igus robolink - Basics

robolink
®
Joint kit – Documentation (#4; 2016-12)
igus
®
GmbH | Martin Raak | Tel. +49 (0)2203 9649 409 | mraak@igus.de 2
Basics
igus
®
GmbH develops plastic robotics joints, and produces and harnesses these under
the product group robolink
®
Joint kit. At present, 10 different joint types exist, which can
be combined with each other (status 2015-01).
This provides options to configure and design customized articulated arms for a variety of
customer applications.
Articulated arms can be equipped with angle sensors for positioning purposes. The angle
position of the joint is determined and electronically output (incremental magnetic sensor
system).
A variety of products, such as suction cups, blowers, grippers, camera, light source, etc.,
can be used as actuators (at the end of the articulated arm). Generally, the wires for these
actuators can be fed inside the articulated arm.
Articulated arms are moved with draw wires. One pair of wires each is designed to create
motion for one degree of freedom. The wire pair must be driven in an antagonistic
fashion. This provides for a wide selection of drive technologies. A host of drive
technologies are available, such as: pneumatic drives, electro-motors, but also manual
drives.
igus
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GmbH offers step motors in various configurations as one possible drive
technology.
The step motors are configured into a drive module by means of a planetary gear and a
drive wheel. The drive wheel is a standardized option to attach and move draw wires.
A drive unit has the same number drive modules as the articulated arm has degrees of
freedom (DOF). igus
®
GmbH offers assembled drive units for a variety of articulated arms
on the basis of step motors with planetary gears in an aluminum housing.
A control (in this case: step motor control) is needed to move a robolink
®
articulated arm.
igus
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GmbH does not offer or supply these controls and other electrical and electronic
components.