Schaeffler presenting solutions for industrial robotics at Automate show

Schaeffler is exhibiting an array of advanced innovations for the industrial automation and robotics industries under the theme “Driving Smart Manufacturing at Every Axis” at the Automate 2023 trade show, which takes place through May 25 in Detroit’s Huntington Place Convention Center. 

Beyond its extensive portfolio of linear and rolling bearings, Schaeffler has also established itself within the automation industry as a trusted partner for system components, precision gearboxes, pivot bearing supports, drive motors, and sensors — as well as the robotic 7th axis.

“For several decades, Schaeffler has provided a comprehensive range of solutions for industrial robotics based on conventional bearing components and specialized products. With our recent acquisition of Melior Motion and the development of our strain wave gearbox with its integrated torque measuring system, Schaeffler is now further expanding its offerings for the robotics sector,” said Ulrich (Uli) Mayr, VP of industrial automation for Schaeffler in the Americas. “This is an exciting time to be at Automate, and we are proud to showcase our technological expertise and systems know-how through our ever-increasing portfolio of automation solutions.”

As companies increasingly rely on collaborative robots (cobots) to support factory-level tasks and compensate for labor shortages, Schaeffler will be showcasing its growing lineup of high-precision planetary gearboxes and strain wave gear sets — vital components inside robotic joints — at Automate 2023. 

PSC-Series Precision Planetary Gear Units — Schaeffler’s new PSC-series planetary gear units represent the new benchmark for ultra-precision gear sets used in a wide range of industrial automation and robotics applications. PSC stands for Precise (the highest precision available on the market), Silent (the lowest noise level), and Constant (a constant level of precision during the application period). Whereas traditional gear drives exhibit torsional backlash that only increases with wear, Schaeffler’s PSC gear units feature a patented tooth system that reduces torsional backlash to less than 0.1 angular minutes — a value that remains constant throughout the device’s entire operating life of 20,000 hours.