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What is the optimal gearbox for your robot? In this article we list a large number of different (industrial) robots and link this to the optimal gearbox series from the program of Apex Dynamics. We explain why this gearbox fits well with this type of robot.
The word robot was first used by Czech writer Karel Čapek in his play R.U.R., which stands for Rossum's Universal Robots. It was written in 1920 and is derived from the Czech word robota, which means "work" or "compulsory labor. In this piece, we will cover only the industrial robots, i.e., those used primarily in industry. For example, we will leave out the COBOT, a robot that works with humans, and robots within surgery, household, hospitality, etc.
For each type of robot, we recommend a type of gearbox from Apex Dynamics with its main characteristics. We discuss the following industrial robots in this article:
This is a 2-axis X/Z gantry robot consisting of a dual guide in the horizontal X plane and a vertical Z axis. The belt is fixed and tensioned at the welding end. The assembly is driven by a rotating belt, which remains connected by several deflection points. Movement is achieved by two motors. The coordinate lies diagonally on the deflection points of the X axis and the Z axis. With this system you can move small masses and therefore it is possible to achieve higher accelerations.
The optimum gearbox for a Single Belt or H-bridge robot comes from the PAII series.
Due to the low inertia of the gearbox, high dynamics can be achieved, with backlash having a minor impact on accuracy. This is a fairly simple solution and that is exactly where this economy series is at.
A Cartesian robot is an industrial robot whose three main steering axes are linear (i.e., they move in a straight line instead of rotating) and perpendicular to each other. The three axes correspond to up-down, forward-backward, and left-right. Among other advantages, this mechanical arrangement simplifies the robot control arm solution. It has high reliability and precision when working in three-dimensional space. As a robot coordinate system, it is also effective for horizontal movements and for stacking bins.
The standard Cartesian robot features 3 axes.
Which gearbox?
The optimal gearbox for a Cartesian, Carthesian, linear or XYZ robot comes from the AF Series.
Low backlash and high stiffness to handle the larger mass inertia, along with a strong bearing arrangement to absorb the occurring high radial load.
A robotic arm is a mechanical manipulator with similar functionality to a human arm. A robotic arm consists of a number of segments connected by joints, between which translations and/or rotations are possible. Together, these parts form a kinematic chain. The way the parts are connected and how they can move among themselves determines the number of degrees of freedom of the robotic arm.
At the end of the robot arm is the tool that allows the robot to perform a task, such as grasping something or turning it. A free-standing Articulated Arm robot often has 6 free axes, if it is placed on a track it has 7 axes.
The optimal gearbox for a Single arm, Articulated arm or robotic arm robot comes from the AH series.
High precision for accuracy and high torques. The gearbox has an output flange for extra rigidity.
A delta robot is a 3-axis robot suitable for small work areas and high-speed applications. The axes are connected by a shared joint above and below the arms to maintain power and speed. The first delta robot was invented in the early 1980s by Professor Raymond Clavel and his team at the Ecole Polytechnique Federale de Lausanne (Switzerland). The standard Delta robot features 3 axes, with central rotation it becomes 4 axis.
The optimal gearbox for a Delta, parallel or kinematic robot comes from the AP Series.
Extremely low backlash to avoid tracking errors, along with high torques and low inertia for high dynamic control.
An automated guided vehicle is a mobile robot that uses markers, wires, magnets, laser or other instruments for navigation. AGVs are commonly used in industrial applications to transport materials in a factory or depot. Since the late 20th century, AGVs have gained increasing importance in the logistics sector.
The optimum gearbox for an Automatic Guided Vehicle (AGV) comes from the PD/PL series.
Because this application is not super accurate and has low dynamics, medium accuracy is sufficient. (Adjustment takes place through the markers) The large bearings can take high radial loads.
An autonomous mobile robot is a type of robot capable of understanding its environment and moving through it independently. AMRs differ from their predecessors, automated guided vehicles (AGVs), which rely on tracks or predefined paths and often require operator supervision.
AMRs use a sophisticated set of sensors, artificial intelligence, machine learning and route-planning computers to interpret their environment and navigate through it without relying on wired power. Because AMRs are equipped with cameras and sensors, if they encounter an unexpected obstacle while navigating, such as a fallen crate or a crowd of people, they will use a navigation technique such as collision avoidance to slow, stop or reroute their path around the object and then continue with their task.
The optimal gearbox for an Autonomous Mobile Robots (AMR) comes from the GL series.
Because accuracy must be higher than an AGV, we choose the GL series for its high accuracy, high radial loads and starting torque compensator. This makes the output pulley rotate in the opposite direction to the motor and the drive is a bit more controlled.
The SCARA is a type of industrial robot. The acronym stands for Selective Compliance Assembly Robot Arm or Selective Compliance Articulated Robot Arm. Because of the SCARA's parallel axis direction, the arm is slightly flexible in the X-Y direction but rigid in the Z direction, hence the term selective compliance. This is advantageous for many types of assembly operations, such as inserting a round pin into a round hole without jamming. The second feature of the SCARA is its hinged, two-hinged arm arrangement, similar to human arms, hence the commonly used term "hinged." This allows the arm to be extended in tight spaces and then retracted or "folded." This is advantageous for moving parts from one cell to another or for loading or unloading process stations that are enclosed.
SCARAs are generally faster than comparable Cartesian robotic systems. Their single pedestal mounting requires a small footprint and provides an easy, unobstructed form of assembly. On the other hand, SCARAs can be more expensive than comparable Cartesian systems and the control software requires inverse kinematics for linearly interpolated motion. However, this software is usually included with the SCARA and is usually transparent to the end user.
The optimal gearbox for a SCARA robot comes from the AP Series.
Extremely low backlash for accuracy along with low inertia for high dynamic control.
This robot-types overview is undoubtedly not complete and in addition there are many sub-variants and exotics. Yet it may be clear that Apex Dynamics with its 69 product series always has a suitable solution. Our specialists will gladly advise you about the right gearbox for your application. Please feel free to contact us.
