Nabtesco is highlighting a range of high-precision strain wave gear actuators designed to simplify integration in robotics, automation and mechanical engineering applications, while delivering high performance in compact installation spaces.
The plug-and-play actuator systems combine all key drive components into a single compact unit, helping manufacturers reduce engineering effort, shorten development times and accelerate time-to-market. By integrating the gearbox, motor, bearings, sensors, housing and interfaces into a fully matched assembly, the actuators eliminate much of the tuning and configuration work typically associated with drive system design.
Strain wave gear technology is particularly suited to applications requiring high precision, compact dimensions and zero backlash. Nabtesco’s actuators are supplied fully assembled and combine a strain wave gear set with bearings, housing, an electric motor and encoder, while an optional brake can also be specified. The units offer a high power density, enabling demanding performance levels to be achieved despite limited installation space.
To accommodate a wide range of applications, the actuators are available in different sizes, gear ratios and torque classes, including hollow-shaft versions. Sensor configurations can be adapted to suit specific requirements and additional functions, such as torque, temperature and position sensing, can also be integrated. Full corrosion protection and an IP65 rating mean separate enclosures and sealing arrangements are often unnecessary, further simplifying machine design.
Production of the backlash-free strain wave gear actuators takes place at Ovalo GmbH’s facility in Limburg an der Lahn, Germany. Manufactured to automotive industry standards and certified to IATF 16949 requirements, the products benefit from quality assurance processes designed to deliver high levels of reliability, safety and traceability. Nabtesco says the facility generates almost 100% of the added value in Germany while supporting everything from one-off production through to high-volume manufacturing.
The actuators are used across a broad range of sectors, including robotics and automation, medical technology, mechanical engineering and mobility applications. Their combination of compact dimensions, positioning accuracy and straightforward integration makes them particularly well suited to robot and cobot joints, handling and positioning systems, automated guided vehicles (AGVs) and steer-by-wire technologies.
Alongside its strain wave gear actuator portfolio, Nabtesco also offers actuator solutions based on cycloidal gearbox technology. These products are intended for applications requiring higher torque capacity and are designed to reduce design complexity in systems operating under heavy loads and demanding duty cycles.
Nabtesco says its actuator programme is supported by extensive expertise in mechanics, electronics and digitalisation, bringing together technologies from across the wider group. This integrated approach enables customers to access coordinated solutions from a single source while reducing development time and supporting efficient implementation of advanced motion control systems.
Nabtesco is a global supplier of precision gearboxes, actuators, mechatronic systems and drive technologies, with more than 40 years of experience serving the robotics and automation sectors.