Automation Technology Advancements on Display at Automate 2025
Automate, one of the leading events for the robotics and automation industry, returns to Detroit May 12-15, 2025. Focused primarily on industrial applications, this now annual event showcases the latest developments in automation-related technologies as well as example use cases and educational opportunities for those interested in employing automation.
Fluid power and other motion control solutions are key to the functionality of many automated systems and machines, making Automate 2025 an important event for those developing such solutions.
The National Fluid Power Association (NFPA) is partnering with organizers of the show to hold three educational sessions at Automate 2025 because of the important role it sees hydraulics and pneumatics continuing to play in many automation applications. The sessions will offer a look at how fluid power is advancing to meet the needs of automated systems and machines.
Many of these technologies will be on display as well alongside other solutions and automated machines to demonstrate the current and future capabilities of the automation industry. Outlined in this article is a look at some of those technologies on display at Automate 2025.
Bosch Rexroth Highlighting Linear Motion Components, Conveyor Systems and More
Bosch Rexroth intends to show a wide range of technologies at Automate 2025 to aid the automation of various applications. These include:
- Conveyor systems
- Controls for open automation
- Linear motion components
- Aluminum framing.
New products on display from these technology categories include the ctrlX FLOW 6D contactless transport system. It consists of free-floating transport platforms, or movers, that can be moved on a horizontal, vertical or overhead working surface. Because it is a contactless system, it can provide safe and efficient handling of loads in various sectors.
Watch Bosch Rexroth’s video below to see how the ctrlX FLOW 6D works.
Linear components on display will include rails, screws and actuators to demonstrate the individual as well as full system solutions the company can provide. As part of its linear components display, the company will also have a hologram display of its IMS-compact measuring sensor which is integrated into the carriage to provide precise and reliable measurements via a non-contact device.
Cattron Introducing New Machine Control Unit
Cattron, a global control solutions developer, will present its new XBMCU Multi-Interface Machine Control Unit at Automate 2025. It is designed to provide seamless integration into PLC (programmable logic controller) systems through the inclusion of multiple serial protocols.
The control unit features dual CANbus interfaces supporting J1939, CAN FD, CANopen and CANopen Safety protocols, along with lab-certified PROFINET communications for reliable, real-time data handling with Class C Conformance. It will also soon support Ethernet IP protocols for customers in North America. In the future CIP safety will also be incorporated. Instead of multiple products from different manufacturers, machine builders and system integrators can now use a single device which helps to ease design and installation.
The XBMCU can be used for mobile machines, industrial automation, robotics and machine-to-machine control. A black channel wireless interface for secure communications is included as is support for globally recognized safety industrial protocols to ensure reliable protection for personnel and machinery in automation environments.
New Iris Dynamics Linear Motor Offers Compact and High-Speed Design
Iris Dynamics Ltd. plans to exhibit its newest technology, the ORCA-3 linear motor. The motor features a compact design while also offering high speeds of up to 6 m/s.
According to the company, it was developed to meet increased demand for more affordable and compact solutions.
Similar to other products in the company’s ORCA Series, the motor is fully integrated. Its motor driver, position sensor, force sensor, controllers, sensor power and amplifiers are all housed in an IP68 rated housing.
Per Iris Dynamics, the smaller design allows the shaft to have a longer usable stroke compared to other motors in the company’s ORCA series. The company said the ORCA-3 is also its fastest motor to date, enabling it to meet the needs of a range of applications, including those looking to replace pneumatic technologies.
Other features of the ORCA-3 include multiple control options, silent actuation and smooth motion.
Watch Iris Dyanmics’ video below for more information on the ORCA-3 linear motor.
ITT Brands Showing Motion Control and Software Solutions
ITT Inc.’s Enidine and Compact Automation brands will be showing their latest motion control components and software solutions at Automate 2025. Both brands intend to highlight a number of technologies to aid motion control within various automation applications.
Enidine, a developer of shock absorbers and vibration isolation products, will be exhibiting several solutions that help to reduce noise and vibration during machine operation. Among these will be the company’s new cloud-based sizing software to help customers select multiple product models and size them for their specific application needs.
Other technologies on display include the Platinum Extended Range (PXR) Series of small bore hydraulic shock absorbers. Corrosion-resistant and nickel-plated, they are capable of absorbing various energy inputs when used in conveyor systems, packaging equipment and other industrial applications.
Compact Automation, a developer of actuation and cylinder products, will also show its online configurator solution to aid machine development. The company’s Round Line Cylinders, Rotary Actuators and highly customizable Inch Cylinders will also be on display.
The company also plans to show its pneumatically operated magnetic grippers. They incorporate a magnet to pick up ferromagnetic materials like iron or steel safely and reliably even after the loss of operating air pressure.
PHD Exhibiting New Servo-Actuated Pneumatic Drive Device
PHD Inc. will show its new servo-actuated pneumatic drive device, the ERDP Remote Drive. Per the company, it is designed to help simplify the electrification of pneumatic actuators in a closed-loop system. It utilizes standard air lines to connect to one or more pneumatic actuators.
By enabling the power system to be located near the point of use, the Remote Drive offers easy set up. This is further aided by the elimination of a filter regulator lubricator (FRL) and valves which also helps to reduce the number of components and maintenance points that would otherwise be required.
Incorporation of electronics enables the device to provide energy savings as well as consistent force, providing productivity and total cost of ownership benefits to end-use customers.
The Remote Drive can be used in a wide range of applications including automated guided vehicles, welding cells, packaging equipment, robotic end of arm tooling (EOAT) and more.
SMAC Unveiling Latest Electric Actuator
SMAC Moving Coil Actuators is unveiling its newest electric actuator at Automate 2025, the LAT35. Per the company, it is engineered for ultra-high-speed performance as well as precision accuracy to meet the needs of applications where these features are desired.
Features of the LAT35 include:
- Acceleration of 140 G
- Weight of just 7 grams
- Stroke distance of 20 mm
- Cycles speeds of 20 ms.
The company’s electric actuators are designed to provide an alternative to pneumatics where appropriate by providing an efficient and often more precise motion control option.
SMAC plans to show several of its other electric actuator technologies as well, including the LPL and LDL Series. Both offer fully programmable control over speed, position and force as well as quiet operation.
