If you’re planning to build a collaborative robot — a cobot — with an articulated arm, not all robot joints are the same. To ensure precise motion and safe operation, quick stop capability and easy installation, you’ll need to assess many factors in order to select and implement a robot joint that meets these requirements. Your main decisions will include whether to build your own robot joint or choose a modular unit, and which type of rotary motor is ideal for enabling the task the human arm-like robot joint will perform.
Our new white paper, What Makes a Good Robot Joint for Cobots?, provides an overview of some of the basic considerations to remember when you implement a robot joint for a collaborative robot. It will summarize the attributes of servo and direct drive frameless rotary motors, and it will describe the essential components for an effective robot joint, such as:
- Gear reducers.
- Holding brakes.
- Encoders.
- Control electronics.
In addition to these factors, the white paper will explain whether it makes sense to implement an engineered robot joint or to take advantage of the many benefits a modular robot joint can offer. With a better understanding of these factors, you’ll implement a robot joint that will enhance the productivity and safety of your cobot for automated processes.
