown environments (where the robot may be exposed to high-pressure water spray) and paint applications in which overspray requires sealed explosion-proof motors.

The challenge of protecting RTUs and gantry robots

If six-axis robots are straightforward to protect, RTUs and gantry robots are not. The fundamental design of these linear-automation systems brings unique challenges. Both the rack-and-pinion drivetrain and the linear bearings and rails are open and exposed to the environment. What’s worse, floor-mounted RTUs are subject to weld slag, machining chips, and paint overspray raining down on them. For these RTUs and gantry robots, the operating environment isn’t a secondary consideration … it’s a core design input.

Bearing technology is key in dirty environments

There are two types of bearings deployed in RTUs and gantry robots: Linear bearings with profile guideways and cam followers. Linear bearings consist of a series of small recirculating round or cylindrical bearings in a linear housing that continuously cycles through a load-bearing zone and loops back around as the housing travels. The issue with this design in harsh environments is that small particles can easily enter the housing and cause the linear bearing to lock up and freeze.

In RTU applications, the mean time to repair or MTTR for a profile-guideway linear bearing failure is considerable. First, the robot must be removed from the carriage, which may need extensive rigging in a crowded work cell. Next, the carriage must be removed from the track, including disconnecting cables and pulling the motor. After the failed bearing is replaced, the RTU is reassembled and all the robot points must be validated and possibly corrected.

In contrast, some rugged designs pair cam followers with flat rails for the linear-bearing function. Here, an array of cam followers mount into a precision-machined cast carriage housing. The bearing elements are inside roller cartridges inserted into the cast housing. Brass scrapers and felt wipers clear debris off the rail, and any small particles that pass through are simply crushed and cleared. Because the bearings are sealed in rollers, they are never exposed to any contaminants.

The roller-bearing cartridges inside the cam followers are quick to adjust and replace if needed. In addition, the RTU carriage can be in any position on the track, and there’s no need to remove the robot or carriage during servicing. MTTR is measured in minutes not days or hours as is common with RTUs relying on profile-guideway linear bearings.

Robotic linear motion in high-temperature environments

Many RTUs and gantries operate in extremely hot environments — near die casting, investment casting, forging, heat treating, and sintering. Here, aluminum-based RTUs and gantries aren’t recommended  … especially if heavy payloads are involved … as permanent deformation and warping can occur.

That said, even steel systems can still have challenges. Radiant heat is a major issue in high-temperature applications, whether the heat comes from the process or the parts.

So, when handling extremely hot parts, grippers and other components should be shielded from the direct radiant heat. Standard lubricants — gearbox oil and the grease for the rack, rail, and pinion — should be replaced with high-temperature formulations. In addition, seals on gearboxes must be changed out for high-temperature versions. In the same way, standard automatic-lube systems should be replaced with high-temperature models, and plastic tubing to distribute the lubricant must be replaced with high-temperature-rated metal tubing. Standard plastic e-chains should be replaced with high-temperature versions or metal components that can withstand the actual working environment.

Standard paint won’t survive extreme high temperatures and should be replaced with coatings rated for high-temperature exposure. Lastly, brass scrapers and felt wipers in the roller-block assemblies may need more regular replacement.

Robotic linear motion in low-temperature environments

Commonly found in food manufacturing and logistics facilities, extreme-cold applications are commonly classified as 0° F, -20° F, or -40° F. Each level needs different design adjustments.

As in hot applications, low temperatures necessitate replacement of standard grease and oil lubricants with products — in this case, rated for low temperatures. Plastic tubing for lubricant distribution may have to be replaced to satisfy bending-radius requirements. Seals must be replaced with products that will maintain elasticity in low temperature. It’s also common to add Armoloy coating to racks and rails to protect against condensation.

Brakes may need upsizing to compensate for reduced stopping coefficients in cold temperatures. Installation in cold environments is also a challenge due to the thermal contraction of the metal, particularly in larger configurations.

One additional consideration: RTUs and gantry robots are manufactured in typical ambient temperatures, so they will need calibration and adjustment after installation and acclimation to the cold environment.

