Robotic Drives

• A robot will require a drive system for moving

their arm, wrist, and body.
• The joints are moved by actuators powered by
a particular form of drive system.
• A drive system can also be used to determine
the capacity of a robot.
• there are three different types of drive systems
available such as:
– Hydraulic drive system,
– Pneumatic drive system, and
– Electric drive system,
 Hydraulic Drive Systems:
• A hydraulic drive system is a quasi-
hydrostatic drive or transmission system that
uses pressurized hydraulic fluid to
power hydraulic machinery
• A hydraulic drive system consists of three
parts:
– The generator (e.g. a hydraulic pump), driven by
an electric motor;
– valves, filters, piping etc. (to guide and control the
system);and
– The actuator (e.g. a hydraulic motor or hydraulic
cylinder) to drive the machinery.
Examples of Hydraulic Drive Systems
Examples of Hydraulic Drive Systems
Examples of Hydraulic Drive Systems
Examples of Hydraulic Drive Systems
 Pneumatic Drive System
• Pneumatic systems use air as the medium
which is abundantly available and can be
exhausted into the atmosphere after
completion of the assigned task
• The pneumatic drive systems are especially
used for the small type robots, which have
less than five degrees of freedom.
Components of Pneumatic Drive
Systems
 Components of Pneumatic Drive
Systems
• Air filters: These are used to filter out the contaminants from the air.
• Compressor: Compressed air is generated by using air compressors. Air
compressors are either diesel or electrically operated. Based on the
requirement of compressed air, suitable capacity compressors may be
used.
• Air cooler: During compression operation, air temperature increases.
Therefore coolers are used to reduce the temperature of the compressed
air.
• Dryer: The water vapor or moisture in the air is separated from the air by
using a dryer.
• Control Valves: Control valves are used to regulate, control and monitor
for control of direction flow, pressure etc.
• Air Actuator: Air cylinders and motors are used to obtain the required
movements of mechanical elements of pneumatic system.
• Electric Motor: Transforms electrical energy into mechanical energy. It is
used to drive the compressor.
• Receiver tank: The compressed air coming from the compressor is stored
in the air receiver.
Pneumatic systems Examples
Pneumatic systems Examples
Pneumatic systems Examples
Pneumatic systems Examples
 Electric Drive Systems
• The electric drive systems are capable of
moving robots with high power or speed.
• The actuation of this type of robot can be
done by either DC servo motors or DC
stepping motors.
Electric Drive Systems
Electric Drive Systems
Electric Drive Systems
Electric Drive Systems