Five New Developments in Robotics And Handling

Automation Five New Developments in Robotics and Handling

2025-10-09 From Jan Vollmuth | Translated by AI 3 min Reading Time

Related Vendors

SMC Deutschland GmbH

IEF-Werner GmbH

Aerotech GmbH

Beckhoff Automation GmbH & Co. KG

Hengstler GmbH

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From robot construction kits to absolute encoders and rotary tables: we present five new products from the robotics and handling sector.

The Atro modular industrial robot system enables robot solutions to be implemented that are precisely tailored to the application and seamlessly integrated into TwinCAT.(Image: Beckhoff Automation GmbH & Co. KG) — The Atro modular industrial robot system enables robot solutions to be implemented that are precisely tailored to the application and seamlessly integrated into TwinCAT.
(Image: Beckhoff Automation GmbH & Co. KG)

Robotics: Flexible Construction Kit for Modular Robotics

The future of robotics is modular—and with Atro (Automation Technology for Robotics), Beckhoff offers the appropriate implementation, now presented in series product design. As a complete solution, Atro offers a modular, flexible industrial robot system with internal media guidance and endless rotation in all axes, which is seamlessly integrated into the PC-based machine controller with TwinCAT. The (re)use of the same module types in different configurations also reduces warehousing costs and the number of spare parts.

Area Grippers: Additional Sizes And IO-Link Compatibility

With the IO-Link compatible variants in the sizes 12 x 7 inches and 8 x 5 inches and a weight of just 4.0 and 2.9 lbs respectively, the ZGS series area grippers expand the potential applications.(Image: SMC Germany GmbH) — With the IO-Link compatible variants in the sizes 12 x 7 inches and 8 x 5 inches and a weight of just 4.0 and 2.9 lbs respectively, the ZGS series area grippers expand the potential applications.
(Image: SMC Germany GmbH)

Vacuum-operated area grippers attached to robots are often used for the efficient transportation of products packed in cartons, for example. SMC offers the ZGS series for this purpose: a surface gripper with foam suction cup that combines all the components of a vacuum generator unit in one device. SMC has now added two even more compact versions to the series, which are also compatible with IO-Link. The sizes 12 x 7 inches and 8 x 5 inches have now been added. The all-in-one solution includes all other components of the vacuum generator unit and still weighs just 8.6 lbs.

Absolute Encoder: Design of Highly Efficient Robots

The Acuro AD37 is the flagship of Hengstler's absolute encoders.(Image: Hengstler GmbH) — The Acuro AD37 is the flagship of Hengstler's absolute encoders.
(Image: Hengstler GmbH)

Industrial robots and cobots must work with high precision in order to fulfill their demanding tasks. The absolute encoders in Hengstler's Acuro series meet these requirements: They detect the position of robot axes with the highest accuracy. and even enable precise position determination without prior calibration at a reference point when switched off. The Acuro AD37 and Acuro AD58S also meet the SIL3 criteria and Performance Level e (PLe), Category 3 (in accordance with EN ISO 13849). The encoders are therefore ideal for robots and cobots.

Hexapods: Miniature Hexapods for High-Precision Applications

HEX150-125HL (left) vs. HEX150-140HL (right)—lower height, fewer cables and more power.(Image: Aerotech) — HEX150-125HL (left) vs. HEX150-140HL (right)—lower height, fewer cables and more power.
(Image: Aerotech)

With the HEX-150-125-HL, Aerotech is launching the latest generation of its hexapod technology onto the market. The compact six-axis positioner combines precise movements with high load capacity and simple integration. The optimized design also offers excellent repeatability and minimal increments down to the nanometer range. The HEX-150-125-HL was developed for maximum precision in the smallest positioning space. Its sophisticated design with simplified cabling and improved kinematics enables first-class dynamics and accuracy. With a maximum payload of 26.5 lbs and movement ranges of up to 1.2 inches linear or 30° rotational per axis, the miniature hexapod is suitable for demanding industrial and scientific applications. Thanks to its robust, rigid parallel kinematic design, it is particularly robust and ideal for automation solutions. Users from industries such as electronics, photonics, automotive, mechanical engineering and medical technology benefit from its high precision and dynamics—especially in quality assurance and measurement technology.

Rotary Table: Manual Rotation

The smaller MDV 80/100 (right) is suitable for dynamic applications. On the left, the larger MDV 100/140—both with handwheel.(Image: IEF-Werner GmbH) — The smaller MDV 80/100 (right) is suitable for dynamic applications. On the left, the larger MDV 100/140—both with handwheel.
(Image: IEF-Werner GmbH)

IEF-Werner now also offers its largest NC rotary table in the portfolio, the DT 160/200, as a manual version. This model is therefore suitable for applications in which the operator only rarely has to change the position and the more expensive motorized version would not be worthwhile. Since its market launch, the new MDV 160/200 has also been frequently used for preliminary tests or, for example, at the start of a project to verify processes. If required, the manual rotary actuator can be retrofitted with a motor at any time, as the housing is identical and the handwheel can be easily replaced with a gearbox with a flange-mounted motor. The maximum input torque is 3.0 Nm and the maximum output torque is 80 Nm. With a width of 6.3 inches, a height of 7.9 inches and a depth of 3.5 inches, the MDV 160/200 weighs 21.6 lbs.

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Automation Five New Developments in Robotics and Handling

Robotics: Flexible Construction Kit for Modular Robotics

Area Grippers: Additional Sizes And IO-Link Compatibility

Absolute Encoder: Design of Highly Efficient Robots

Hexapods: Miniature Hexapods for High-Precision Applications

Rotary Table: Manual Rotation

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