Automation & Controls

Products • January 8, 2026

Machine tracking solution generates real-time machine analytics

The EZ-SmartTower from Lyndex-Nikken is a machine tracking solution that is designed to increase machine shop efficiency by streamlining ROI analysis of machine tools. The EZ-SmartTower provides real-time machine analytics, empowering businesses to make data-driven decisions and maximize productivity – with no specialized expertise required. The EZ-SmartTower enables machine shops to seamlessly monitor and analyze...

Articles • November 17, 2025

A Robotic Sanding Cell in ‘Putty Land’

AI-Driven Robot Tackles Tedious Sanding, Boosting Consistency and Efficiency

Products • October 24, 2025

Automation solution for light, unattended machining

The Sidekick from Methods Machine Tools Inc. pairs with any FANUC RoboDrill for light, unattended machining. Supported by FANUC CRX-10iA/L robot mounted to a standardized table design, the Sidekick holds up to 30 workpieces. The company says the Sidekick is ideal for those smaller shops looking to make their first leap into automation alongside the most trusted and proven vertical machining center in the industry.

News • October 8, 2025 • Dennis Spaeth

Fanuc CEO makes the case for automation at Mazak’s Discover 2025 event

Addressing a crowded room at Mazak Corp.'s Discover 2025 event on Oct. 7, FANUC America Corp. President Mike Cicco emphasized the growing role automation plays within shops that strive to maintain a competitive edge. Shops that implement automation solutions not only improve their productivity, he told attendees, they increase their flexibility to take on jobs big, small and anything in between.

News • September 9, 2025

Video: Universal Robots unveils new long Cobot at Fabtech

UR8 Long's extended reach, combined with coordinated multi-axis motion, allows for complex weldments at consistent quality. Motion performance optimization also delivers smoother movements at maximum speed to significantly enhance fast-paced bin picking.

Videos • June 25, 2025

ANCA at MT Series East (EASTEC) 2025

Sam Kirkpatrick, Senior Product Manager at ANCA, introduces AIMS Connect, a digital platform designed for CNC machinery that integrates with factory systems such as ERP and MES.

News • June 24, 2025 • Alan Richter

Hexagon Live Global 2025 Held in Las Vegas

The Hexagon Live Global conference returned to Las Vegas June 16–19, this time at the Fontainebleau resort and casino. This year marks a quarter century of measurement technology development for Stockholm, Sweden-headquartered Hexagon AB, following its 2001 acquisition of metrology tool manufacturer Brown & Sharpe, said Ola Rollén, chairman of the board.

Articles • June 18, 2025

Cobot Cuts Plasma Cutting Cycle Time

A collaborative robot integration slashed plasma cutting cycle times, boosting throughput and safety.

Articles • April 19, 2025 • Alan Richter

Next-gen Automation

Machine shops adopt intelligent, flexible systems to overcome labor gaps and streamline production.

Products • April 8, 2025

Swift-Cut XP + Precision 130

Swift-Cut, an ESAB brand, has introduced the ESAB Precision 130 high-precision plasma power source, which is now available as an option for its Swift-Cut XP heavy-duty plasma table.

Products • April 4, 2025

ArGo CAM Software for 5-Axis Lasers

BLM GROUP USA has announced the availability of ArGo — a scalable and customizable CAM programming software dedicated to 5-axis lasers.

Products • March 26, 2025

norelem 130K+ Standard Components Catalog Expansion

Components manufacturer, norelem Inc., said that has expanded its product range by adding 30,000 parts to its catalog.