This Week in Power & Motion: maxon Partners with MassRobotics to Advance Technology for Robots

There is much going on in the world of hydraulics, pneumatics and electronics motion control, from technology introductions and industry advancements to new trends and industry leaders. Each week the Power & Motion team collects some of the latest industry news to help keep our readers up to date on what's happening in the fluid power and motion control sectors as well as the industries they serve.

Thomson Moves Swedish Manufacturing Operations

Thomson Industries Inc. is moving its manufacturing operations in Kristianstad, Sweden, to a larger space, enabling it to better meet growing demand for its motion control technology. According to the company, the Kristianstad facility has experienced increased demand for production of electric linear actuators and linear motion systems for European customers; further growth is anticipated, prompting the need for a larger facility.

Per Thomson, increased adoption of electric actuators by industrial customers looking to move away from use of hydraulic cylinders is driving demand. Further automation, also aided by use of electric actuators, is driving growth for the company as well.

The new site is located just 1 km northeast of the original manufacturing facility and will encompass over 10,200 sq. m. It is equipped with advanced manufacturing technology as well as improved amenities for employees. The facility provides space for future growth and will allow the company to consolidate operations previously housed at three separate buildings into a single site.

"We can now configure goods receiving, production, packing and shipping in an optimized, streamlined workflow, including warehouse, maintenance, technical lab, and offices all in the same building. We can also integrate better vertically, having room to bring in machinery for operations we have previously outsourced," said Peter Swahn, Site Manager, Thomson Industries, in the company's press release announcing the new facility.

Helios Names New President of Hydraulics

Helios Technologies Inc. has promoted Rick Martich to President of Hydraulics, Americas. He previously served as the Interim CVT President and Senior Vice President, Global Operations and Systems Sales.

Martich brings over 25 years of leadership experience in engineering, manufacturing, finance and sales to his new position. He joined the Enovation Controls business 17 years ago and has since progressed into various roles with the company. Martich holds a Bachelor of Mechanical Engineering degree from Georgia Tech and an MBA from The University of Tulsa with a focus in finance.

"Rick will work to identify the right structure that aligns with growing our business organically, integrating and optimizing our flywheel acquisitions, and leveraging our global operating models. Most recently, he has been developing and leading the teams driving our global manufacturing and operating strategies across both segments and will maintain that oversight in the interim. Rick is a seasoned executive that brings both the depth of experience and discipline to help guide our Hydraulics segment as it grows into a billion-dollar business itself over time," said Josef Matosevic, Helios’ President and Chief Executive Officer, in the company's press release announcing Martich's appointment.

Rick Martich has been named President of Hydraulics, Americas.

AMETEK Acquires Bison Gear

AMETEK Inc. has acquired Bison Gear & Engineering Corp., a manufacturer of motion control solutions for a wide range of markets. Many of Bison's custom motion control solutions are used in demanding and high-precision applications including food and beverage, automation, and transportation.

"Bison is an excellent acquisition for AMETEK and a highly complementary fit with our motion control and automation solutions businesses. Their strong engineering expertise and broad product portfolio provides us with expanded capabilities and solution offerings serving attractive growth markets," said David A. Zapico, AMETEK Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, in the company's press release announcing the acquisition.

Headquartered in St. Charles, IL, Bison will become a part of AMETEK's Electromechanical Group (EMG) which supplies thermal management, automation and engineered solutions for a variety of applications and industries.

maxon Partners with MassRobotics on Drive Technology for Robots

maxon has formed a partnership with MassRobotics to support development of motion control technologies for robotics and other automation and manufacturing related applications.

Through the partnership, maxon will work together with MassRobotics and other companies, organizations and research entities to create technologies for a range of applications, with a focus on robotics. maxon brings its expertise in developing standard and customized products and validating processes along with supplier relationships.

"The growing demand within the automation space for robots to perform more complex tasks requires advanced controls and drive systems," said Tom Ryden, executive director, MassRobotics, in the press release announcing the new partnership. "MassRobotics’ partnership with maxon gives our startups and other partners access to global control technologies to help the robotics industry continue to advance motion-related hardware."

MassRobotics and maxon celebrate the forming of a new partnership to aid advancement of motion control technologies for robotics. From left to right: Colleen Anderson, Director of Community and Events at MassRobotics; Biren Patel, Business Development Manager at maxon; Debora Setters, National Marketing Manager at maxon; Carsten Horn, Application Engineering Manager at maxon; and Juan Necochea, Director of Strategic Partnerships at MassRobotics.

XCMG Launches New Mining Equipment

Chinese construction equipment manufacturer XCMG Machinery recently introduced three new machines for the mining sector, which is a key customer market for fluid power. The new machines include the XE690DK mining excavator, XDR80TE-AT autonomous electric dump truck, and XDE240 mining dump truck.

The unmanned XDR80TE-AT electric mining truck is equipped with advanced sensor technology, enabling safe fully autonomous operation.

XCMG said in its press release announcing the launch of the new machines that its XE690DK mining excavator features a power system designed to provide efficient performance as well as an energy savings.

The unmanned and electric XDR80TE-AT, winner of a 2023 iF Design Award, features no operator cab. Visual and acoustic sensors, laser radar, millimeter-wave radar as well as cameras ensure the machine is able to move about in a safe and productive manner.

The mining truck can be remotely controlled or use fully autonomous artificial intelligence (AI) control. For the latter, XCMG explained in its press release that the AI technology can automatically set the destination and plan the routes following the mining operation system's production schedule while enabling coordinated operation with other equipment regardless of their level of automation (or lack thereof).

XCMG's new XDE240 mining dump truck also features advanced sensor technology as well as navigation and positioning capabilities. A fleet of these machines have demonstrated their ability to enable fully unmanned operation.

To enable more automation of its machines, XCMG has employed use of 5G and digital twins, helping to make work within often dangerous mine sites safer and more productive.