‘First’ digital strainwave gears with built-in sensors need no extra space
26 February 2025 
The German cycloidal gear specialist Nabtesco Precision Europe has announced a digital strainwave gearbox which integrates smart sensors into a housing that is the same size as a standard gearbox. It claims that the zero-backlash, plug-and-play device is the first of its type, and will save space in applications such as machinery and robots. The maintenance-free devices are said to deliver up to 15% more torque than conventional strainwave gears.
The built-in sensors – which measure torque, temperature and vibrations – provide information on the performance of the gearbox. This can be used for condition monitoring and to optimise processes. Nabtesco reckons that double-digit percentage cost savings are possible.
A built-in electronic evaluation unit analyses the data and sends it via a bus to a higher-level controller. Operators are given recommended actions, allowing them to respond promptly to changing parameters and to initiate appropriate measures.
Continuous monitoring of the condition of the gearbox makes it possible to calculate its expected life, to determine any faults, and to identify overloads, unsuitable operating points or cases of misuse.
“Our compact, sensor-based strainwave gears expand our spectrum of digital solutions and take drive technology into the future,” says Nabtesco’s director of sales and marketing, Daniel Obladen. “Our plug-and-play product combines high-precision, zero-backlash technology with smart sensors and artificial intelligence – with no change in the size of the gear. This solves key problems faced by our customers, and is a major factor in boosting efficiency, optimising performance, saving resources, and improving cost-effectiveness.”
The new strainwave gears are being produced at Nabtesco’s Ovalo site in Germany in compliance with the IATF 16949 quality management standard. They can be customised for specific applications in terms of performance, geometry, material and interfaces.
The gears are available with or without hollow shafts. They are factory-calibrated, eliminating the need for calibration by the end-user.
Nabtesco Precision Europe: LinkedIn
