S M A R T FA C TO R Y
MOBILE ROBOTS FOR QUIET LOCATIONS NOW A REALITY THANKS TO NSK’S DIRECT-DRIVE WHEEL UNIT
The NSK direct-drive wheel unit fitted to an autonomous service robot.
Aimed at OEMs looking to add mobility to their autonomous or collaborative robots, NSK has developed an innovative direct-drive wheel unit. Specifically designed for use in quiet environments, such as hospitals, hotels, offices and libraries, robots fitted with the new wheel unit can efficiently carry and move loads up to 100 kg without disturbing people.
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ith digital trends such as AI (artificial intelligence) and ML (machine learning) beginning to show genuine promise in real-world applications, efforts are ramping up to develop mobile robots and humanoid robot hardware that can perform useful tasks in close proximity to people.
The major obstacle with systems like conventional AGVs (autonomous guided vehicles) used in factories and warehouses is the noise they make. In contrast, the NSK direct-drive wheel unit is much quieter, facilitating use in public spaces and non-manufacturing environments. Settings such as service sector businesses and public facilities require robots that operate quietly to avoid impeding conversations and disturbing people from their tasks.
MORE INFORMATION
The quiet nature of NSK’s wheel unit can be attributed to its gearless structure (direct-drive motor), which leverages the technology behind the company’s Megatorque Motor to eliminate the operating noise generated by typical gearboxes. Using the Megatorque Motor as a wheel was a new concept, and NSK had to invent ways of employing the system’s parts to create the optimal specification at a reasonable cost. As well as low noise output, the wheel unit is designed for safe operation around people and is ideal for use in service 25 | Industry EMEA | July 2020
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