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TechnologiesNew ProductsAutomated Assembly Systems

New & Noteworthy

New Automation Products Emphasize Compact, High-Load Performance

By John Sprovieri
Bosch CKR-280 heavy-duty linear axis
Image: Bosch Rexroth
January 28, 2026

Several new products highlight recent innovations across industrial automation, focusing on compact design and higher load capacity. 

Bosch Rexroth’s CKR-280 dual-belt axis combines two independently driven linear carriages in a single frame. The drylin® SLX-8060 linear axis from igus is a ready-to-install lead screw system designed to handle heavy axial loads without external lubrication. Festo’s VTUX consolidates multiple valve terminal platforms into a single, modular system. Meanwhile, Zimmer Group has expanded its gripper series with new sizes and long-stroke variants. 

Together, they show how manufacturers are addressing space constraints, productivity demands and system flexibility.

 

High-Payload Dual-Carriage Linear Motion

The CKR-280 is a heavy-duty linear axis that combines the functions of two axes into one system. It can move loads up to 770 kilograms total, or 385 kilograms per carriage. The dual belt axis supports speeds up to 5 meters per second, accelerations up to 5 g, and drive torques up to 250 newton-meters, with a repeatability of ±0.05 millimeter. It can be utilized as a single axis or combined with other linear axes into a multi-axis system, with the option to also include a drive package.

Bosch Rexroth
www.boschrexroth.com

 

Maintenance-Free Lead Screw Linear Axis

drylin SLX-8060 ready-to-install linear axis

Image: Igus

The drylin® SLX-8060 is a ready-to-install linear axis equipped with a dryspin® lead screw drive for heavy-duty, self-lubricating applications. The corrosion-resistant system can handle axial loads of up to 600 kilograms and can be mounted directly to aluminum construction profiles without pre-drilled holes. With installation size 16, the SLX-8060 achieves stroke lengths of up to 1,000 millimeters and supports axial loads of up to 1,250 newtons and radial loads of up to 5,000 newtons. In a laboratory setting, it demonstrated a lifespan of over 113,000 cycles across 23,500 operating hours. 

Igus
www.igus.com

 

Modular Pneumatic Valve Platform with AP Communication

Festo VTUX modular pneumatic valve platform

Image: Festo Corp.

The VTUX consolidates the advantages and functions of three classic valve terminals into one: the CPV, MPA-L/S and VTUG. In addition, the AP-I and AP-A communication system enables open architectures and the integration of electrical and pneumatic automation. The remote I/O system CPX-AP-A with IP65/67 protection enables real-time communication via Ethernet-based fieldbus. The lightweight design of the VTUX allows it to be used on the front-end unit, a gantry or robot arm. This enables short and efficient compressed air lines.

Looking for quick answers on assembly and manufacturing topics? Try Ask ASM, our new smart AI search tool. Ask ASM →

Festo Corp.
www.festo.com

 

Compact Pneumatic Grippers with Extended Stroke Options

compact pneumatic grippers from Zimmer Group

Image: Zimmer Group

Zimmer Group has expanded its GPD5000AL and GPP5000AL gripper series with new sizes. The new GPP5025AL size for two-jaw parallel grippers and the new GPD5016AL three-jaw centric gripper fill existing gaps in the size range. These pneumatic grippers use aluminum profile groove guides to provide precise, stable motion with low wear.  Long-stroke variants in the GPP5000AL series deliver up to 60 percent greater stroke at the same size, allowing for larger gripping ranges while reducing overall gripper size and weight.

Zimmer Group
www.zimmer-group.com

KEYWORDS: assembly machine factory automation flexible assembly

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John has been with ASSEMBLY magazine since February 1997. John was formerly with a national medical news magazine, and has written for Pathology Today and the Green Bay Press-Gazette. John holds a B.A. in journalism from Northwestern University, Medill School of Journalism.

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