Genesis Robotics & Motion Technologies yesterday announced the availability of its new LiveDrive LDD 1800 Series actuators with an extensive range of configurations and performance options. The direct-drive actuators “eliminate the need for gearing and are redefining the next generation of parallel robots and precision machinery, unlocking capabilities beyond the reach of conventional drivetrains, across many applications,” claimed the company.
“We are thrilled to launch this leading-edge actuation technology, making it available to manufacturers and system integrators globally,” stated Chris Di Lello, CEO of Genesis Robotics. “A simpler drivetrain empowers a better robot: faster to assemble and easier to maintain. This creates value for our customers and end users and represents a true breakthrough for the robotics and automation industries.”
The Langley, British Columbia-based company was founded in 2014 and develops actuators and other mechanical innovations to change how robots are built and move. In April 2018, Koch Engineered Solutions made a strategic and controlling investment in Genesis to commercialize technologies including LiveDrive.
Genesis Robotics designs for simplicity, safety
Genesis Robotics said its LiveDrive LDD actuators “redefine the standard of simplicity, cleanliness, and productivity for high-throughput machines.” The high-torque, compact drive is designed for robots and machines in the food, packaging, pharmaceuticals, and electronics industries, said the company.
LiveDrive can reduces maintenance requirements while increasing uptime and reliability, Genesis added. And with no need for gears, belts, or lubrication, LiveDrive actuators can simplify the drivetrain, increasing performance and reducing the total cost of ownership, it said.
The LiveDrive LDD 1800 Series actuator is less than half the length of a typical servo-gearhead drivetrain, so equipment using it will require less floor space in workcells or on factory floors, said Genesis.
The smooth surfaces and minimal collection points of LiveDrive’s washdown-ready IP67 enclosure allow for easy cleanup, according to the company. It added that the LiveDrive actuators do not require a gearbox, removing the risk of oil leakage or contamination—reducing downtime, inspection, and maintenance requirements.
In addition, Genesis Robotics claimed that LiveDrive’s direct-drive technology eliminates backlash and improves system stiffness. Coupled with its higher torque-to-weight ratio, LiveDrive creates opportunities for robot and machine designers to improve performance in highly dynamic applications.
With its low inertia and fast stopping times, LiveDrive conforms with control system safety standards under Collaborative Robot Technical Specification ISO/TS 15066 and promises to bring human-machine collaboration to new applications, said Genesis.
Wyzo 'sidebot' uses LiveDrive
Demaurex SA has integrated the LiveDrive into its Wyzo “sidebot,” a system designed to work safely alongside people in manufacturing. The Écublens, Switzerland-based company claims to be a pioneer in high-speed Delta pick-and-place robots, with more than 4,000 robots installed worldwide.
“We’ve been searching for a solution for over a decade and LiveDrive is the missing link for our products,” said Frank Souyris, CEO of Wyzo. “This technology is a game-changer that makes a significant difference in our work and allows us to achieve a high level of performance and safety. The Genesis team is very committed and shares our values as we develop a new industry standard for delta robots—the Wyzo Sidebot.”
Genesis Robotics said its LiveDrive LDD 1800 Series Direct Drive Actuators are available with an extensive range of configurations and performance options. Standard models include four sizes, various voltage levels, and integration support for third-party servo drives.
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