Automation Articles for Manufacturers and Engineers

Featured image courtesy of ABB Robotics (top left), Skild AI (bottom left), Humanoid (top right) and Universal Robotics (bottom right).

NVIDIA Platform Powers Physical AI

Next generation of humanoid robots being built on open software framework

NVIDIA is partnering with the global robotics ecosystem — including leading robot brain developers, industrial robot giants and humanoid pioneers — to power production-scale physical AI. NVIDIA also unveiled new NVIDIA Isaac simulation frameworks and new NVIDIA Cosmos and NVIDIA Isaac GR00T open models for the industry to develop, train and deploy the next generation of intelligent robots.

INDUSTRIAL AUTOMATION

Hannover Messe 2026

Automation is the key to efficiency and competitiveness. At HANNOVER MESSE, the focus is on intelligent systems, sensor technology, and networked control technologies, as well as PLCs, DCS, SCADA systems, motion control, industrial PCs, embedded systems, and electric drives. These technologies ensure quality and enable intelligent, networked processes—across industries and with an eye to the future.

Nord to Exhibit at Modex 2026

NORD DRIVESYSTEMS has announced their participation in MODEX 2026. From April 13–16 at the Georgia World Congress Center in Atlanta, NORD will showcase their latest advancements in high-efficiency gear motors, intelligent electronic control products, and modular automation solutions designed to optimize throughput and reduce Total Cost of Ownership (TCO). Attendees are invited to visit Booth B14136 to talk with experts and discover how NORD’s decentralized technology is redefining reliability in modern warehousing and distribution centers.

ROBOTICS

Maxolution’s new Mobile Robot Platform 1600 is designed for easy integration, scalability, and reduced downtime.

Maxolution Introduces Standardized Mobile Robotic Platform With Contactless Charging

Maxolution has released the Mobile Robot Platform 1600, a new pallet-carrying robot with a focus on scalability and smooth integration into your existing industrial operation. A majority of the equipment’s advertised features run along these lines, but Maxolution also took the time to talk about its contactless charging system, payload capacity, and safety features.

The KMP 250P is a compact, highly maneuverable AMR designed for flexible deployment.

KUKA to Demonstrate AMRs at MODEX 2026

KUKA Robotics will showcase its portfolio of autonomous mobile robots (AMRs) designed for seamless automation integration at MODEX 2026, taking place April 13–16 in Atlanta, Georgia, at the Georgia World Congress Center. Attendees can visit KUKA in Building ABC, Level 1, Booth #B15132 to see live demonstrations of advanced AMR solutions, including the debut of the KMP 250P autonomous mobile platform, which simplifies material handling and improves operational efficiency.

MOTION CONTROL

Safe Torque Off (STO) is one of the most important safety measures incorporated when operators and machinery work in close proximity.

Safe Torque Off Is Being Embraced Industry-Wide

Servo drive manufacturers have coalesced around a new status quo: Safe Torque Off. After a decade of development, the technology has become widely recognized as the standard in workplace safety; cheaper, safer, and more compact than the competition. If you’re working to meet modern standards for workplace safety today, there’s a pretty good chance you’re going to start here.

Ethernet-Ready AC Microdrive

Yaskawa America's new GA501 AC drive includes embedded dual-port Ethernet capability and the ability to connect via EtherNet/IP, PROFINET, Modbus TCP/IP, EtherCAT, BACnet/IP, or MECHATROLINK-4. The drive also comes with standard DIN rail mounting for up to 7.5 HP, and spring-tension I/O terminals. With support for all major industrial Ethernet protocols and topologies, the GA501 eliminates the need for additional hardware, reduces installation time, and simplifies system design.

AI

Vention's GRIIP enables deployment of autonomous robot cells in highly unstructured manufacturing environments

How Generalized AI Can Transform Pick-and-Place Robotics

Instead of dedicated pick-and-place robots programmed for a single task, a new type of generalized artificial intelligence can allow for a more flexible and robust autonomous robotic implementation that scales across applications.

The A8 is designed for advanced industrial manufacturing applications, with a particular focus on the rapidly evolving semiconductor manufacturing equipment market. Its high-performance architecture and flexible engineering environment make it ideally suited for industries requiring precision control, scalable integration, and accelerated development cycles.

Yokogawa Introduces OpreX A8 Intelligent Edge Controllers

The semiconductor manufacturing industry continues to advance at an unprecedented pace, driven by rapidly increasing precision requirements and growing system complexity. As equipment configurations and control targets diversify, engineers are often required to modify or completely rewrite control software to accommodate new specifications or design changes. Because traditional controllers tightly couple software behavior to hardware, even small adjustments can lead to lengthy redevelopment cycles, slowing innovation and delaying equipment rollout. To overcome these limitations, Yokogawa has introduced a mechanism that enables software development centered on data rather than hardware dependencies. This architecture allows the control software to seamlessly absorb variations in equipment design, functionality, and operating conditions.