Articulated robots on an automation line can look alike from the outside, but a pick-and-place arm and a palletizing arm are asked for very different things at each joint. This article walks through the driving characteristics different tasks call for, what that means for actuator selection joint by joint, and how the Bonsystems BCSA V4 is built around those conditions.
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From moving parts to assembling and packaging them, completing a single product requires many different tasks. On an automation line, these processes are carried out in stages, with each piece of equipment handling its own role.
Articulated robots are a representative type of equipment used to build automation lines. Because their multiple joints can rotate in different directions, they can produce complex motions and postures, which is why they are used across assembly, transport, and packaging processes.
To actually realize the flexible movement of a robot arm, driving components that move each joint are essential. Among these, the actuator is the key part that generates driving force, and it closely affects both the robot’s performance and the quality of its work. That’s why building a stable automation line starts with selecting the actuator that fits the specific working characteristics of each piece of equipment.
In this piece, we’ll look at the driving characteristics required for different tasks performed by articulated robots, the actuator conditions suited to each, and the key features of the BCSA actuator.
Performance Requirements Vary By The Robot’s Role
Articulated robots used in automation lines may look similar on the outside, but the movements they need to perform vary depending on their task. Performance requirements can also differ by joint position within the same piece of equipment, so it’s important to select an actuator suited to each joint’s rotation range, required torque, and speed.
A good example is robot arms used in logistics settings. Pick and place robots need fast, accurate movement, while palletizing robots need torque and durability that can reliably support heavy loads.
An articulated robot used for pick and place tasks picks up small parts or objects and moves them to a designated location. This requires gripping the object with the right amount of force based on its shape and size, moving quickly, and placing it down accurately. If torque isn’t consistent during this process, errors can occur, so stable, consistent torque output is essential.
An articulated robot used for palletizing, which moves multiple boxes after packaging is complete, often handles relatively heavy loads. During operation, it must support not only the weight of the boxes but also the weight of the arm itself, so it needs to continuously deliver strong torque. Because lifting and moving boxes involves repeated starting and stopping, the structure also needs to be sturdy enough to withstand the resulting load.
BCSA V4: A Strong-Output Actuator Built For Articulated Robots
We have spent years researching drive structures that can support a wide range of robot platforms, including the articulated robots used in automation lines. That research led to our proprietary cycloidal reduction technology, which has become the foundation of the drive solutions we develop.
Cycloidal tooth technology has a structural characteristic that distributes load across the tooth contact surfaces, which makes it well suited to delivering strong torque even in a compact size. The BCSA actuator series was designed by applying this characteristic to reduce the thickness of the reduction structure while still delivering the output performance a robot arm needs.
Because BCSA’s cycloidal reduction structure uses curved tooth profiles that mesh and rotate in a rolling motion, it can maintain consistent torque delivery and stable operation even in environments with repetitive motion. As a result, BCSA V4 can meet a wide range of driving requirements in articulated robots, from joints that need strong torque to those with limited installation space.
On top of that, BCSA V4 can obtain a wide reduction ratio even in a thin form factor. A cycloidal structure can deliver strong torque from a single gear stage, which means the cycloidal structure combines design flexibility with strong driving performance.
In short, the BCSA series is a drive solution built on structural stability and strong torque output that can meet the requirements of a wide range of automation equipment. Building a stable automation line starts with understanding the driving conditions each piece of equipment requires.
We work closely with our clients throughout this process to find the right drive solution for the equipment they’re developing, and we aim to be a reliable partner in robot development. If you’re facing challenges in designing automation equipment or want to explore whether BCSA V4 fits your needs, please reach out to us through our website.
F.A.Q
Q: Does every joint in an articulated robot need a different actuator?
A: The weight and speed a robot arm’s joint has to handle can vary depending on its position. A joint supporting the overall load needs greater torque, while a joint closer to the end effector may need a smaller size or faster responsiveness, so it’s important to choose an actuator suited to each one’s role.
Q: Why does durability matter so much in automation equipment?
A: Equipment used in production processes often runs for long stretches of time, so maintaining stable operation is critical. If a driving component’s performance degrades or fails, it can halt the automation line and disrupt the production schedule, which is why durability needs to be a key factor when selecting components.
Q: What kinds of equipment can benefit from a cycloidal reduction structure?
A: Because cycloidal tooth profiles spread shock and load broadly across the entire tooth surface during power transmission, they offer strong durability and structural stability. This makes them worth considering for robots used in heavy-load palletizing tasks or transport equipment that moves items between processes on an automation line.
Q: What advantage does a thinner actuator offer in robot arm design?
A: Using a thinner actuator reduces the space the drive unit takes up inside a joint, and that freed-up space can then be used for wiring, sensors, and other components. This is especially valuable for articulated robots, where the drive unit and multiple other components often need to fit into a limited space.
Q: What information should we prepare when inquiring about the BCSA series?
A: It helps to have the intended use and structure of your equipment, along with the required torque, rotation speed, and load conditions, ready in advance. For equipment with multiple drive units, sharing details on where each actuator will be positioned and what task each joint handles allows for a faster, more specific review.
