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Robotics Applications Rely on Motion Solutions

Did you know that the motion control system is a crucial component of robotics applications? That’s right! Due to their small package size and exceptional performance characteristics, miniature motors are ideally suited to meet (and exceed) the most demanding application requirements, such as precise torque and speed, accurate control, high endurance, and long battery life.  Let's examine a few well-known robotics applications and the mini motor technologies most effective at advancing them:

  • Transporting raw materials, packaging, and other types of merchandise throughout warehouses and similar environments requires the usage of automated guided vehicles or AGVs. The wheels of the AGVs are driven by the motion control system, and depending on the application, brush DC, brushless DC, or Ultra EC BLDC motors may be employed. Continual torque for acceleration under a load is one of the main performance requirements. High-resolution encoders, which deliver precise position feedback and low inertia to enable quick starts and stops, can increase safety. Torque-dense motor designs, which lighten the AGV, can also enable longer run times.
  • Powered exoskeletons and powered prosthetics are essential in helping disabled people regain their freedom and movement. Due to the sensitive nature of the application, miniature motors that power these devices and must be small, light, precise, and feature a long battery life. These systems work best with brush DC coreless and Ultra EC brushless slotless motors, which can also be combined with planetary gearheads to adjust motor speed and torque, or with encoders to provide accurate position control and smooth motion.
  • In the fields of industry, material handling, and medicine, electric grippers are essential types of equipment. These devices are powered by tiny motors that are in charge of executing highly precise gripper finger positioning, gripping detection, grip speed, and force control. Brushless slotless DC motors provide the high-power density, low inertia, high precision, and light weight required to meet application requirements, especially when combined with gearboxes and encoders. With these applications, motor customization is essential and includes numerous windings and gears to customize speed and torque, as well as the use of special materials to withstand stress, high duty cycles, and temperature restrictions.
  • Due to its simplicity of use, highly accurate data, and quickness in scanning 3D images, Light Detection and Ranging Systems (LiDAR) are quickly replacing conventional sonar and radar for locating and mapping objects. Mini motors provide compact package sizes, decreased speed drop under load, and operational and financial efficiencies that assist drive the mirror system used by LiDAR applications. Due to their small size and lightweight, Ultra EC brushless slotless motors and flat motors are perfect for these applications. Encoders with a medium or high resolution are the ideal choice for ensuring exact feedback.
  • Applications for service robotics often involve dirty, risky, and repetitive jobs, such as pipeline inspections, pick-and-place operations, and power grid patrols. Miniature brush DC and brushless DC motors, gearboxes, and encoders are used by the robots doing these activities to help them achieve the necessary extended battery life, high torque and efficiency, lightweight package size, and capability to work under heavy loads.
  • Compact size, low weight, high power density, and sterilization are specific needs for surgical robot applications, and the great degree of variability makes it impractical to develop a universal motor solution. Notably, not every motor in a surgical robotic system needs to be sterilized; other requirements can be more concerned with the motor's toughness and longevity, as in autoclave applications, or with the exact placement required for robotic motion control, as in joint manipulation. Surgical robots can be powered by a variety of mini motor technologies, including brushless DC, coreless and iron core Brush DC, and linear stepper motors. The desired performance objectives are attained within a specified package size thanks to motor modification.

Searching for a trusted motion supplier for the next iteration of your robotics project? Portescap’s engineers are readily available to collaborate from the start of the project through its testing and implementation. Reach out to us directly here to begin those discussions!

Hi! I'm the Global Content Manager at Portescap, where I work closely with our Engineering, R&D, Product Management, and Business Development teams on crafting content related to the world of miniature motors. I have almost a decade of experience in digital marketing, specifically in the B2B industrial manufacturing space - here's to many more years of learning and talking about mini motors!
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