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News | Automation as a tool: precision gears create tangible added value for people and the environment

Automation technology has a reputation as a job killer. But that is an oversimplification. There is no question that the world of work is changing. In this scenario, automation is, above all, an opportunity – it has the potential to make processes more efficient, safer, and more environmentally friendly. Our precision gears help to make life easier in this respect.

Everyone is talking about automation. But the concept is by no means new. On the contrary. Even in ancient times, people dreamed of having machines do their work for them. Automation really took off in the late 18th century. The steam engine, assembly lines, digitalization, robotics, the Internet of Things, and Artificial Intelligence are among the most important transformation accelerators.

Automation with precision gears makes life easier for people

Today, the level of automation is rapidly increasing. Driving factors include the shortage of skilled labour, reshoring (bringing production capacities back home), and cost reduction, as well as constant striving for more efficiency and productivity, reduction of workloads, and technological progress. In the future, robot-assisted systems will find their way into more and more applications. Above all, simple, repetitive, time-consuming, and physically strenuous activities are being performed by robots and automation systems – whether in medical technology, pharmaceuticals, food production, logistics, packaging technology, the automotive sector, mining or the offshore industry.

Robots reduce the workload by performing the following tasks, for example:

  • Repetitive, tiring activities
  • Unergonomic tasks, such as overhead work
  • Lifting and transport of heavy loads
  • Dangerous tasks
  • Activities in unhealthy environments
  • Time-consuming tasks

Precision gears for production, everyday life, and health

We are the world market leader for robotic gears (market share of more than 60%) and understand automation as a tool that helps to make the future more pleasant for people, by increasing success rates, safety, and cost-effectiveness. Our Precision gears play a central role in this respect. For converting torque and speed, they are a central element in the drive train of machines, robots, and systems, where they have a major effect on their performance and efficiency. Thanks to automation, no one will have to work in hazardous environments or perform monotonous tasks in the future.

How our precision gears help (a few examples):

  • Imaging processes: The low backlash and high rigidity of our precision gears are decisive in producing high-quality and detailed body images. These images make it possible to identify tumours more quickly, for example, so treatment can start at an early stage.
     
  • Patient handling: Automated patient handling systems carry out lifting, turning, and precise positioning of patients. This ensures optimal handling and provides relief for the clinic staff.
     
  • Surgical robots: Our precision gears transfer the motions carried out by the surgeon with the joystick to the flexible robot arms on a 1-to-1 basis, which guarantees reliable positioning with precision to a hundredth of a millimetre. This makes it possible to execute even extremely small incisions with absolute precision. The result: increased patient safety and gentler treatment, thanks to automation.
     
  • Prostheses and exoskeletons: Our precision gears literally help people get back on their feet. They are used in exoskeletons and prosthetic knee joints, restoring mobility to patients with motor impairments. This helps them to regain normality.
     
  • Service robots: In restaurants, retail stores, and the health care sector, there is a great need for qualified staff, but the shortage of skilled labour continues to worsen. Automated solutions are an attractive alternative.
     
  • Warehouse logistics: Labelling, packaging, palletizing, and picking are some of the everyday tasks involved in the shipping of goods. They are both monotonous and physically strenuous. Fully automated solutions based on our precision gears provide relief.
     
  • Cold storage: Whether in food production or pharmaceuticals: Sensitive and perishable products have to be stored at very low temperatures. However, such extreme temperatures can have negative effects on the health of workers. That is why automation technology is commonly used in these areas.
     
  • Welding robots: The high precision of our gears ensure pin-point positioning, within a hundredth of a millimetre, by welding robots and positioners – even in the case of complex geometrical structures. This guarantees optimal component quality and protects employees, since they are no longer exposed to hazards from toxic gases and vapours, burns and electric shock.
     
  • Drilling rigs: Working on oil rigs is physically demanding and very dangerous. To protect employees, offshore drilling companies are increasingly using robots – which in many cases contain precision gears from Nabtesco.
     
  • Mining: Working conditions in an underground environment are both harsh and dangerous, involving numerous risks. Automation with precision gears not only boosts productivity, but also assures employee safety.

Long-lasting gears contribute to sustainability

In addition, our precision gears have an above-average service life, which is an important contribution to increased sustainability in production and automation. A good indicator for the life of gears is their overload capacity. With our cycloidal gears and strain wave gears, this capacity is two to three times higher than that of planetary gears. A long life means fewer purchase of new equipment, lower maintenance expenses, and less use of materials, energy, and resources throughout the life cycle of a machine. Smart condition monitoring concepts in Maintenance & Servicing additionally prolong the life and have a positive effect on maintenance costs, robot availability, and overall expenses.

Would you like to learn more about our precision gears and the potentials for automation, or do you have questions about a particular product? Then don’t hesitate to contact our experts.