Precision gearboxes are one of the main components of robotic joints and reduce motor speed while increasing motor torque, allowing for smooth, controlled movement. Precision gearboxes are critical to high-performance robotics because of the stability they provide and the positional accuracy making them an indispensable method of creating movement. In precision robotics, low or zero-backlash is extremely important for eliminating slack in the mechanical system that may cause unwanted movement or impact reproducibility and repeatability.
Types of precision gearboxes include:
Harmonic drives are a favorite gear design in applications such as: robotic arms or manipulator arms where a high degree of positional accuracy and smooth motion is required in a small package size.
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In a robotic joint, a precision reduction gearbox serves the purpose of reducing the motor's speed while increasing the output torque, which allows for precise and controlled movement of the robot’s joints. A precision reduction gearbox is a critical component of advanced automation and robotic systems.
The major advantages and functions of a precision gearbox in robotics:
A robotic gearbox delivers a torque increase at the robot's joint. This allows a robotic joint to move heavy loads or resistive force with higher precision and control.
A robotic speed reducer allows for high speed motor rotation to be slowed down to produce controlled motion. This level of control is needed for the pick-and-place movement or for welding modes of functions or surgical robotics.
using advanced compact reduction gearboxes, such as cycloidal reducers, or harmonic gear systems, can produce high torque in a small package, making them ideal solutions for robotic systems with limited space or weight burdens.
A robotic joint mechanism supports the delivery of repeatability of position for the system that contributes to improved operational accuracy and increased longevity of the robotic or surgical system.
High performance designs such as harmonic drive gearboxes, or strain wave gearboxes, have eliminated mechanical play (backlash) of joints. This is foundational to precision gearboxes as mechanical backlash was problematic to originally designed servo motors in industrial robots and CNC machines, and robotic arm systems.
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Every kind of precision gearbox reducer (planetary, harmonic (strain wave), and cycloidal) has its own pros and cons and design differences. This article will help you understand how each gearbox reducer compares in robotics and automation:
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