Robotic linear motion in paint applications

RTUs and gantry robots are common in the large-scale painting of aerospace, automotive, defense, rail, and off-highway equipment manufacture. But with large scale painting comes copious overspray and airborne paint particles.

Overspray can accumulate over time and cause real problems in linear bearings. Some companies attempt to cover the exposed linear-motion components, but covers are unsuitable at best and can even trap paint that has slipped through. In contrast, cam followers with sealed roller bearing cartridges handle painting applications with ease, pushing overspray off the rails. Bronze scrapers in the cam-follower bearing housings easily remove dried-on buildup as well.

To reduce adhesion of material onto working surfaces, the drive racks and linear-bearing rails are often coated with Armoloy plating. For overhead configurations, to avoid contamination of workpiece surfaces, these linear subcomponents are commonly run without lubrication.

Of course, overspray of solvent-based paints quickly creates an explosive environment. So, all motors in such settings must have a C1/D1 explosion proof rating or must be enclosed in a separate housing with the same level of protection.

Robotic linear motion in wet environments

RTUs and gantry robots are also deployed in aerospace, military, and heavy-equipment washdown applications. Often, cleanup occurs after a craft or vehicle has operated in a harsh setting … for example, over oceans where salt condensation can occur. In other applications, the cleaning might be immediately prior to a painting process.

RTU and gantry linear motion based on cam followers having sealed bearing cartridges is suitable for these wet environments. For pre-paint cleaning routines, the bearings’ linear rails and drive rack is (to prevent contaminating the paint surface) run without lubrication.

Robotic linear motion in outdoor automation

The ultimate challenge? Taking automation out of the factory to the great outdoors. The robotics industry is seeing huge interest in automating applications in building and construction applications suffering from the same labor shortages as manufacturing.

Emerging applications include the 3D printing of houses and other structures; field assembly of modular building sections; concrete finishing, cutting, and drilling operations; and recycling and recovery public works.

Güdel | youtube.com/@GudelGroup

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Michael Driker · Mechanical Engineer M.Sc. | KappaSense

Linear guides support and control precision linear travel on axes in myriad machine and robotics types for modern automation. In linear-motion applications that are especially demanding, linear position feedback is needed to ensure the tool, gripper, or workpiece follows preprogrammed paths and reaches precise positions. In such machine designs, engineers often employ linear encoders on the most critical axes. Here, it’s common to source a separate linear encoder or linear guides with the encoder built-in. The letter is preferred in many if not most applications.

Most manufacturers’ built-in linear encoders integrate a scale on the linear guide’s rail and integrate a readhead into its moving carriage. However, one disadvantage of such arrangements is that electrical cable tethered to the encoder readhead must move with carriage. That in turn necessitates a specialty cable-carrying arrangement that can complicate the design and maintenance routines.

As we’ll explore, another linear-guide sensing technology uses capacitive operation for a cable-free readhead that avoids these and other issues.

Wired readheads are the conventional choice

In conventional linear encoders, the readhead connects to the controller and power via cables. The cables to carry the electrical signals (analog or digital) are shielded. The scale mounts in a groove machined into the side or upper face of the rail. The scale may be protected against water ingress, dust, or debris by a cover.

Wired linear-encoder technologies are well established in industrial automation. Power is supplied through the same wiring harness used for signal transmission. This proven, reliable technology delivers stable signal transmission that is unaffected by wireless interference, and it is compatible with most standard motion controllers. No batteries are required because power is supplied directly via the cable. As a result, wired readheads remain the conventional choice: a reliable, cost-effective solution offering stable, proven signal transmission and broad compatibility with existing controllers and machine designs.

There are limitations and drawbacks to these technologies, though. Cable routing is complex, especially in multi-axis systems or tight installations, and this complexity reduces overall system flexibility. The cables themselves are susceptible to wear, fatigue, breaks, or insulation damage from continuous movement, and long cable runs can also introduce signal noise. Together, these issues increase maintenance overhead. That’s because replacing or managing cables adds both downtime and cost.

