Building the Future of Robotics with System Components for Lightweight Robotics

By Devkumar Davesar, Head of Regional BU & Fields, Schaeffler Asia Pacific

Robotics has revolutionized various industries, spanning manufacturing, construction, military and defence, healthcare, agriculture and more. This has made robotics indispensable in tackling production hurdles, enhancing the workforce and elevating customer satisfaction. 
With a CAGR of 7.23%, the robotics industry revenue is expected to reach a market volume of USD $9.05 billion by 2027. As the demand for robotic systems grows, so does the need for lightweight and agile robots capable of performing complex tasks with precision and efficiency. 

Featherweight Frames: The Demand for High-Strength Materials in Lightweight Robotic Structures

Designing a lightweight robotic structure is a unique challenge. The goal is to balance between reducing the overall weight of the robot and maintaining or even improving its strength and performance. This has led to the increasing demand for high-strength materials that can withstand the stresses and strains of dynamic movements without compromising on structural integrity.
Materials such as advanced composites, carbon fibers, and high-strength alloys have become the cornerstones of lightweight robotic frames. These materials offer exceptional strength-to-weight ratios, allowing robots to operate efficiently while minimizing energy consumption.
Lightweight robotics promise increased mobility, improved energy efficiency, and enhanced safety. Aside from the surface material of lightweight robotic structures, its efficiency, load-bearing capabilities and articulation also rely on excellent motors, bearings and gearboxes. 

Schaeffler XZU Bearings: One-To-One Use & Reduced Energy Consumption

Schaeffler, the motion technology company, has a suite of solutions for every axes, has a suite of solutions for every axes. The new double-row XZU-series angular contact needle roller bearing is optimized for outstanding tilting rigidity and reduced uniform frictional resistance. A key advantage of XZU bearings is the reduction of frictional resistance by up to 20%. Reduced friction leads to improved energy efficiency and reduced wear and tear enhancing the overall performance of the robotic system while contributing to sustainable robotics by conserving energy resources.
The XZU bearings have the same cross-section as the frequently used crossed roller bearings, allowing it to be used as a one-to-one replacement. The bearings can be used as articulated arm bearings and as the main bearing support of articulated arm gearboxes. This creates cost and time savings as this enables the new bearings to immediately be integrated into the robot without any modification. 
The XZU bearings also offer a unique combination of axial and radial loads, ensuring minimal backlash and higher rigidity for precise robotic movements. The improved efficiency of lightweight robotics due to precise movements ensures energy consumed is not wasted.

Schaeffler’s Torque Solutions in Pursuit of Lightweight Robotics

Efficient motion and torque transmission are other factors of success for lightweight robotics. Schaeffler’s DuraWave Precision strain wave gears allow even load distribution and complete tooth meshing. The stellar production process of the DuraWave strain wave gears leads to a high level of fatigue strength, wear resistance and durability, enabling transmission of high nominal torques and long operating life of gearboxes. The DuraWave strain wave gears offer output torques of up to around 300Nm whereas, for output torques from 300Nm to 5,000Nm, PSC-series precision planetary gearboxes are used. 
For scalable, increased performance density and overall power, the new frameless UPRS-series motor by Schaeffler is compact and lightweight. With up to 189% increased power density, the UPRS motor drives robots that are smaller and more powerful. 
High-strength materials and innovative components are pivotal in the pursuit of lightweight robotics. Schaeffler's XZU bearings and torque solutions contribute to the evolution of lightweight robotics allowing more efficient and precise operations while encouraging sustainable practices.
Schaeffler Expands Expertise in Ultra-Precision Drives Through Melior Acquisition

Schaeffler's strategic acquisition of Melior, a precision gearbox manufacturer for industrial robots, highlights the company's commitment to expanding in industrial automation, particularly in robotics. Melior's patented planetary gearboxes are known for their precision and longevity, with applications in robotics, medical technology, machine tools, logistics, and packaging machines. Additionally, Schaeffler's PSC range of precision gearboxes, known for their exceptional precision, low noise, and consistent performance, complements this expansion, setting new standards in precision engineering across various industries, including medical technology and heavy industry.

Find out more about our system components for lightweight robotics.

Article contributed by Devkumar Davesar, Head of RBU, Schaeffler AP

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