As laboratory automation and diagnostic equipment become more compact and increasingly dense, robot selection is no longer driven solely by reach and payload. Space constraints often dictate machine architecture just as much as performance requirements. Engineers need robots that can operate efficiently in tight spaces without sacrificing speed, payload, or flexibility.
Welcome to Oriental Motor's "Engineering Notes" Blog:
Products and technology are only valuable when coupled with skilled people and services to support them. Since 1978, ORIENTAL MOTOR U.S.A. CORP. has been building a service and support system to better serve customers. It is our goal to provide the best product and service from the design phase, through the sale and beyond.
Our blog will feature:
- Introduction to new products and technologies
- Motion control basics and application examples
- Tips for motor selection, programming, and troubleshooting
How the OVR Series SCARA Robots Improve Design, Accessibility, and Throughput for Laboratory Automation
Topics: Robotics, Absolute Positioning, VIDEOS, Application Examples, Medical
How to Build a Better Multi-Axis Automated Screw Tightening System with Electric Linear Actuators
Automating screw tightening is no longer just about speeding up assembly; it’s also about ensuring consistent quality, reducing defects, and enabling scalable production. For automation engineers, one of the most effective architectures for achieving this is a multi-axis Cartesian system that combines precise positioning, controlled pressing, and accurate torque delivery.
In this article, we’ll walk you through how a 4-axis automated screw tightening machine can be built using electric linear actuators, and how Oriental Motor’s integrated motor and actuator solutions can simplify designs while improving performance.
Topics: Robotics, Absolute Positioning, Alphastep Hybrid Control, Linear Actuators, VIDEOS, Application Examples, XYZ/Cartesian/Gantry, Case Studies
All-in-One Hybrid Step-Servo Solution for Compact Precision Automation
Modern automation increasingly demands higher reliability, faster time-to-build, and easier scalability in a smaller package. If you’ve ever wished you had an easy button for motion control, Oriental Motor’s αSTEP Hybrid Step-Servo AZ Series product family lets you build your own compact, modular motion control solution by choosing off-the-shelf products.
Topics: Stepper Motors, Absolute Positioning, Alphastep Hybrid Control, Linear Actuators, VIDEOS, Product Introductions
Boosting Throughput with Omnidirectional Motion: Introducing Full 360° Type SCARA Robots
In high-volume manufacturing, every second matters. Although traditional SCARA robots have been a staple in assembly and material handling, their limited rotational range can often cause delays that can keep them from maximizing throughput.
Topics: Robotics, Absolute Positioning, Alphastep Hybrid Control, VIDEOS, Application Examples, Product Introductions
Why Electromagnetic Brake Type Motors are Necessary for the Medical Industry
Topics: AC Motors, Stepper Motors, Robotics, Absolute Positioning, Linear Actuators, VIDEOS, BLDC Motors, Vertical Lifts, Application Examples, Service Life, Medical, Laboratory, Incremental Positioning
OVR Series: A Family of Easy-to-Use Small Industrial Robots
Interested in compact industrial robots to transfer small parts but not sure where to start? Learn how Oriental Motor's compact and easy-to-use small industrial robots, robot controllers, and software can help simplify robotic automation.
Topics: Stepper Motors, Robotics, Absolute Positioning, Alphastep Hybrid Control, Linear Actuators, VIDEOS, Software, Application Examples, Product Introductions, XYZ/Cartesian/Gantry
AZX Series: Servo Motors with Mechanical Absolute Encoders
This article introduces the key innovations of the powerful AZX Series, which is a uniquely different servo motor and driver system designed to be easier to use and more cost-effective than traditional servo motor systems.
Topics: Absolute Positioning, VIDEOS, Servo Motors, Product Introductions
Stepper Motor Linear Actuator Attachment: Easily Convert Stepper Motors to Linear Actuators
The popularity of micro linear actuators has been steadily increasing, driven by the need to increase productivity in confined spaces. To help meet the demand of the miniaturization trend, Oriental Motor has developed a compact linear actuator that can be attached to an off-the-shelf stepper motor.
Topics: Stepper Motors, Robotics, Absolute Positioning, Linear Actuators, VIDEOS, Application Examples, Product Introductions, Medical, Incremental Positioning
Gearhead Selection for Stepper Motors
Selecting a gearhead for a stepper motor is like picking out the right shoes for the occasion. Sure, you can wear Air Jordans on a football field, but they're not better than a pair of regular cleats. Similarly, you can use a harmonic gearhead to drive a unidirectional conveyor, but you may be overpaying for its zero-backlash capability when you don't have to. Picking the right gearhead can ensure the best balance between performance and budget.
Topics: Stepper Motors, Absolute Positioning, Alphastep Hybrid Control, Motor Sizing, Gearheads, Motion Control Basics, Incremental Positioning
Case Study: How a Compact Electric Gripper Can Help with Articulated Robots
An end effector, such as an electric gripper, is an essential part of industrial robots. More importantly, using the right gripper for the load being transferred prevents damage while improving automation efficiency. In this article, we share how one system integrator has successfully adopted an electric gripper for one of their articulated robots.
Topics: Robotics, Absolute Positioning, Alphastep Hybrid Control, Linear Actuators, VIDEOS, Application Examples, Medical, Food & Packaging, Case Studies, Factory Automation