Wireless readheads as a modern alternative

As wireless communication and power technologies advance, the shift from wired to wireless encoder readheads is expected to accelerate. Linear encoders with wireless readheads fit into this trend … wirelessly transmitting signals to the controller.

More specifically, data transfer occurs via a radio frequency (RF) or optical wireless link. Power is provided through a battery, energy harvesting, or inductive power transfer.

This and capacitive sensing offer several advantages. The overall design can be simpler, because there’s no need for cable carriers, drag chains, or conduits … so axes are more reconfigurable. There are also no cables to wear out or replace. Machine layout is easier and oftentimes the axis assemblies can be more compact than those with traditional encoding hardware. Reliability in tough environments is also higher, as fewer connectors mean fewer disconnect points. All this helps wireless linear encoding support Industry 4.0 and smart-factory initiatives.

Challenges include potential signal interference in noisy industrial environments, power management requirements for battery-based heads, and higher initial system cost.

Applications include long-travel moving axes, rotary stages, and modular machine setups. In CNC machines, the technology delivers high precision with reduced wiring complexity. In robotics, it enables flexible integration in articulated arms and linear actuators. In the semiconductor industry, it’s cleanroom-friendly and produces no cable dust or wear. In medical devices, cable-free linear encoder technology offers a compact low-maintenance solution. The technology is also well suited to high-speed automation systems requiring ultra-precise feedback as well as applications that operate in vacuum settings.

Benefits of capacitive sensing

Integrated linear encoders commonly use magnetic or inductive technologies rather than optical versions they’re more resistant to dust, debris, and liquid. They can also tolerate some variation in the gap between the sensor and the scale which can be an issue if the axis is subject to shocks or vibrations. Capacitive sensing offers these benefits plus is immune to electromagnetic interference whether of internal and external origin.

KappaSense | kappasense.com

Michael Driker is a mechanical engineer and project lead at KappaSense.

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Humanoid robots are moving from research environments toward industrial deployment. This changes the main challenge from developing working prototypes to achieving reliable series production, while maintaining quality standards and controlling maintenance costs. The partnership addresses this challenge at the actuation level, which affects precision, safety, and scalability in humanoid joints.

The partners bring complementary capabilities. Synapticon provides actuator software, functional safety, electronics, sensor design, and drive technology. Stabilus contributes mechanical design, sourcing, industrialization, manufacturing, assembly, and logistics. Stabilus has delivered millions of electromechanical actuators to the automotive industry. Combining these capabilities supports the development of a production-ready, scalable product.

The joint product line will cover humanoid joints across multiple size classes, from head and wrist joints to hips and knees. Manufacturing is being designed from the outset for high-volume production, using automotive manufacturing and quality standards as a reference.

For more information, visit group.stabilus.com.

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To address aerospace application requirements, NewTek displacement sensors can be customized with rugged and lightweight designs, low-outgassing materials and other application-specific features. This allows the sensors to be configured for aerospace specifications while providing position measurement over long operating periods.

LVDT space applications

In space vehicles, NewTek LVDTs are used to monitor the position and movement of components such as thrust vector control systems, engine actuators, control surfaces, environmental control system valves, landing gear mechanisms and elevated-temperature test stands. The sensors are designed to operate under vibration, shock, temperature extremes and long duty cycles in launch vehicles, satellites and spacecraft.

NewTek linear displacement sensors are also used in ground-based testing and qualification facilities. Engineers use them to measure displacement, deflection, vibration and structural movement during component testing, engine development, environmental simulation and materials evaluation. Their accuracy and repeatability support design validation and pre-deployment system testing.

LVDT configurations for space conditions

Space applications can expose sensors to demanding operating conditions. NewTek says its LVDTs can be engineered for cryogenic operation in vacuum conditions or near propellants such as liquid hydrogen and liquid oxygen. They can also be designed to withstand launch-related shock and vibration while maintaining position feedback.

Other design options include low-mass cores to reduce payload weight, low-outgassing construction to help limit contamination of spacecraft components and radiation-resistant construction for harsh environments. In aerospace applications, these features can support safety and long-term operation where failure risk must be reduced.

