When you walk into a show like Automate, you expect big things: robots moving like clockwork, collaborating with humans, and quietly competing for your attention. The biggest robotics event of the year brings together thousands of engineers, manufacturers, and people enthusiastic about the future of automation, many of them looking for motion solutions that are smarter, more flexible, and easier to implement. For us, it was an opportunity to contribute to that conversation and show how we’re approaching those same goals.
At our booth, we featured our LoPro® RTU paired with a Wisecarver Automation control cabinet, which included a Sanyo-Denki servo drive and motor. This setup was configured to interface with Universal Robots via URCaps, allowing for full pendant-level control of the 7th axis using Polyscope software.
What drew a lot of discussion was how this system handled synchronized and independent motion, giving users flexibility in how they manage robot and RTU coordination. A few attendees were especially interested in the real-time feedback loop, E-stop integration, and how the direct EtherCAT interface cuts down on complexity for deployment.
Session Spotlight: Lenson Wong on 7th Axis RTUs
Lenson Wong, VP of Wisecarver Automation, gave a talk that resonated with many in the room. His focus was on the practical side of deploying 7th axis robot transfer units (RTUs), not just what’s technically possible, but what matters most when you're on a deadline or trying to retrofit within tight layout constraints.
He broke down the design considerations around payload capacity, repeatability, cabling, and software integration, using real-world examples to ground the discussion. The session added helpful context to what we were showing on the floor and helped frame why a thoughtful approach to RTUs can make or break cycle times in collaborative systems.
Telescopic UtiliTrak®: For When Space is Limited
We also brought along our Telescopic UtiliTrak®, a relatively new concept designed for applications where space is tight, but range of motion still matters. It’s built to deliver long travel from a compact retracted state, and it’s been getting interest from teams working on enclosed automation cells, clean environments, and high-load equipment where minimizing the system footprint is key. It comes in three configurations (Over-Under, Back-to-Back, and Front-to-Front), which let users tailor the layout to their available envelope and loading conditions. We received a lot of good questions about how this solution fits into custom machine designs and what kind of support we offer for integration.
Other Places You Might Have Spotted Our Tech
Outside of our booth, several automation leaders showcased demos built on our motion systems:
➔ Bogen’s Booth included an ECO60™ actuator paired with a Bogen encoder, a compact setup designed for clean, accurate work.
➔ Bosch Rexroth’s Conveyor System used DualVee® size 2 wheels and track to demonstrate low-noise, low-maintenance motion in continuous transport applications.
➔ At Beckhoff’s Booth, HepcoMotion’s GFX system was featured in an XTS demo. As the exclusive North American partner for Hepco, we were glad to see their platform used to explore weight capacity and dynamic motion within the XTS framework.
Thanks to everyone who stopped by, asked questions, or spotted our components in action around the floor. We’re proud to be part of the community shaping what’s next in automation. We’ll be at Automate 2026, and we’re using what we learned this year to help guide what we bring to the table next… Will we see you next year?
