It is well known that gearbox effects have a strong influence on the path accuracy of robots. Nabtesco and Keba have therefore been working on this topic for many years - until now independently of each other. While Nabtesco is constantly increasing the accuracy of the gears, Keba is continuously improving the models for compensating for robot inaccuracies in the software.

However, determining the relevant parameters is very time-consuming due to a lack of transparency. The two technology experts have therefore decided to work together to make the world's most precise robot possible. This involves the targeted integration of gearbox-specific data and characteristics into the robot controller.

Robots with the precision of a machine tool

The aim of the cooperation is to enable customers to manufacture robots with a point or path accuracy in the hundredths of a millimeter range. This opens up new possibilities for robot, machine and plant manufacturers. In future, high-precision handling and machining tasks can be carried out by robots with the precision of a machine tool. This offers maximum flexibility with the same quality.

Compared to intelligent sensor technology, the software-based solution offers numerous advantages, including cost reduction, reduced system complexity and better data quality. Not all data can be recorded using external sensors. This applies, for example, to stiffness - and of course the empirical values from development. Nabtesco carries out extensive tests before a gearbox is launched on the market and therefore knows exactly how the gearbox behaves when it wears out or what influence temperature and lubricant have. All these parameters are incorporated into the Keba control system.

Two levels of the solution are planned: a Nabtesco add-on with generalized data of a specific gearbox model and an additional upgrade for even greater accuracy with the specific data of the gearboxes ultimately installed. The project is currently in the test phase. A first pioneer application is being realized in cooperation with Autonox Robotics.