What is a slotless servo motor?

From the outside it looks just like any other industrial brushless servo motor but inside it utilized advanced manufacturing techniques to provide higher torque, higher speed, smoother operation, higher efficiency, and better inertial matching in a smaller package.  This is achieved primarily by removing the iron teeth from a traditional BL servo motor.

What industries benefit from this technology and why?

There are several examples and one would be the traction drive for robotic applications.  Typically one of the primary requirements is power density. Since the motor is moving with the robot the more power (torque and speed) the motor can supply in a given size and weight the better.  Slotless motors can supply a torque at a broad range of speeds even at low battery supplied voltage.

Are there any other industries that can benefit from this technology.

There are many.  Simulators for example require exceptionally smooth motion because the operators can feel the slightest motor cogging.  Slotless motors have zero cogging due to the motor structure and also provide very high torque and inertial compared to traditional BL motors.

Are there any other industries?

There are too many application types to name because this motor family is really providing improved performance that can help many machine builders.  They are basically a better motor. The family is very broad with 8 frame sizes and many standard feedback options that can solve many applications. Additionally, these motors can be offered as frameless kit sets that can be integrated directly into the machine to save additional space and weight.

How does it work?

We think pictures help illustrate this best so please view this video for a more thorough understanding.

Why doesn’t everyone build these motors?

Slotless motors have been around for many years and are offered by several motors suppliers but it requires advanced custom manufacturing investments that not all suppliers are willing to make.  By making this investment in modern manufacturing, we believe we have expanded the market with improved performance compared to older slotless designs and manufacturing techniques.

The content & opinions in this article are the author’s and do not necessarily represent the views of RoboticsTomorrow

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