Feature

The rise of modular robots and the importance of drive train design

For lightweight robots, modular designs are increasingly popular, thanks to the flexibility they offer to specialised tasks. Modular robots are also enhancing the potential for system integrators and end users to develop their own designs. As part of an in-house robot build, optimising the drive train that powers and controls each joint is vital to the robot’s performance.

02/07/2024 12:52:51

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The most effective way of achieving this is by developing the drive train as a complete module. This approach can also improve the efficiency of robot development overall. Roman Berger, maxon's Head of Business Development for Robotics, explains.

As the requirements for robots continue to become increasingly specialised to the task, the advantages of modular robots are to the fore. The ability to change their form and configuration, thanks to a combination of modules, gives greater flexibility. This means that a modular robot can be reconfigured, or customised, as often and as quickly as is required. Should the robot fail, a replacement can be rapidly, and economically, provided.

In particular, there has been a marked change towards modular designs in the industrial robot class at the level of lightweight robots and cobots...

Read the full article in DPA's July 2024 issue

Written By Sophia Bell

Sophia Bell is the Group Editor of DPA, Connectivity, and PBSI. She joined the team in 2020 as Assistant Editor after achieving a First-Class Honours BA in English Literature and Film Studies from the University of East Anglia. In her current role, she leads the editorial strategy, driving digital growth and ensuring each title continues to deliver trusted, relevant insight for engineering and manufacturing professionals.