Human-robot collaboration becomes reality

A new generation of robots is on the way: light, quiet, extremely agile and, above all, extremely sensitive in their interaction with their environment, they are well on the way to breaking down boundaries and becoming a close partner to humans in their world.

In addition to electronics and control expertise, modern small robots also score points for their mechanical qualities. A slim design, low weight and exceptionally high manoeuvrability are prerequisites for lightweight robots to be able to be used in all possible places without major installation effort and to take on tasks that arise there. For the joints of the robots, the designers therefore want bearings that are lightweight and have a small installation space, but also have a high level of rigidity to safely absorb the torques that occur. Also on the wish list of robot builders: a defined rotational resistance for the exact design of the drive power.

Franke wire race bearings are predestined for these requirements. The bearing elements, consisting of hardened raceways with a profiled raceway, are inserted directly into the further construction. This saves installation space and gives the designers the greatest possible freedom when designing the surrounding parts. As lightweight construction is a major issue in robot design, alternative materials such as aluminium, plastic or even carbon (CFRP) can be used by using wire race bearings.  

The bearing arrangement can be adapted to the prevailing load conditions through the arrangement of the raceway wires. Further adjustments can be made via the degree of osculation, i.e. the size of the contact surface between the rolling elements and the raceway. 

The large number of joints, particularly in robots of the latest design, also brings economic aspects into play when selecting a suitable bearing. Parameters such as ease of assembly, assembly time and, of course, price play a role here. Franke wire race bearings are also convincing in these respects. Assembly is simple and the prices, especially for bearing elements or thin section bearings in series production, are extremely attractive.

Find out more on our Robotics & Handling industry page.