Robot-related Products

Positioning device that moves like a human wrist
Contribute to man-power saving at manufacturing sites

Wrist Joint Module "i-WRIST™" is a module for robots which performs high-speed positioning.
A proprietary driving mechanism provides movement in any direction, much like a human wrist, and it also has a compact design.
"i-WRIST™" can quickly be changed to a variety of devices by mounting an end effector to the end or combining it with other robots.
It is faster and more space-efficient, and can perform work with minimum manpower, to increase the potential of manufacturing sites.

Wrist Joint Module "i-WRIST™"

"i-WRIST™" video (approximately 4 minutes)

Feature 1: Wide operating range

The operating range has a maximum bending angle of 90° and swing angle of 360°, meaning "i-WRIST™" can quickly target any point on a hemispherical area, and swing in the same direction repeatedly. It can take the shortest distance to approach target position from various angles.

Maximum bending angle 90°

swing angle of 360°

Feature 2: High-speed movement

"i-WRIST™" can change position more than seven times per second. This means it can make minor positional changes quickly, which is difficult for conventional robots. It is able to perform detailed work traditionally performed by human, precisely and at high-speed.

Demo video of appearance inspection (Approximately 6 seconds)

Feature 3: Compact design

A compact design makes it easy to set up at plants with limited space. When combined with a workpiece rotation mechanism, "i-WRIST™" can be installed in the same space that humans work in.

Same installation space that humans work in

"i-WRIST™" developed from driveshaft technology

Driveshafts are products that transmit drive power smoothly from the vehicle's engine to the tires. They are essential for vehicles to drive and turn. NTN succeeded in mass-production of driveshaft for the first time in Japan in 1960’s. Nowadays, NTN has the second largest market share of driveshaft. By utilizing technology of driveshaft that transmits power smoothly, "i-WRIST™" which has freedom of movement with large operating angle has been developed.

Driveshafts transmit rotation through various angles

Position where driveshafts are used

Specifications

Type		Bending angle 90° specifications	Bending angle 45° specifications
Size (WxDxH)		331×286×202mm	388×335×191mm
Mass (kg)		5.4	8.0
Degrees of freedom		2
Operating range	Bending angle (°)	90	45
Operating range	Swing angle (°)	360 (free)
Weight capacity (kg)		1.0
Repeated positioning accuracy (°)		±0.05
Control mode		PTP (Point to point) control, tracing operation

Press Release

NTN to Begin Mass-production of "i-WRIST™" Wrist Joint Module
https://www.ntnglobal.com/en/news/new_products/news201800064.html

Inquiries

High-resolution absolute angle detection
Provide smooth, precise movement for all robots

The "Multi Track Magnetic Ring" is a product that adheres a rubber material kneaded with a magnetic material to a ring-shaped core metal. When combined with a dedicated magnetic sensor, it can detect angles of applications such as robot joints accurately at 17 to 20 bit (resolution of approximately 0.0027° to 0.00034°), which contributes to precision control of robot movement.
Being a magnetic type, it provides superior resistance against vibrations, extreme temperatures, dirt, dust and oil mist, and can be used in such environments.
In addition to robot joints, it is an ideal product for absolute angle detection of devices such as servo motors.

Multi Track Magnetic Ring

"Multi Track Magnetic Ring" video (approximately 2 minutes)

Feature 1: Contribute to high-accuracy angle detection with proprietary magnetization technology

The magnetic ring is formed of a double-row magnetic track having different numbers of poles (the number of magnetic poles such as N pole and S pole). When the magnetic ring rotates, the dedicated sensor reads the change in the magnetic poles of the double-row magnetic track and outputs the absolute angle with high-accuracy by the electric signal.
In order to detect the absolute angle with high-accuracy, it is necessary to magnetize the N pole and the S pole at regular intervals. Also, when forming a double-row magnetic track, a highly accurate magnetization technology that does not affect adjacent magnetic tracks is required. NTN succeeded in accurately magnetizing 64 pole pairs (N and S pole arrangement) and 63 pole pairs by the proprietary magnetization technology developed so far.

Image of magnetic pattern

High-accuracy magnetization of 64 pole pairs (N and S pole pair arrangement) and 63 pole pairs

Feature 2: Increase robot design flexibility

The magnetic ring is available in a radial type that is small in the radial direction (outer diameter: φ51.5 mm), and an axial type that is small in the axial direction (axial width: 4 mm). Both types have a large opening diameter that allows mounting of hollow shafts with cables inside. Selecting the type depending on a mounting structure increases the design flexibility and helps to achieve more compact, lightweight design.

Radial type

Axial type

"Multi Track Magnetic Ring" developed from integrated sensor bearing

NTN's magnetization technology behind the "Multi Track Magnetic Ring" came about with the development of the "Integrated Rotation Sensor Bearing" that combines a rotation sensor with a bearing. The "Integrated Rotation Sensor Bearing" is a product that detects the rotational speed of a motor. The Sensor Integrated Hub Bearing has also been developed for use with ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) of vehicles. These products are used in various types of industrial machinery and automobiles.

Integrated Rotation Sensor Bearing

Sensor Integrated Hub Bearing