Energy supply for the robotics industry
Energy supply for robotics
Our supplier igus, a renowned name in the field of motion plastics, offers a wide array of innovative solutions tailored for the robotics industry. Leveraging decades of expertise, igus delivers products that enhance performance, reduce costs and extend the lifespan of robotic systems.
Multi-axis e-chain® for robots – triflex® R
The triflex® Energy Chain System from igus is a specialized solution designed for managing cables and hoses in dynamic, three-dimensional movements, commonly required in robotic applications. This system offers an advanced method for safely guiding and protecting various media carriers, including electrical cables, hydraulic and pneumatic hoses and optical fibers, across complex paths without tangling or causing excessive wear.
triflex r® – Key features and design
1. Three-dimensional movement
Unlike our standard energy chains that primarily operate in linear motion, the triflex® system can handle torsional movements up to ±10° per chain link. This makes it ideal for robotic arms and machinery requiring high flexibility and freedom of movement.
2. Modular design
The triflex® system is composed of individual, interlocking chain links that can be easily assembled or disassembled. This modular approach allows for quick adjustments in length and configuration, catering to various applications and equipment sizes.
3. Robust and durable construction
Made from high-performance polymers, the triflex® chains are resistant to wear, chemicals and environmental factors, ensuring longevity and reliability in demanding industrial environments. These materials provide strength while maintaining flexibility, crucial for continuous motion applications.
4. Strain relief and cable separators
The design includes features that securely hold cables and hoses in place, preventing them from sliding within the chain and reducing the risk of damage. The system also offers internal separation options to organize and protect individual cables and hoses, minimizing mechanical stress.
5. Easy installation and maintenance
The triflex® system is designed for straightforward installation, with options for tool-free assembly. Its modular nature simplifies maintenance, allowing for easy replacement of individual chain segments or components without dismantling the entire system
TRX: revolutionises robot energy supply
Telescopic and twistable combined in a three-dimensional chain
The TRX enhances the capabilities of the triflex R series by introducing telescopic functionality. Thanks to their patented design, the TRX chain links can compensate for length differences of up to 36% while maintaining connection integrity and torsion resistance. An internal rubber band automatically retracts the links to their original position, with adjustable retraction force. This design achieves a weight reduction of up to 83% compared to systems with a retraction mechanism (RSP). The TRX design study is currently fully compatible with the TRE.60.087.0.B, and additional chain sizes will be available in the future.
Robot cables for 3D movement
Robotics applications demand cables that can endure continuous flexing and extreme environmental conditions. igus chainflex cables are specifically engineered for dynamic applications such as robotic systems and 3D applications, ensuring reliable data and power transmission even under the most rigorous conditions. These cables are tested for millions of cycles, guaranteeing long-term performance and reliability.
Twistable cables
Control cable
Data cable
Measuring system cable
Fibre optic cable
Motor cable
Spindle cable/Single core
Bus cable
Hybrid cable
Low Cost Automation
– Affordable automation through motion plastics®
Recognizing the need for affordable automation solutions, we offer a range of low-cost automation products trough our supplier, igus. These include lightweight robotic arms, compact linear robots, and cost-effective control systems. By making automation more accessible, igus helps companies of all sizes implement robotics into their operations.
Robot overview
ReBeL
The first robot made of high-perfomance plastic. Lightweight robot with integrated control system.
Articulated arm robot
Flexible all-rounders with up to six degrees of freedom.
Linear robots
Driven by a flat toothed belt drive, moves absolutely lubrication-free and meets high hygienic standards.
Delta robots
With two or three axes for quick pick & place tasks.
SCARA robot
With three or four axes for reliable work in the laboratory.
7th axis
Easy expansion of the workspace for all lightweight robots.
Long-lasting motion plastics® for robots
iglidur plain bearings
iglidur bearings are self-lubricating and maintenance-free, making them ideal for robotic joints and pivot points. These bearings are designed to withstand high loads and offer excellent wear resistance, which is crucial for the repetitive motions of robotic arms.
drylin linear systems
For precise and smooth linear motion, we offer the drylin linear systems. These systems are dry-running, eliminating the need for lubrication and reducing maintenance. They are available in various configurations to suit different robotic applications, from simple pick-and-place operations to complex multi-axis movements.
igubal spherical bearings
igubal spherical bearings deliver exeptional performance, reliability and flexibility. They are ideal for use in robotic joints and pivots due to their ability to accommodate misalignments and their high load-bearing capacity. These bearings ensure smooth and consistent movement, which is crucial for the precise operation of robotic arms and manipulators.
drygear gearbox technology
Gearboxes are essential for adjusting the speed and torque of motors to meet the specific needs of machines and processes. The drygear gearboxes offer lubrication-free operation, lightweight design and shock resistance. All plastic gearboxes are modular, allowing for expansion and integration into existing systems. drygear gearboxes are particularly favored for use in robot arms for quality control or sorting tasks, as well as for rotary axis applications, sliding applications, pusher applications, and format adjustments. They are the ideal solution for various automation processes.
