Coreless DC motors and disc magnet stepper motors are well suited for robots performing pick and place tasks in manufacturing automation due to their extremely low inertia .
SAFETY AND PRODUCTIVITY
When it comes to robots , safety and productivity are inextricably linked . Inaccurate control can cause physical harm , whether in a surgical setting or on the factory floor , while machine stoppage as a result of a safety breach can mean damage to product and downtime . Robots will therefore continue to rely on high accuracy feedback devices to ensure their protection and that of the environment around them .
High-resolution encoders enable accurate and fast motor control in applications which demand combinations of control and high speed . On a robotic welding system , high resolution feedback achieved within a robust package is crucial to ensure precise robotic motion .
AUTONOMY AND MULTI-AXIS CONTROL
A key aspect of robotic development is autonomy and machine learning . An example of this is found in autonomous vehicles and surveillance robotics . LiDAR ( light imaging , detection , and ranging ) technology captures 3D imagery of the environment for self-guided navigation , scanning at very high refresh rates and with high-resolution feedback for speed and precision of control . LiDAR based mirror systems are increasingly driven by brushless slotless mini motors which combine lower heat dissipation with high efficiency .
Complex robotic applications can require multiple axis control , such as surgical robots , which demand close coordination . To achieve this , sensors equipped with serial interface communication can provide absolute position information with a typical resolution of 14 bits and accuracy in the range of one mechanical degree . An important consideration of multi-axis applications is to minimise footprint . The inherent compactness of miniature motors can be combined with serial interface communication protocols which allow daisy chain encoder connections to reduce wiring .
CUSTOMISATION
Customisation of miniature motors in robotic control is a growing trend . Tailored designs ensure specific demands on accuracy , efficiency and footprint are met .
Customisation of miniature motors in robotic control is a growing trend . Tailored designs ensure specific demands on accuracy , efficiency and footprint are met . Miniature motor manufacturers will be increasingly tasked with assessing the load points of a design to develop highly compact , lightweight motors which balance torque and speed performances perfectly to the application ’ s needs .
Portescap continues to specialise in the development of miniature motors for robotic applications , along with matched gearbox and encoder technologies for low power , small footprint specifications .
For further information , please visit www . portescap . com
Issue 48 PECM 25