In the current booming robotics industry, the hardware components of a robot, besides the motion control system, are the most important performance guarantee unit. Whoever can solve the core component problems first will gain an advantage in the "race," and the performance of joint motors is one of the key areas of focus for all robot companies.
1. Pain Points in Market Application
In the practical application of robot joint motors, common challenges include:
• First is the torque density of the joint motor.
In recent years, the demand for joint motors in the robotics industry has been developing towards constant torque and smaller size, thus requiring joint motors to continuously improve power density.
• Secondly, the temperature rise of the motor.
Besides achieving high power density due to its small size, another important indicator is the motor temperature rise after reaching thermal steady state. Because the joint is a compact, complete system containing components such as the reducer, encoder, and force sensor, temperature rise will have a series of effects.
• Next, the motor's rated and maximum speed need to be considered.
Robots have a need to continuously increase speed in certain scenarios. Theoretically, for motor systems, the torque requirement is fixed, and torque will be lost near the rated speed limit. Therefore, this also means higher electromagnetic design requirements.
• Finally, there are cost requirements.
A new generation of domestically produced robots has emerged, bringing robot costs down to a more practical level upon its market launch. As a key component, the cost of motors has attracted significant attention, and the localization of core components is an inevitable path.
2. Stepco's third-generation frameless torque motor – FMC series
After launching its first-generation frameless motor in 2016, which boasted performance comparable to a certain foreign brand, BKO has never stopped exploring new technologies. Subsequently, the company broke through the limits of design and manufacturing processes, creating a multi-slot segmented structure in the domestic market, which greatly improved the slot fill factor and reduced temperature rise. Following this, the company launched its second-generation frameless torque motor—a pioneering innovation based on an 18-slot potting process.
Markets and demands are constantly evolving. In 2022, based on more user pain points, BKO launched its third-generation frameless torque motor – the FMC series frameless torque motor.
Through years of accumulation, Boke's image of high-quality, high-performance products has deeply resonated with users. When defining products for each market segment, Boke always keeps its brand positioning in mind. Compared to competitors, Boke's FMC frameless torque motor has many advantages:
(1) Specialized, refined and innovative
• Specialization: Achieving higher torque density through in-depth optimization of the electromagnetic scheme;
• Refinement: Currently available in 10 frame sizes ranging from 52mm to 132mm, covering load requirements from 3 to 25kg. For the same torque, the smaller size results in lower temperature rise.
• Unique Features: Pioneering frameless potting process, lightweight design, thinner body, faster and smoother operation; copper loss reduction rate up to 20% compared to market products;
• Novelty: Matches the size of mainstream harmonic reducers on the market, with a larger hollow inner diameter to meet customers' diverse wiring needs.
(2) Technology Empowerment
• Equipped with a 24-bit absolute hollow encoder or Hall sensor for smoother operation;
• Laser marking of stator and rotor ensures traceability;
• We offer customized solutions, including options with inorganic or organic shells;
• Digitalized factory, continuous and stable production, global distribution, and offices in multiple locations in China to provide support and services.
3 Advantages of choosing a frameless motor
Using frameless motors has the following application advantages:
• Engineers are no longer limited to choosing traditional synchronous motors with enclosed structural components to create motion control axes;
• By innovatively integrating the frameless motor into the machine's structure, not only is space compression achieved, but the overall system inertia is also reduced, resulting in lower torque required for acceleration and deceleration, smoother motor control, and increased system bandwidth.
4. Summary
However, frameless motors are not limited to collaborative robot applications. In fact, they can be considered for any power unit in the robotics industry to achieve higher integration. Frameless motors can be integrated into common robot power units such as articulated motors, quadruped actuators, hub motors, and surgical robots. With improved performance and cost reductions due to design cost control and mass production cost amortization, their application prospects in the robotics field are very promising.
In today's rapidly changing world, Boke focuses on the robotics industry with a "connectivity + mobility" strategic development direction, conducting in-depth research on robot application scenarios and continuously developing a series of new products for the robotics sector. The launch of its new generation of frameless torque motors is another fruit of Boke's focus on the robotics industry. Looking to the future, Boke will continue to forge ahead, deeply integrating with the industry, and striving to become a leading enterprise in the fields of robot motors, joints, and drives. Creating a better life, Boke will provide customers with more high-performance innovative products!
