Conversations on the role Physical AI will play on shop floors across manufacturing took place at every stop I made during the Automate Show in Chicago. Robots—in addition to literally doing the heavy lifting—are now being asked to independently learn from experiences and discover solutions without the assistance of human programmers. At the Universal Robots (Teradyne Robotics) booth, I was treated to some amazing force sensing applications that led to a discussion on a recent gearbox assembly use case between AICA (a partner of UR) and Schaeffler that tapped robots to assemble gearboxes.
An excerpt from Gear Technology Solutions by Dr. Hermann J. Stadtfeld exploring the mathematics behind conjugate bevel and hypoid gears—from the fundamental laws of gearing and the conditions for perfect conjugacy to why real-world power transmissions require deliberate crowning rather than theoretically exact conjugate designs.
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Through loaded tooth contact analysis of two applications, this paper demonstrates that crown gears can match bevel gear load capacity while offering meaningful advantages in weight reduction, axial-force-free pinion mounting, and assembly simplicity.
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20NiMo9-7 alloy achieves up to 48 percent higher fatigue strength than conventional carburizing steels in the as-carburized condition, eliminating the need for shot peening and grinding in automotive gear applications.
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This article demonstrates why bevel gears are designed with a zero sum of profile shifts—showing that independent shifts merely replicate what a modified pressure angle already achieves—and explains the practical benefits of using conical generating gears for tooth profile crowning.
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For cylindrical gears, speed-increasing transmission stages are well known, and regarding profile shift, preferred pressure angles, and helix angles a set of rules applies, which is not much different from the rules for speed reducers. It is important to acknowledge that basically, a speed increaser has to be designed just like a speed reducer, but then the gear with the lower number of teeth is the output. Of course, the torque and the speed of the gear with the lower number of teeth (output) and the gear with the higher number of teeth (input) must be the same as if this transmission was used as a speed reducer. In the case of straight bevel gears, spiral bevel gears, and hypoid gears the same rules apply with some additions. Spiral bevel gears have many applications as speed increasers.
When you talk with Jared Lyford, director of operations at Forest City Gear and the newly appointed president of the Rock River Valley Tooling & Machining Association (RRVTMA), it becomes clear very quickly: workforce development isn’t a program for him. It’s a calling—and one shaped by lived experience.
In conventional gear manufacturing, quality control is carried out for a number of pieces per batch. Most parts enter final gearbox assembly without any inspection. Among other things, this approach is based on two facts: measuring time is significantly longer than the machining time, and the limited measuring capacity available.
Since I have had the privilege of visiting numerous gear plants and research centers in the U.S., as well as 170 in 33 countries, and I closely watch the progression of technology, I wanted to share my observations about some technological advancements. For the purpose of this article, I will focus on three key areas: Robotics, Machine Tools, and Heat Treating.
The demand for double helical gears in planetary gear systems for engines in the civil aerospace industry is increasing. Innovative grinding processes and state-of-the-art technologies ensure precision, reduced weight, and improved cost efficiency. Learn how KAPP NILES reduced the gap width from 30 mm to 15 mm.
Discover four diagnostic enhancement tools that move RX® endothermic gas atmosphere generator operations from preventative to predictive maintenance. Learn how monitoring dew point by retort, comparing equal flow, tracking tube performance, and measuring outlet temperatures prevent costly failures while ensuring consistent, high-quality carrier gas production.
The right hob can make a measurable difference in gear production. Watch the video to see how Star SU combines advanced hob technology with application expertise to help manufacturers get more from every gear cutting operation.
The Intra SFTX twin-spindle single-flank testing system is engineered for advanced gear quality testing and NVH analysis of demanding e-drive gear applications. Combining Transmission Error (TE) and Torsional Acceleration (TA) measurements, it delivers fast, precise diagnostics and detailed order analysis, quickly identifies critical gear issues, enhances traceability, and helps prevent costly defects from reaching end-of-line (EOL) testing.
The 80PS Power Skiving and Hobbing Machine is specifically engineered for power skiving, hobbing, and profile milling of small internal and external gears. Configured specifically for the demands of humanoid robotic gear production, it delivers outstanding performance and process stability for gears used in strain wave, planetary, and cycloidal gearboxes, as well as other high-precision applications of comparable size — even when machining fine-pitch gears and thin-walled components.
Kapp Technologies L.P., the North American subsidiary of the Kapp Niles Group, has taken a significant step toward strengthening its domestic manufacturing capabilities. The company has successfully launched in-house production of diamond dressing tools at its Boulder, Colorado facility — marking a major milestone in its U.S.-based operations.
At IMTS 2026, ANCA will demonstrate a connected regrinding workflow bringing together the ANCA MX7 ULTRA, ZOLLER genius measuring technology, and AIMS Connect software to help manufacturers extend tool life, reduce carbide consumption and gain greater control over the regrinding process.
Kennametal Inc. announced it will bring the modern manufacturing ecosystem to life at IMTS 2026 with the Next Level Shop, an immersive experience featuring appearances of WIDIA brand ambassador Carey Hart, a live custom motorcycle build, and the latest machining and digital manufacturing technologies designed to help manufacturers improve productivity.
Dec 8, 2026 - Dec 9, 2026
CTI Symposium Berlin offers active discussions on the latest technologies and strategies on automotive transmissions and HEV & EV drives for passenger cars and commercial vehicles. At CTI Symposium Berlin, more than 650 senior experts and decisionmakers from OEMs, Tier 1 suppliers, technology companies, and research institutions come together to discuss the latest developments in electrified drivetrains, hybrid technologies, energy systems, software integration, and future mobility strategies.
Sep 22, 2026 - Sep 23, 2026
Oct 12, 2026 - Oct 14, 2026
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