Servo Motors for Industrial Robots - Precision Motion for Every Joint
Industrial robots demand servo motors that deliver precise positioning, consistent torque, and reliable performance under continuous operation. Tiger Motion's servo motors power 6-axis robots, collaborative robots (cobots), and SCARA robots with high torque density, low inertia, and integrated gearbox options.
Why Servo Motors Are Critical for Industrial Robots
· Core role: The servo motor is the power heart of an industrial robot, responsible for joint driving (rotation/swing), end-effectors (grippers, welding guns), and the positioning and trajectory control of the whole machine.
· Special requirements: high power density, low cogging torque, fast dynamic response, high encoder resolution (17bit/23bit), and stable long-term operation inside sealed joints.
· Type selection: AC servo vs DC servo (large robots use 220V/380V, collaborative use 48V); framed vs frameless (Frameless embeds directly into the joint); split type vs integrated reducer (Robotic Joint Modules / Joint Actuators).
· Tiger Motion product mapping: The company covers Hollow Frameless Torque Motors (embedded directly into joints), Robotic Joint Modules (Joint Actuators) (integrated planetary reduction), high-voltage 220V/380V AC servo and 48V low-voltage servo, and can provide a complete power solution-from compact frameless to high-torque integrated joints-for different robot forms such as 6-axis, collaborative (cobot) and SCARA.
· Core challenge: Meeting high torque, high precision, fast response and low heat generation simultaneously within limited joint space is the essential contradiction in motor selection.
Core Challenges (Challenge → Requirement → Tiger Motion Solution)
Challenge Dimension | Technical Requirement | Tiger Motion Solution |
Torque Density | Deliver maximum torque within limited joint space | High-performance rare-earth magnets + optimized magnetic circuit design |
Positioning Accuracy | Repeatability ≤ ±0.01 mm | High-resolution encoder (17bit / 23bit) |
Dynamic Response | Acceleration/deceleration time < 50 ms | Low-inertia rotor design + fast current loop |
Thermal Management | No demagnetization during long continuous operation | Optimized cooling structure + temperature sensor |
Integration Level | Compact joint space requires integrated reducer | Integrated planetary reducer all-in-one design |
Communication Protocol | Supports industrial buses such as EtherCAT / PROFINET | Multi-protocol servo drive compatibility |
Recommended Products
Product Model | Rated Power | Rated Torque | Suitable Type | Core Advantage |
80mm 1.5KW Robot Joint Servo Motor | 1.5 KW | High Torque | 6-axis robot joint | Integrated planetary reducer |
130# 1.8KW Servo Motor with Brake | 1.8 KW | Medium-High Torque | Large industrial robot | With brake + high power |
Small Size High Power Servo Motor | Customizable | High power density | Collaborative robot | Small size, high power |
58MM 200W 48VDC Frameless Motor | 200 W | Medium Torque | Collaborative robot / small joint | Frameless design + safe voltage |
Robot Joint Gear Motor | Customizable | High Torque | Robot joints | Integrated planetary gear + high torque |
How to Choose Servo Motors for Industrial Robots
· 1. Determine the robot type: 6-axis / SCARA / collaborative / Delta - different types have different requirements for motor size, torque and protection.
· 2. Calculate the load torque: consider payload, arm length and acceleration requirements, leaving a safety margin.
· 3. Select the voltage level: high voltage (220V / 380V) suits large robots, low voltage (48V) suits collaborative robots.
· 4. Determine encoder resolution: 17bit for general industry, 23bit for high-precision scenarios.
· 5. Evaluate cooling conditions: sealed joints require a cooling solution and temperature sensors.
· 6. Match the communication protocol: ensure the servo drive supports the robot controller's communication protocol (EtherCAT / PROFINET, etc.).
Industry FAQ
Q: What type of servo motor is commonly used in industrial robots?
A: Large 6-axis robots mostly use 220V/380V AC servo with integrated planetary reduction; collaborative robots tend toward 48V low-voltage servo or Hollow Frameless Torque Motors to balance safe voltage and compact integration.
Q: Why do collaborative robots commonly use Hollow Frameless Torque Motors?
A: Frameless motors can be embedded directly inside the joint, eliminating the housing and bearings, maximizing space utilization and torque density—key to the lightweight, compact design of cobots.
Q: What guarantees repeatability?
A: A high-resolution absolute encoder (17bit/23bit) + low cogging torque design + fast current loop together determine positioning consistency.
Q: Can Tiger Motion provide integrated joint modules?
A: Yes. Robotic Joint Modules (Joint Actuators) integrate a planetary reducer, providing power solutions from modules to customized joints.
Technical Advantages of Tiger Motion Servo Solutions for Industrial Robots
· High torque density in compact joints - rare-earth magnet designs and optimized magnetic circuits deliver maximum torque within tight robotic joint space.
· Hollow Frameless Torque Motors embed directly into the joint, eliminating housing and bearings to maximize space utilization and torque density for lightweight, compact robots.
· Robotic Joint Modules (Joint Actuators) integrate a planetary reducer in one package, reducing assembly steps and improving rigidity.
· High-resolution absolute encoders (17-bit for general industry, 23-bit for high precision) plus low-cogging design secure repeatable positioning.
· Full voltage coverage - 220V/380V AC for large 6-axis robots, 48V DC low-voltage for collaborative robots and safe-voltage operation.
· Multi-protocol servo drives compatible with EtherCAT / PROFINET for seamless integration with robot controllers.
Representative Application Cases
· 6-axis robot joint drives powered by Robotic Joint Modules (Joint Actuators) for payloads from light to heavy.
· Collaborative robot joints built around Hollow Frameless Torque Motors for safe, compact, lightweight actuation.
· SCARA and Delta robots using high-dynamic servo for fast, precise pick-and-place positioning.
These use cases reflect how Tiger Motion servo and motion products are applied across real industrial robots, with OEM/ODM customization available for specific machine architectures.
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