Get a grip on the automation of tomorrow

Precisely fitting drives for robotics

Mechatronic gripping systems can easily achieve the performance of their pneumatic counterparts thanks to brushless DC-motors with a diameter of only 22 mm and an integrated motion controller. (Copyright: Schunk)

Today, a world without robots is inconceivable. The areas of application that require process safety, reliability and economic efficiency from these robots are equally manifold. The drive systems from FAULHABER (see company box) play a major role in fulfilling these requirements, and they continue to impress with their durability and performance in a robust and compact design. Due to these features, the drive systems can be used in a wide range of applications, from sewer robots and remote-controlled manipulators to robots for handling and logistics to surgical applications or prostheses. Whether high dynamics or precise positioning are needed, with its extensive range of products with more than 25 million possible combinations of microdrives, optical, magnetic or absolute encoders as well as speed and motion controllers with various interfaces, FAULHABER almost always has the perfect solution. At the same time, this technological construction kit is the basis upon which application-specific custom requests are realised, thus facilitating the further evolution of robotics.

The TORU logistics robot combines autonomous driving and handling robotics. The goods are removed from the rack using negative pressure. A metal tongue closes the gap between the bottom of the shelf and the logistics robot before the vacuum is applied. Brushless DC-servomotors from FAULHABER are used to extend the tongue and move the gripper arm. (Copyright: Magazino)

Gripping without compressed air
In the past, small grippers that are both fast and powerful were always pneumatic. Because with compressed air, large amounts of pressure can be conveyed virtually without any time lag. But the elaborate infrastructure that was required for pneumatics is no longer needed today. Mechatronic gripping systems can now easily achieve the performance of their pneumatic counterparts thanks to brushless DC-motors with a diameter of only 22 mm and an integrated motion controller.

Precisely fitting solution underground or in the warehouse
Microdrives are also used in sewer systems. DC-motors with a diameter of just 15 mm and a precious metal commutation system mounted on inspection robots demonstrate how overload and schock-resistant as well as robust they are in daily use. The small drives confirm these characteristics in logistics as well. In this industry, an increasing number of work steps related to storing, retrieving and preparing items for dispatch is handled by intelligent robots. A typical unit comprising a lifting column and gripper used on a logistics robot contains a drive unit consisting of, e.g., brushless DC-servomotors with integrated Motion Controller and planetary gearhead. When used in the lifting column, for example, this combination ensures precise positioning during storage or retrieval – all during continuous operation with constant load changes. The small FAULHABER drive systems are thus represented in almost all areas of robotics.

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