I. Industrial robots bring convenience to life
Industrial robots are characterized by their programmability, anthropomorphic features, versatility, and mechatronics integration. Most industrial robots have 3 to 6 degrees of freedom, with 1 to 3 of those in the wrist alone. The drive system issues commands, and the control system directs the power unit and transmission mechanism to execute the task.
Since the birth of industrial robots, people have been constantly trying and developing them to better serve our work. With the rapid development of science and technology, information technology has also come into our lives, and the aspects covered by industrial robots are becoming more and more diverse. It is believed that its future will continue to be enriched and innovated.
II. Industrial Robot Component Technology
Component technology refers to robot technology aimed at developing high-performance robot parts to meet the key component requirements of industrial robots. It mainly includes: high-performance servo motor design and manufacturing technology, high-performance/high-precision robot-specific reducer design and manufacturing technology, open/cross-platform robot-specific control (software) technology, and variable load high-performance servo control technology. High-performance servo motor design and manufacturing technology and high-performance/high-precision robot-specific reducer design and manufacturing technology are representative technologies among these.
A servo motor is a motor that controls the operation of mechanical components in a servo system. It converts voltage signals into torque and speed signals to drive the controlled object and is one of the core components of a robot. As a key actuator in industrial robots, the servo motor is the main power system driving the robot's movement, and its performance largely determines the overall power performance of the industrial robot. Servo motors used in industrial robots should have characteristics such as fast response, high starting torque, low inertia, and a wide and smooth speed range. Currently, AC servo motors are widely used. Designing a high-performance, high-power-density servo motor requires comprehensive consideration of factors such as motor structural parameters, component materials, and magnetic circuit structure based on design specifications, and comprehensive analysis of motor performance using methods such as the finite element method.
Reducers are commonly used as speed reduction transmission devices between the driving component and the working machine, playing a role in matching speed and transmitting torque. They generally consist of gear drives, worm drives, or gear-worm drives enclosed in a rigid housing, and are one of the core components of robot transmission mechanisms. Commonly used precision transmission devices in the robotics field include harmonic reducers for light load conditions and RV reducers for heavy load conditions. Harmonic reducers have advantages such as lightweight, small size, zero gear backlash, and high torque capacity, but their accuracy and lifespan are relatively poor, mainly because the flexible gear is prone to fatigue failure under highly cyclic alternating stress. They are typically used in lightly loaded parts such as the end effector of articulated robots. RV reducers mainly consist of two stages of reduction: planetary gears and cycloidal pinwheels. They have advantages such as a wide reduction range, high power density, and smooth operation, and have become the most commonly used precision reducers in industrial robots. Designing high-performance/high-precision robot-specific reducers requires comprehensive consideration of technical indicators such as transmission accuracy, tooth profile modification, torsional stiffness, and backlash.
Currently, my country's design and manufacturing technologies for key components such as high-performance servo motors and reducers lag behind those of foreign countries in terms of reliability, precision, and dynamic response capabilities, which is one of the bottlenecks restricting the development of industrial robots in my country.