Success stories with igus components in robotics.
Without chemicals: delta robot destroys weeds by zapper
Components used: drylin® delta robot
The world’s first non-chemical weed control robot for cereal crops, manufactured by agri-tech start-up Small Robot Company, successfully identifying and controlling weeds. The wheeled robot uses delta robot arms to position a “zapper” and uses “lightning strikes” to kill weeds. The drylin delta robots were selected due to their precision, cost-effective and lubrication-free technology.
Stair climbing delivery robot
Components used: drylin® N and iglidur® G
South Korean start-up MOBINN, which specialises in self-driving robots, focuses on developing robots that can pick up deliveries and deliver them to a predefined destination. They use iglidur® material for the joint area of the wheel and the hinge mechanism of the robot body for its folding movement. In addition, they use drylin® N in the transport guidance inside the robot to minimise any irregularities during delivery. This avoids vibrations, shocks and friction in the external area of the robot while reducing the overall weight of the robot.
3D printing with robot in XXL format
Components used: RSP (retraction system pneumatic), Chainflex robot cables
Aectual designs and produces sustainable products for the construction industry with its XXL 3D printing robot. (facades, floors, stairs, wall elements and much more)
The XXL 3D printer was developed by Aectual itself. The robot also operates at night without any supervision, which made cable guidance increasingly important in hindsight. New products are developed during the day and produced during the night. The printing speed is up to 50 cm per second. The retraction system has installed an RSP (retraction system pneumatic). Here the retraction force can be individually adjusted to the filling of the chain and it also offers the highest retraction force.
Cable protection for the robotics and automation industry
The PMA® cable protection system for automation is designed to safeguard cables and wires in extreme automation and robotic environments. It offers various conduit types to meet diverse needs, along with system supports and a range of specialized accessories to minimize torsion and cable stress. With specially designed conduits, supports, and abrasion protection sleeves, the system ensures optimal protection along the entire length of moving components, allowing engineers to significantly reduce torsion forces.
PMA cable protection for robotics in the automotive industry
In the automotive industry, escalating global competition demands that manufacturers exhibit greater flexibility. They must adapt their production and logistics systems to handle the increasing variety of models. To keep pace with this demand, automotive manufacturers need to expand and redefine their core competencies to align with Industry 4.0 advancements, demographic shifts, and data-driven production.
The PMA® Cable Protection System for automation is specifically designed to protect cables and wires in high-stress automation and robotic environments. It features a variety of conduit types, system supports, and specialized accessories to prevent torsion and minimize cable stress.
PMA cable protection for robotics in the construction industry
In construction environments, there is a growing need for solutions that are both faster and easier to install. These solutions must also address safety standards, technical performance, and the unique requirements of municipal buildings and infrastructure projects. Specially designed conduits, clamps and abrasion protection sleeves provide highly effective protection for all moving parts, massively reducing torsional forces.
Overview of PMA cable protection in robotics and automation
Overview of PMA dresspack solution for collaborative robots
PMA CobotProtect™
Selected products from PMA for robotics
XR90/XTPC Multilayer conduit
With three or four axes for reliable work in the laboratory.
BSH One-piece tube clamp
Serves as a fixation for functional inserts. To be used with BGN half-shells to optimally fix/guide conduits.
BSS/BSV Abrasion protection sleeve
Increases the lifetime of moving conduits. For corrugated conduits in positions exposed to chafing.
BGN Half-shell inserts
Possibility to block axial movements of the conduit to reduce stress and torsion.
BSS-OS Screwless protection sleeve
An easy-to-install, metal-free solution to protect corrugated conduits against abrasion and chafing.
BTK/BKE Ball joint sleeve
Offers additional flexibility and reduces mechanical stress on the conduit.
BKS Cable stars
Customized solutions for arrangement and strain relief of a loom of hoses and leads of given dimensions in cable assemblies.
DKLK Swivel base
For BSH+BLH tube clamps. Allows rotation of cable pack supports.
Got any questions? Contact our sales engineer!
