Automate is North America’s largest showcase of automation technology, held this year at Detroit's Huntington Place with over 800 exhibitors and tens of thousands of attendees. Here are some new product launches showcased at the event:
Piab piCLASSIC™ Neo: Compact Power for High-Performance Vacuum Handling
The piCLASSIC™ Neo by Piab isn’t just a refresh—it’s a leap forward in vacuum technology. With a significantly smaller footprint and enhanced energy efficiency, this platform delivers big performance in tight spaces.
What’s new:
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High performance in a compact design
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Multiple installation interfaces for flexible integration
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Energy-saving modes for handling both porous (cardboard) and sealed (plastic, sheet metal) materials
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Patent-pending design focused on user-friendly maintenance and long operational life
In a world where uptime and efficiency are everything, the piCLASSIC™ Neo is engineered to reduce waste and maximize throughput. Think smarter suction, with less energy and less hassle.
UR15: Universal Robots’ Fastest Cobot Ever
Speed meets payload with the all-new UR15. This 6th-generation robot from Universal Robots pushes collaborative automation into new territory, combining strength, speed, and reach.
Key specs:
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Payload: 15 kg (up to 17.5 kg in certain wrist-down applications)
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Reach: 1300 mm (same as the UR10e)
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Speed:
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Wrist: 300°/s
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Elbow: 240°/s
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Base/Shoulder: 180°/s
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Where it shines:
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Dual gripper machine tending
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High-speed pick-and-place
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Fast regrip and reorientation
If your applications demand agility without compromising safety or precision, the UR15 could be the game-changer your production line needs.
80/20 Guarding System: Build Smarter Safety Barriers, Fast
The entire automation cell was enclosed in a guarding system made from 80/20 T-slot aluminum framing. This modular system allows for fast assembly and easy reconfiguration, making it a top choice for integrators who need to balance safety and accessibility. The guarding provided a clean, professional appearance while meeting safety compliance requirements.
Phoenix Contact VL3 UPC Edge: Virtual PLCnext, Real Possibilities
Forget racking your PLCs—Phoenix Contact is ushering in the next generation of industrial control with their VL3 UPC Edge device running a virtualized PLCnext environment.
Why it’s a big deal:
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Soft PLC with the same open-source power and IEC 61131 compatibility as PLCnext
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Built-in Windows 10 IoT Enterprise OS
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Edge computing ready for advanced analytics and cloud integration
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Virtual controller access to the same engineering tools you're used to
You can build, deploy, and maintain powerful automation systems with fewer boxes, more flexibility, and a seamless IT/OT bridge. It’s ideal for smart factories aiming to scale fast without being locked into traditional hardware.
PHD Remote Drive: Precise Linear Motion
The PHD Remote Drive is part of a broader movement in modular motion—enabling precise, programmable actuation without bulky onboard motors or controls.
Why you’ll love it:
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Simplified cable management by locating the motor and drive away from the actuator
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Plug-and-play design for easy system integration
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Compatible with leading motion controllers
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Reduces heat and size at the point of actuation
This is perfect for compact work cells, clean environments, or applications where space is at a premium. Think smarter mechanical design, with fewer compromises.
Zebra Aurora VGR Assistant: Vision-Guided Robotics Made Simple
Also featured at Automate 2025 was a collaborative demo in the Zebra Technologies booth, developed with support from NEFF Automation. This application showcased Zebra’s new Aurora VGR Assistant software—a vision-guided robotics solution designed to simplify robotic pick-and-place tasks in manufacturing environments. The software runs on a single controller that simultaneously manages the robot and instructs the vision system on what to capture. In this demo, a robot sorted AA, AAA, and C batteries based on polarity using Zebra’s machine vision camera, then placed them into designated trays. The system included a custom dashboard that monitored polarity checks and final inspection, highlighting the software’s intuitive interface and smart automation capabilities.
For a closer look, watch our recap video below: