Robotics
Cobots, humanoid robots, quadrupeds, mobile robots, UGVs
Actuators and system integration From customer design to series production
Developing a high-performance actuator is one task. The other, often underestimated one, is transferring it into reliable, scalable production. It is precisely at this stage that complexity increases significantly: design approvals, validation, product compliance, supply chains, and quality assurance all have to be managed at the same time.
TQ-RoboDrive supports you through exactly this phase as a technology and manufacturing service provider. Your design remains the foundation, while we contribute drive technology, manufacturing, and supply chain management through to the installation-ready assembly.
Two pillars. One seamless solution.
TQ-RoboDrive divides its offering into two areas that build on each other and address customers at different integration levels in a targeted way:
- Motor Technology: The stator-rotor kits of the ILM and ILM-E series form the technological basis. They are designed for developers who require maximum design freedom and structurally integrated drive technology.
- Assembly & Integration Service: TQ-RoboDrive handles the complete implementation of an actuator concept, from component procurement through assembly, testing, and quality assurance to delivery.
The Assembly & Integration Service in detail
In the field of actuator design, TQ-RoboDrive’s offering goes far beyond the supply of motor kits. Customers receive support along the entire value chain, from the initial design review to the ready-to-ship actuator.
The range of services includes:
- Design review and recommendations for action
- Integration of stator and rotor into custom housing and shaft designs
- Preparation and integration of connecting cables
- Expansion into pre-assembled units including bearings and housing
- Completion of the actuator with encoder, sensors, brake, and gearbox
- Assembly of complete modules up to robotic arms or complete systems
- Procurement, quality assurance, testing, packaging, and delivery
Through combined purchasing power and many years of experience in supply chain management, TQ realizes efficient and resilient production processes.
Series production of complex cobots
The collaboration with Franka Emika demonstrates that TQ is also capable of reliably manufacturing complete robotic systems in series. The collaborative robot Franka Emika Panda was assembled at the TQ site in Durach.
As a cobot manufacturer, TQ took on the industrial assembly of the robot. This reference exemplifies our expertise in transferring complex mechatronic systems with motors, mechanics, electronics, and sensors into stable and scalable manufacturing processes.
At the same time, the Franka Emika Panda stands in the development tradition of the sensitive lightweight robotics created at DLR. Learn how this history evolved from DLR via the KUKA LBR to the Franka Emika Panda on the Frameless Pioneer page.
From development to production series
When a developed product is to be turned into a market-ready one, several requirements come together at once: product safety and regulatory compliance must be demonstrated, design approvals and validations must be completed, and at the same time a stable supply chain for the required quantities must be established. These requirements call for extensive expertise, significant investment, and resources concentrated in a critical project phase. This is exactly where we support our customers with over 30 years of experience in electronics and systems manufacturing, from the design phase through to the series production of actuators.
Consider motor integration from the very beginning
Thoughtful motor integration ideally begins in the concept phase. When drive, mechanics, and electronics are considered together at an early stage, installation space, weight, thermal performance, and system coordination can be specifically optimized.
With the Design Check, our experts help you define the right motor solution and integration strategy for your application at an early stage.
Application areas of TQ actuators
TQ-RoboDrive actuators and integration solutions are, for example, used in the following areas:
TQ-RoboDrive as a manufacturing partner
Scaling an actuator from development into series production places demands that go far beyond drive technology: stable supply chains, validated manufacturing processes, quality assurance, and adherence to tight delivery windows.
TQ brings more than 30 years of experience in the field of E²MS – combined with concentrated purchasing power and established supply chain structures that ensure reliability even in demanding projects.
FAQs on actuators and system integration
What is an actuator?
An actuator converts electrical energy into a targeted mechanical movement. Depending on the application, it consists of a motor, bearings, housing, sensors, encoder, brake, and, if required, a gearbox. In custom actuators, these components are matched to requirements such as torque, speed, installation space, weight, dynamics, and thermal load.
What does TQ-RoboDrive's Assembly & Integration Service include?
The Assembly & Integration Service includes the implementation of a customer-specific actuator concept through to a ready-to-install assembly. Depending on the project, TQ handles the integration of the stator and rotor, connection cables, bearings, housing, encoder, sensors, brake, and gearbox. This is supplemented by procurement, assembly, testing, quality assurance, packaging, and delivery.
What does motor integration mean?
Motor integration refers to the structural, mechanical, thermal, and electrical integration of a motor into the overarching customer system. In frameless motors, the stator and rotor are integrated directly into the housing and shaft of the application. If the motor, mechanics, sensors, and electronics are considered together already in the concept phase, installation space, weight, and system coordination can be specifically optimized.
How does TQ support the serial production of actuators?
TQ-RoboDrive supports customers from design review through to scalable series production of the actuator. This includes design checks, validation, procurement, supply chain management, manufacturing planning, quality assurance, and testing. The customer’s design remains the basis, while we handle industrial implementation and the reliable manufacture of ready-to-install assemblies.
What experience does TQ have in the serial production of complete cobots?
TQ has practical experience in the serial production of complex collaborative robotic systems. The Franka Emika Panda was assembled at TQ’s Durach site. TQ was responsible for the industrial implementation of a complete cobot, including mechanics, motors, electronics, and sensor technology. The technological development line from DLR via the KUKA LBR to the Franka Emika Panda is explained on the Frameless Pioneer page.
Can TQ manufacture an actuator completely according to the customer’s design?
Yes, TQ can industrialize and manufacture an existing actuator concept based on the customer’s design. The possible scope of services ranges from design review and motor integration to procurement and assembly of all components, up to the tested, packaged, and ready-to-ship assembly. Which services TQ takes on is determined according to the technical requirements, quantities, and project goals.