Leading the Way into the Future: At Nabtesco, we keep moving forward and are constantly refining our drive solutions. We embrace technological advancements, collaborate closely with technology partners such as ALVA, FLUX, and adcos, and open up new possibilities in automation. Our mission: high-tech solutions that advance drive technology. In this context, sensor technology and digital functions are becoming increasingly important. Mechanics is evolving into Smart Motion. Precision is becoming intelligent.
Start the project now Discover Our New ProductsAt SPS 2026, we’ll showcase how the world of strain wave and cycloidal gears is evolving. Our new products embody smart functionality and offer a glimpse into the next generation of drive technology. Visit us November 24–26, 2026, in Hall 3A at Booth 426 and experience our solutions for robotics and automation firsthand.
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Our New Products at SPS 2026
Backlash-free strain wave gears with comprehensive sensor technology and digital functions—without requiring additional installation space
Complete drive systems with high power density and a compact axial length
Cycloidal gears with integrated position sensing for high-precision applications
Digital Strain Wave Gears (4th Generation): New Features, More Possibilities
Our digital strain wave gear integrates smart sensors and digital functions directly into the gearbox—without requiring additional installation space. With the 4th generation, we’re significantly expanding the range of functions: Integrated position measurement, digital communication via BiSS-C, and the new Customer Tool enable more comprehensive data utilization and simplify integration, parameterization, and commissioning.
Download the flyer
The integrated absolute encoder measures the position directly at the output shaft, thereby eliminating the effects of the gearbox on position control. This enables greater control accuracy—especially in demanding precision applications.
BiSS-C enables the transmission of extensive sensor, functional, and analysis data with a high density of information. BiSS Safety allows for the reliable transmission of safety-related measured variables—a key prerequisite for developing functional safety applications.
The Customer Tool enables parameterization, monitoring, data logging, and calibration via a central user interface—providing easy access to digital functions and significantly reducing the effort required for setup and use.
The digital strain wave gear collects relevant operating and condition data directly within the gearbox. The data collected enables comprehensive condition monitoring and evaluation—such as load monitoring and lifetime tracking. Analog and digital interfaces are available for data utilization—ranging from the targeted reading of individual measurement parameters to the comprehensive use of digital functions.
Full range of functions of the digital gearbox:
Torque, temperature, vibration, and position measurement
Condition monitoring and evaluation
Calculation of actual gearbox service life / Lifetime Tracking
Detection of overload and critical operating conditions
Event and load monitoring
Analog and digital data output (switchable)
BiSS-C communication, including BiSS Safety
Customer Tool for parameterization, monitoring, data logging, and calibration
The digital strain wave gear is used wherever high performance is required in a limited installation space, and offers a space-saving solution for intelligent automation.
- Cobots
- Humanoid robots
- Mobile and Autonomous Robotics
- Mechanical Engineering & Automation
- Medical technology, e.g., patient handling systems and imaging systems such as C-arms
- Precision positioning and handling systems
Super-Short Actuator: 30% shorter axial length with high performance
The Super-Short Actuator sets new standards in terms of installation space and weight: It is approximately 30% shorter in the axial direction and about 30% lighter than comparable standard actuators. This is made possible by ALVA’s GearTorq™ frameless motor, manufactured using patented FiberPrinting™ technology. In combination with the Nabtesco strain wave gear, the actuator offers high power density with minimal installation space. For optimal control, a specially tuned control system from adcos, a Nabtesco Group company, is available.
Super-Short Actuator –
Short. Lightweight. Responsive. Precise.
Optional: External adcos controller for optimal motor performance
The characteristics of ALVA’s ALVA GearTorq™ frameless motor are taken into account in the control system to ensure efficient motor control. adcos’ new RCP (Rapid Control Prototyping) PANTHER platform is available for this purpose. In addition to two redundant 3-phase high-current MOSFET power stages, PANTHER also features a 3-phase GaN power stage for driving the ALVA motor. Together with the control software tailored to the motor, it enables optimal utilization of the motor’s performance.
The Super-Short Actuator combines the key drive components into a single compact unit. The gearhead, motor, bearings, and encoder are perfectly matched to one another, reducing the integration effort required on the customer’s part. The modular design allows for flexible configurations. A version with a digital gearbox is also available, offering advantages for condition monitoring and predictive maintenance.
Performance Components in the Actuator
- Nabtesco strain wave gear with output bearing—backlash-free power transmission with high peak torques
- ALVA GearTorq™ motor with encoder—compact, lightweight motor design for space-saving integration
- Optional digital gear functions—for additional operating and condition data as well as expanded monitoring capabilities
The Super-Short Actuator is ideal for applications with limited axial installation space, low weight requirements, and high dynamic performance demands. Its compact design reduces moving masses and supports lean designs. It is particularly well-suited for dynamic applications with cyclic loads, as well as for mobile systems where every gram counts.
Applications:
- Humanoid robots
- Cobots
- Exoskeletons
- Delta robots
- Pan-and-tilt systems
- Mobile and battery-powered systems
- Lightweight and highly dynamic robot axes
RDS-C Link: Cycloidal Gears with Integrated Position Sensing
The RDS-C Link combines the cycloidal gears of the RDS-C series (hollow-shaft gearheads with parallel-axis drive) with a specially tuned FLUX encoder. This compact solution enables precise positioning while reducing design and integration efforts and can be implemented for various sizes of the RDS-C series. Additionally, other gearhead sizes and custom solutions are available upon request.
Download the flyerThe IND-ROT series inductive FLUX encoder operates on a contactless measurement principle and is specifically designed to meet the requirements of the RDS-C Link. Via the hollow shaft connected to the output shaft, it detects the absolute position directly at the output, thereby ensuring more accurate position determination. With a resolution of up to 22 bits and an accuracy of up to ±18 arcseconds, the FLUX encoder ensures highly precise and reliable position feedback. Thanks to its inductive measurement principle, it is also suitable for use in harsh environments, such as when optical systems cannot be used due to dust, contamination, or condensation. In addition, the encoder features high EMC compatibility.
Discover the RD-C Series RDS-C Flyer: Download Link
The RDS-C Link is designed for applications where even the smallest angular deviations can be critical—such as in satellite, antenna, and radar systems, or in medical technology. In these applications, precisely defined alignment and reliable position feedback are essential. The gear’s excellent synchronous running characteristics ensure smooth and consistent motion.
Applications:
- Satellite systems
- Antenna systems
- Radar systems
- Irradiation equipment
- X-ray systems
Your Innovation Partner for Automation
For more than 40 years, we have been developing high precision gears and drive solutions for demanding applications in robotics and automation. As a full-service provider, we offer you a broad product portfolio, a high level of engineering expertise, comprehensive application know-how, and first-class service. Innovation is in our DNA—and it’s woven into every solution we create.
What sets us apart:
- Cycloidal and strain wave gears from a single source
- Torque range from 4.5 to 70,000 Nm
- Solutions for a wide variety of axes and applications
- More than 40 years of experience in robotics and automation
Production capacity of over 1 million gears per year
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