robolink® - Multiple-axis joint for robots
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The robolink® with twist drive uses four cord drives to implement the two degrees of freedom of robolink® "pivoting" and "rotating". The cord drive, compared to other drive solutions, is slim and has a simple design with high driving power. Two opposing boards contain small electronic control circuits; they together with the associated electric motors form the drive unit for the robolink® 's each degree of freedom.

A motor coils a cord to operate the respective degrees of freedom by means of the resultant tensile force. This tension also causes the uncoiling of the cord on the opposite motor. Both degrees of freedom can be operated simultaneously.

For demonstration purposes the operation is done using a cordless drill for each degree of freedom. It offers a perfect combination of power source, power electronics, as well as simple control elements, through infinite power control and reversing switch (forward / reverse).

Development of a robolink® with twist drive by the working group 'actuators' at the Department of Process Automation (LPA) at the University of Saarland.