FEATURE MOTION CONTROL
MASTERING MOTION IN ROBOTICS Precision motion control is essential for robots.
Here Antonio Herrera, Portescap’s global strategic marketing - Surgical and Industrial Robotics,
examines the considerations OEMs face when developing robotic solutions, and why motion engineering support is so important
along with other potential failure modes. The environment of operation is also significant to reliability – different temperatures and the potential for ingress mean the motion system must be protected adequately.
FROM DESIGN TO MANUFACTURING The progression from the conceptual design of a motion system to one that can be achieved on a manufacturing scale is significant. The need to revise or change technical attributes and previously selected components, or even materials selection, can introduce roadblocks that add significant time to project development. To reduce the challenge of moving from
prototype to full production, prioritisation of motion system design requirements at the earliest stage is crucial. This ranges from the fundamental level of balancing torque output with thermal management and footprint requirements, to long-term reliability considerations involving choice of motor technology and material selection. What’s more, all these considerations must be compatible with commercial imperatives. Here, an experienced motion expert can
T
he growing use of robotics is enhancing efficiency, safety and productivity in the manufacturing sector. In addition to their
use in industrial automation applications, robots are also enhancing lives in medical settings where they are, for example, improving precision in surgery. However, the diversity of applications means that, during robot design, OEMs have an array of considerations. Central to all robots is the motion control
technology – motors, gears, and feedback devices – that drives the limbs, joints and end effectors. The ultimate requirements of the robot have significant implications on the design of the motion system. Not only does motion design require an
assessment of the technology that can solve the challenge most efficiently, but it must also satisfy commercial needs for the OEM. This means the motion system must optimally integrate with the overall robot design, while ensuring ease of assembly and regulatory compliance.
MOTION DEMANDS Calculating the working points is a primary step for engineers when designing electromechanical solutions. Determining torque, radial and axial loads are critical factors that the motion system must be able to achieve. Yet alongside these fundamental needs, the kinematic demands of a robot are vital. This includes the motion profile of the device, and how smooth, responsive and precise this movement should be – all factors that result from the
38 DESIGN SOLUTIONS MAY 2025
performance of the motion control system. Crucial to the dynamic performance of a robot is miniaturisation. A compact, lightweight system has low inertia that enables responsiveness, and low mass also optimises efficiency. Moreover, a micro motion system is essential because of demands on the overall design footprint. Motion systems must fit within limited physical space, and integrate smoothly with other components. Yet in achieving this, the motion system must still meet the required operating points and desired motion profile. Reliability is also
paramount. Maintenance challenges or failure in an industrial automation setting can mean downtime, but in a medical setting reliability can impact human safety. Miniaturisation of the motion system adds complexity considering the demands of thermal management, and engineers must also take into account component compatibility, working points including overload and continuous operation,
point you towards previously unconsidered critical factors that could impact the delivery of the project at a later timescale. By using motion control experts that offer diverse, application-specific solutions, combined with an understanding of manufacturability methods and awareness of commercial challenges, robot developers can achieve the optimum path for motion development. This can also involve the choice between Commercial-Off-The-Shelf (COTS) solutions and customisation; and means technical support is available through the project.
EXPERTISE Taking into account the array of options in robotic motion development, it is essential to think beyond the parameters of speed and torque. Not only will the motion system directly impact the robot’s performance, but it will have strong implications for its
long-term reliability. Turning the concept
into a manufactured reality is also where
expertise can be essential. By partnering with a dedicated
motion engineering team, a viable commercial solution, developed to a much closer timescale, is more likely to be achieved.
Portescap
www.portescap.com
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