July 21, 2026

Iris Dynamics at Automate 2026

Linear Motion, Made Simple

This June, Iris Dynamics headed to Chicago for our fifth appearance at Automate 2026. We went all out this year with a brand-new booth design and four distinct demonstration showcasing how our ORCA™ Smart Linear Motors are driving the future of linear motion. We loved connecting with everyone who stopped by to explore our technology, ask questions, and share their own unique application stories. Thank you for making this our best Automate yet!

If you missed us at the show, don't worry: we documented our highlights to give you a front-row seat to each demonstration.

This year's demonstrations featured an interactive demo station and a rugged cable bend test, both powered by our brand-new ORCA-EIP™ EtherNet/IP device. The ORCA-EIP is our latest product release - a hardware solution born directly from customer feedback. You asked for a dedicated device to bring EtherNet/IP connectivity to your ORCA Motor communication, and we listened! To celebrate the launch, we offered machine builders, integrators, and OEMs an exclusive opportunity to take home a free ORCA-EIP device. Our entire lineup continues to deliver high-performance motion control solutions, boasting advanced force and position sensing, low maintenance, and true industrial reliability.

Download the Documentation | ORCA-EIP™ Automate 2026 Trifold Brochure

The ORCA-EIP interface provides a streamlined industrial networking solution, bringing EtherNet/IP communication to your motion control system. Its robust, low-maintenance hardware is engineered to integrate advanced motor logic, diagnostics, and real-time control data directly into your existing factory architecture.

Multiple Tri-fold brochures showing the ORCA-EIP and associated information

DOWNLOAD THE PDF

FEATURED DEMONSTRATIONS

Introducing: ORCA-EIP™

PRODUCTS USED: ORCA-EIP™

Last month, Iris Dynamics launched the ORCA-EIP™: an EtherNet/IP motor interface built exclusively for ORCA motors. At Automate 2026, we showcased two brand-new demos that demonstrate how ORCA-EIP offers seamless, real-time communication between motor and PLC.

Cable Bend Test

PRODUCTS USED: ORCA-3-12V, ORCA-6-24V, ORCA-EIP

Discover how effectively you can execute demanding cyclical fatigue testing using ORCA Motors to actively test their own cables. In this demonstration, the ORCA Motor's integrated force feedback and sensing capabilities monitor every movement, allowing you to validate component longevity in high-wear test and measurement applications. Operating two ORCA-3-12V and two ORCA-6-24V motors simultaneously, the system utilizes our new ORCA-EIP™ device to streamline all four axes to precisely manage positions, velocities, and accelerations through the entire cycle.

Direct PLC Connectivity: ORCA-EIP Demonstration

PRODUCTS USED: ORCA-3-36V & ORCA-15-48V

See how seamlessly you can coordinate multiple motion axes across your factory floor using our new ORCA-EIP device to drive real-time industrial synchronization. In this demonstration, the ORCA-EIP handles high-speed communication across a network for two ORCA-3 and two ORCA-6 motors, allowing you to orchestrate complex automation sequences without missing a beat. Operating with absolute synchronization, the motors transition effortlessly from perfectly simultaneous tracking to precise, sequential movements - leveraging the advance network capabilities of the EtherNet/IP protocol to manage intricate velocity profiles and guarantee flawless, highly repeatable precision over time.

Discover Force Feedback: Linear Actuator Demonstration Station

PRODUCTS USED: ORCA-3-36V & ORCA-15-48V

The ORCA Motor demonstration station showcases advanced multi-mode motion control. Operating alongside the IO SmartHub™, these motors utilize basic digital or analog inputs to execute diverse control strategies, including Force, Position, Kinematic, and Haptic modes. Purpose-built for engineering versatility, the ORCA motor seamlessly transition from delivering highly repeatable, smooth linear motion to simulating physical variable such as vibration, inertia, dampers, and springs.

Pneumatic Replacement Demo

PRODUCTS USED: ORCA-3-36V

See how effortlessly you can swap out loud, high-maintenance pneumatics for a seamless, drop-in electric alternative powered by our newest ORCA motor. In this demonstration, the IO SmartHub intercepts the exact digital signals driving the two pneumatic solenoids, allowing you to upgrade without altering or reprogramming your active PLC systems. Operating in kinematic mode, the ORCA motor outpaces traditional pneumatics by automatically adapting to system changes and mechanical wear - guaranteeing consistent, long-term performance.