In industrial automation, harmonic drive actuators are gradually replacing the traditional configuration of harmonic drive reducers combined with servo motors. Thanks to their high positioning accuracy, compact and lightweight structure, high torque density and low maintenance cost, harmonic drive actuators are becoming the preferred solution in many high-precision applications.
Drawbacks of traditional harmonic drive reducer + servo motor configuration
The traditional combination of a harmonic drive reducer and a servo motor requires couplings and output flanges for fixation. This results in more components and interfaces, with the axial length being the sum of the motor length, reducer length and coupling.
How harmonic drive actuators achieve superior performance
Harmonic drive actuators adopt side cable exit and end-face cable exit designs, which greatly reduce both axial and radial dimensions. This allows reliable installation and operation in space-constrained environments.
They can be used to add additional joints to robots, compensate for end-effector positioning errors, and enable high-precision operations such as handling, assembly, welding and dispensing.
The role of the harmonic drive reducer within the actuator
At the core of a harmonic drive actuator is the harmonic drive reducer, which is responsible for motion and power transmission. It offers extremely high positioning accuracy with minimal backlash during operation.
Some high-end products achieve angular transmission errors of ≤5 arcseconds, backlash controlled within 1 arcminute, and repeat positioning accuracy up to ±0.05 mm, fully meeting the demands of precision motion control equipment.
In addition, harmonic drive reducers feature multiple teeth engaged simultaneously and a high contact ratio, resulting in smooth motion, low impact and vibration, and reduced operating noise.
