TECHNOLOGY n 19 www.drivesncontrols.com April 2025 THE GERMAN CYCLOIDAL GEAR specialist Nabtesco Precision Europe has announced a digital strainwave gearbox which integrates smart sensors into a housing that is the same size as a standard gearbox. It claims that the zerobacklash, plug-and-play device is the first of its type, and will save space in applications such as machinery and robots. The maintenance-free devices are said to deliver up to 15% more torque than conventional strainwave gears. The built-in sensors – which measure torque, temperature and vibrations – provide information on the performance of the gearbox. This can be used for condition monitoring and to optimise processes. Nabtesco reckons that doubledigit percentage cost savings are possible. A built-in electronic evaluation unit analyses the data and sends it via a bus to a higher-level controller. Operators are given recommended actions, allowing them to respond promptly to changing parameters and to initiate appropriate measures. Continuous monitoring of the condition of the gearbox makes it possible to calculate its expected life, to determine any faults, and to identify overloads, unsuitable operating points or cases of misuse. “Our compact, sensor-based strainwave gears expand our spectrum of digital solutions and take drive technology into the future,” says Nabtesco’s director of sales and marketing, Daniel Obladen. “Our plug-and-play product combines highprecision, zero-backlash technology with smart sensors and artificial intelligence – with no change in the size of the gear. This solves key problems faced by our customers, and is a major factor in boosting efficiency, optimising performance, saving resources, and improving cost-effectiveness.” The new strainwave gears are being produced at Nabtesco’s Ovalo site in Germany. They can be customised for specific applications in terms of performance, geometry, material and interfaces. The gears are available with or without hollow shafts. They are factory-calibrated, eliminating the need for calibration by the end-user. www.nabtesco.de/en/products/ strain-wave-gears SCHNEIDER ELECTRIC HAS launched a “futureready” industrial I/O system which uses open Ethernet protocols to deliver connectivity to a variety of devices and architectures. The Modicon Edge I/O NTS system embeds data intelligence to deliver better performance, availability and cybersecurity. Schneider says the exible system meets users’ current needs for industrial I/O applications, while preparing them for the challenges of tomorrow. It will handle a variety of applications, from simple to demanding, in a single I/O family. The IP20-protected system uses OPC UA for internal communications, ensuring security and interoperability of various Ethernet protocols. Schneider says it lays the foundation for a new generation of connected products based on industrial networks for Industry 4.0 and the IIoT. The company adds that machine-builders, systems integrators, and industrial end-users can expect to: nSave time, with adaptive tools, simpler designs and wiring, quicker start-up of new machines and processes, and shorter timeto-market. nCut costs and reduce Mean Time to Repair and unplanned downtime because of the system’s robust design with hot-swap capabilities and integrated diagnostics. nIncrease exibility with the ability to customise I/O islands and get the most from the compact design that allows more I/O modules and functions in less space. n Prepare for the future of data-driven industries thanks to its compliance with cybersecurity regulations. “Edge I/O NTS not only provides a very strong and superior catalogue for I/O for our customers to build their solutions today, but it also prepares them for the future,” says Grant Van Hemert, Schneider’s senior oer manager for the Digital Factory in the US. Commenting on the launch of the new I/O system, Craig Resnick, vice-president of ARC Advisory Group, says: “The market for distributed I/O is being driven by digital transformation, which is rapidly increasing demand for additional manufacturing data to support analytics, AI, virtualisation, asset management and predictive maintenance, the IIoT, digital twins and simulation, augmented and virtual reality, and IT and OT convergency. However, distributed I/O must be designed on OPC UA over TSN, all while meeting vigorous industrial standards and certications regarding temperature, harsh, severe and hazardous operating environment, vibration and electromagnetic compatibility. “Schneider Electric's new Modicon Edge I/O NTS next-generation distributed IP20 I/O system meets these market and design requirements and will provide its users with a solution that will help to accelerate their digital transformation journey.” ‘Future-ready’ I/O system is designed to meet challenges of tomorrow ‘First’ digital strainwave gears with built-in sensors save space in machines Schneider says its new I/O system will meet the challenges of tomorrow
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