TECHNOLOGY n 21 www.drivesncontrols.com September 2026 THE NORWEGIAN FRAMELESS motors specialist Alva Industries has developed a series of motors specifically for geared applications and actuator systems. Using its proprietary FiberPrinting manufacturing technology, the GearTorq motors introduce a new form factor designed to maximise the available length in geared actuation designs. The new motors are longer than Alva's existing SlimTorq series, allowing engineers to create smaller and more power-dense actuators. The combination of a compact outer form factor and a large inner diameter allows gear sets to be mounted inside the motor, rather than in series as is done conventionally. This helps to optimise the packaging while maintaining high performance. The new motors provide high torque densities and peak torque levels, without torque saturation. Together, these result in compact, power-dense motors for a wide range of geared applications. Initially, the motors are available with outer diameters of 39, 64 and 88mm. There is a choice of winding options, and the motors can be customised. Alva’s FiberPrinting technology allows continuous winding of stator mats for ironless and slotless rotary and linear motors. The technique maximises copper fill factors and enables precise customisation of a motor’s size and stator configuration, resulting in the optimal combination of torque-density and precision in any size or form factor. It can result in motors with thin footprints, that offer high efficiencies, torque densities and reliability. Earlier this year, the Korean electronic components developer, Samsung Electro-Mechanics, made a multi-million-euro investment in Alva, giving it access to a motor technology that it could use in applications such as robotic hands and humanoid platforms. The two companies are collaborating on developing actuation systems for robotics. www.alvaindustries.com NOVARC TECHNOLOGIES, A CANADIAN COMPANY which applies physical AI to welding automation, has joined forces with the US arc welding equipment manufacturer, Miller Electric, to develop a system that brings robotic welding to applications that have previously been difficult to automate due to issues such as part variation, fit-up inconsistencies and tack welds, and the challenges associated with large, complex fabrications. Many fabrication jobs are currently beyond the reach of conventional automation because weld conditions are not always predictable. The jointly developed Copilot Builder with Blue iQ uses adaptive intelligence to react continuously to weld variations in real time, helping fabricators to take on more applications without needing extensive reprogramming or expensive fixtures. “The value of automation is well established, but many fabrication applications have remained difficult to address with conventional systems where conditions aren’t always predictable,” explains Miller’s business unit director, Sam Harvey. “Fabricators need solutions that fit the realities of their operations, where part fit-up, joint conditions and production demands can change from one job to the next. “With Copilot Builder with Blue iQ, the system can adapt to variation as it occurs, helping manufacturers to automate a broader range of welding applications, improve productivity and make better use of their skilled workforce, while maintaining the flexibility their operations demand.” “Fabricators supplying data centres, shipbuilding, energy infrastructure and heavy equipment are facing a growing shortage of skilled welders, programmers and challenges related to part variability in their robotic welding operations,” adds Novarc’s co-founder and CEO, Soroush Karimzadeh. “Harnessing our vast amount of welding data, we are excited to bring our physical AI platform to the Copilot Builder to solve these robotic welding challenges. NovAI, our AI-powered computer vision solution, performs real-time adaptive welding with no prior joint scanning.” The Copilot Builder is integrated with Novarc’s centralised enterprise welding intelligence platform called NovHub, which brings visibility to robotic and mechanised welding operations by connecting weld data, video, process parameters and production records. This extends the system's capabilities by converting production data into actionable insights. The welding system can be mounted on horizontal, vertical or inverted surfaces to accommodate different workspaces and parts geometries, and to integrate with existing workflows. Remote operation helps improve safety by allowing operators to work away from heat and fumes, while integrated data supports continuous process improvement over time. www.novarctech.com www.millerwelds.com/ en-us/automation/ welding-automation-systems/copilot Physical AI helps to automate welding jobs that could not be tackled before The robotic welding system adapts to changing fabrication conditions Frameless motors result in small, power-dense geared actuators Alva’s GearTorq motors can fit gears inside them
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