Maxon Motors Bet on Advanced Actuators for Robotics

Maxon Motors is betting big on advanced drive systems, aiming to revolutionize the robotics landscape with a new generation of actuators designed for more demanding applications.

During a recent podcast discussion, Mario Mauerer, global robotics business manager at Maxon, detailed how the company's innovations in drive technology could elevate the capabilities of humanoid robots. Specifically, Mauerer highlighted the importance of torque density and precision in actuator design. “We’re seeing a shift from traditional servo systems to more compact and powerful solutions that can support higher degrees of freedom (DOF) and improved payload capacities,” he explained.

The growing need for humanoid robots to perform more intricate tasks—like delicate assembly or precise manipulation—requires actuators that can deliver both speed and control. For instance, a typical humanoid robot might feature anywhere from 20 to 42 DOF, a significant increase from previous models like Boston Dynamics’ Atlas, which had 28 DOF. This allows for more natural and versatile movements, but it also necessitates a higher level of engineering sophistication in the actuators.

Mauerer noted that Maxon is focusing on integrating advanced motor control algorithms to optimize performance. These algorithms not only enhance torque specs but also enable smarter energy management. The technical specifications reveal that the new actuator designs can achieve a torque output of up to 1 Nm while maintaining a compact form factor—essential for humanoid robots that require agility and speed.

However, it's not all smooth sailing. One significant limitation mentioned during the podcast is the power source. Current battery technologies still impose constraints on runtime, often limiting operational periods to just a few hours in the field. This is a critical consideration for humanoid robots intended for long-duration tasks, such as those in disaster response or remote inspections. Mauerer acknowledged that while innovations in energy density are underway, they are not yet at the level required to fully support the ambitious functionalities these robots demand.

In comparison to previous generations, the advancements in actuator design represent a substantial leap. Earlier models often struggled with energy consumption and control precision, leading to inefficient gait cycles. For instance, the 2022 iterations of humanoid robots often required recalibration after a short operational period due to drifting in their control systems. The new actuators aim to address these issues by providing more robust feedback loops and thermal management solutions, significantly enhancing operational reliability.

What’s also noteworthy is the approach to collaborative robotics, as discussed by David Koelle, director of engineering at Charles River Analytics, who joined the podcast to shed light on multi-robot systems. His team is working on collaborative platforms that can adapt to various environments and tasks, which could complement the capabilities of Maxon’s advanced actuators. Koelle highlighted that swarm intelligence could allow these robots to handle more complex scenarios than ever before, potentially advancing fields like search and rescue, where multiple units can coordinate to achieve a common objective.

In summary, while Maxon Motors is making impressive strides in actuator technology for humanoid robots, there are still hurdles to overcome, particularly in power management and runtime efficiency. The integration of advanced control algorithms and the focus on compact, high-torque designs suggest a promising future for robotics, but stakeholders should remain cautious about the current limitations. As Mauerer put it succinctly, “We’re on the right path, but we need to ensure our innovations can be realized in practical applications.”

Sources

Robot development, from actuators to AI