Skip
Will we see you at the SPS?

The countdown is on. In just a few weeks, the automation industry will gather in Nuremberg. Secure your ticket today and start planning your trip. We look forward to welcoming you!

Advertisement

Precision performance from strain wave and cycloidal gears

11 Nov 2026

Automation is becoming smarter and more connected. As a result, the demands placed on drive technology are also changing. Together with technology partners such as Alva, Flux, and Adcos, Nabtesco is showcasing the resulting benefits with three new products: a digital strain wave gear with an expanded range of functions, new super-short actuators with reduced axial length, and the new RDS-C cycloidal gearbox with integrated position sensing.

Digital strain wave gear (4th generation)

The digital strain wave gear integrates smart sensor technology and data analysis into the gear without affecting its installation dimensions, enabling comprehensive condition monitoring and evaluation. Operating and condition data can be captured directly and used, for example, for load monitoring and lifetime tracking. With the fourth generation, Nabtesco is significantly expanding the range of functions. New features include integrated position measurement,

digital communication via BiSS-C, and a customer tool for parameterization, monitoring, and analysis. Users benefit from higher control accuracy, greater transparency regarding operating and condition data, as well as simpler integration and commissioning.

Super-short actuators with reduced axial length

The super-short actuator combines a gearbox, motor, bearings, and encoder into a plug-and- play unit and sets new standards in terms of installation space and weight: it is approximately 30% shorter axially 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 in a compact design while reducing integration effort. For optimal control, a specially tuned control system from adcos, a Nabtesco Group company, is available.

RDS-C: cycloidal gear with integrated position sensing

The RDS-C Link combines the cycloidal gears of the RDS-C series (hollow shaft gearboxes with parallel-axis drive) with a specially tuned Flux encoder. This encoder detects the absolute position directly at the output shaft, enabling high positioning accuracy even under load. This compact solution reduces design and integration effort and, thanks to its inductive measurement principle, is also suitable for use in harsh environments, such as those with dust, contamination, or condensation. The RDS-C Link is available for various sizes in the RDS-C series; additional gear sizes and custom solutions are available upon request.

This content was created in paid collaboration with the Newsletter Editors Andy Pye and Bob Dobson. 

You might also be interested in