With customizable housings, stroke length, materials and performance characteristics, NewTek says it can configure an LVDT for specific aerospace requirements. The company says sensors can also be designed for extreme environments, including temperatures up to 1000°F, for use in spaceflight hardware, propulsion systems and ground-based testing.

For more information, visit newteksensors.com.

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The booth will include two operating gantry robots. One is a ServoBelt dual-bridge gantry with an XXYYZZ axis configuration, and the other is a 12-foot beam dual pick-and-place gantry with an XZZ configuration. Both systems will be demonstrated in operation during the event.

Bell-Everman develops multi-axis Cartesian and gantry systems using its ServoBelt linear drive technology. The company designs these systems for applications that require extended travel lengths in automated environments.

Attendees can observe the systems in operation and discuss gantry robot configurations and application requirements with Bell-Everman engineers.

For more information, visit bell-everman.com.

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Güdel extends collaborative robot reach with CoboMover
Güdel forms Güdel Americas for customer support
Güdel gantry robots add gentle touch to bakery automation
Güdel advances linear motion expertise

This year at the Automate Show, Güdel will showcase integrated vertical and horizontal motion for grinding.

In fact, the grinding and surface finishing of fabricated parts is a classic dull, dirty, and dangerous (3D) application primed for robotic automation. Until now, automating large-fabrication grinding necessitated many robots and complex part repositioning — costly and time-consuming and risking variations in the process.

At Güdel’s Booth #1806, the company will demonstrate how it’s overcoming these issues by adding two additional degrees of freedom to heavy-duty grinding applications. By integrating its TrackMotion Vertical TMV and TrackMotion Floor TMF systems, Güdel lets a single robot maintain consistent contact pressure and path speed across massive surfaces that would otherwise require multiple robots or complex part repositioning.

Unlike standard stationary setups, Güdel’s multi-axis motion systems provide three key strategic advantages for the shop floor.

A single robot can service an entire large work envelope, eliminating the need for multiple fixed units and simplifying cell design, safety, and controls.

By keeping the robot in a favorable working posture, the system minimizes joint extremes and wear, ensuring repeatability during long, high-force grinding cycles.

Designed specifically for abrasive environments, the track systems protect critical components and position the robot away from aggressive debris zones typical of grinding operations.

“Expanding the robot’s workspace isn’t just a helpful addition; it’s the factor that finally makes automation feasible for large, difficult-to-reach parts,” said Brenda Courim, Director of Sales and Marketing at Güdel US. “The combination of vertical lift and long horizontal travel provides a practical production solution that can be updated through software as part designs evolve, rather than requiring expensive mechanical rework.”

The primary demonstration at the Automate Show features a FANUC R-1000 robot equipped with a grinding end-of-arm tool. The robot is mounted on a TMV system, which is itself integrated into a TMF track. This specific application was developed by systems integrator Titan Robotics to solve the challenges of grinding large weldments for a major off-road equipment manufacturer.

“Applications like this show how manufacturers can overcome the challenges of traditional robotic grinding,” said FANUC America V.P. Lou Finazzo. “By combining FANUC’s robot performance with Güdel’s vertical and floor-mounted motion, customers gain the reach, stability, and process consistency needed to automate large, demanding grinding applications.”

Learn more at gudel.com.

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The U.S.-manufactured ball screws convert rotational motion into linear movement and are designed for positioning accuracy, low friction and long service life. Using recirculating ball bearings that roll instead of slide, they provide efficiency above 90% while reducing heat generation and wear. Available diameters range from 3/8 in. to 1 in., lengths from 24 in. to 72 in., and multiple lead options are offered for applications including CNC machinery, robotics, packaging equipment and material handling systems.

RBS ball nuts are matched to corresponding screws to support consistent load distribution and repeatable performance. They are designed to handle axial loads with low backlash and maintain accuracy over extended operating cycles, including in high-speed and high-load applications. Select models include safety springs and compatibility with wiper kit accessories for harsher operating environments. Together, the ball screws and nuts are intended for motion control applications where accuracy, lower maintenance and longer service life are required.

For more information, visit automationdirect.com.

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