Tools and tech: New industry products from Sonair, Corvus Robotics, Milwaukee Tool, and more
Let’s talk tech. Manufacturing is evolving faster than ever, and staying ahead means keeping up with the latest tools and innovations. Every day, companies roll out new solutions designed to boost efficiency, but sorting through the flood of product announcements can be overwhelming. That’s why the editors of Plant Services and New Equipment Digest have handpicked a few standout tools that are truly changing the game.
Güdel’s CoboMover and Modular Track System enhance robotic efficiency by enabling collaborative and lightweight industrial robots to traverse multiple workstations. CoboMover extends robot reach up to 16.4 ft with high speed and precision, supporting payloads up to 172 lb and compatibility with over 60 robot models. The track system uses a toothed belt drive with HPG045 gearbox and offers stroke lengths from 39 to 197 in. Also demoed was a modular air-bearing track system that levitates a 3,800 lb load using just 5 psi for reconfigurable workspace layouts.
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Sonair’s ADAR 3D Ultrasonic Sensor uses airborne sound waves and beamforming technology to deliver omnidirectional 3D perception for autonomous robots. With a 180 x 180-degree field of view and 16.4 ft detection range, it ensures safety in human-robot environments by detecting people and obstacles in real time. Its compact form factor, low power requirements, and upcoming PL d/SIL2 certification make it ideal for mobile robot platforms. The sensor is set to ship in July 2025 for next-gen robot safety systems.
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Corvus Robotics’ Corvus One is a fully autonomous drone system for lights-out warehouse inventory audits without GPS, Wi-Fi, or markers. The drones scan and count pallets in narrow aisles using AI-based vision to decode barcodes even in low light. With a Robot as a Service model and fast, infrastructure-free deployment, the system improves inventory accuracy and boosts labor productivity. Compatible with or without WMS, it exports data in common formats and continuously upgrades via the cloud.
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Southwest Research Institute’s SWORD Plugin simplifies robot programming by converting 3D CAD simulations into ROS-compatible robotic motion plans. Built for FreeCAD, SWORD enables engineers to simulate, plan, and execute robotic tasks using visual tools and joint sliders, without traditional code. The software supports complex motion planning, collision avoidance, and integrates commercial path planners for custom behavior pipelines. It’s a powerful solution for CAD-fluent manufacturing professionals adopting robotic automation.
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Milwaukee Tool’s M18 Fuel 9 Gallon Dust Extractor combines dual HEPA filtration, automatic filter cleaning, and cordless operation for efficient dust control on job sites. With VACLINK wireless control, OSHA Table 1 compliance, and compatibility with PACKOUT storage, the unit meets the demands of concrete, drywall, and woodworking trades. The extractor provides up to 175 CFM when corded and up to 78 minutes runtime on dual batteries in MAX RUN-TIME mode. Included accessories and ONE-KEY tracking make it a versatile, intelligent job-site solution.
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Check out the latest industrial products on New Equipment Digest
New Equipment Digest (NED) showcases products designed for use across the manufacturing industry—from OEM components to design software, from floormats to robots, from maintenance supplies to 3D printers, and everything in between. NED also offers critical articles and insights on implementation and investment strategies for new equipment, case studies, key equipment trends, and R&D breakthroughs that drive the equipment market forward.