Humanoid robots are expected to transform a broad spectrum of markets thanks to advanced neural networks that command joints, appendages and end effectors to provide virtually human skills. In fact, the market potential is projected to reach up to $38 billion in sales by 2035. However, the widespread adoption of humanoids wouldn’t be possible without crossed roller bearings, linear guides, spherical bushings and cam followers designed to fit their tasks and environments. This blog post will provide an overview of various customization options and explain why collaboration with your supplier early in the development process will help you get the most utility out of your humanoid robot design.

Custom Components Give Humanoids Free Range of Motion
Although humanoid robots are designed to occupy the same environments as people and manipulate uniformly sized objects like warehouse totes, it can be easy to think that standard motion components are requisite. However, humanoid robots are intended to move freely, so custom motion components are critical in order to facilitate movement as well as optimize their productivity and reliability as they take on their tasks and environments.

Here are some tips and best practices to keep in mind when developing a custom solution for humanoid robot applications, using crossed roller bearings as an example. Humanoid robots can contain as many as two dozen crossed roller bearings.

• Accuracy. As is the case with stationary robots, precise motion is critical. Crossed roller bearings are constructed to provide high rigidity and positioning accuracy. CRB accuracy can be optimized further and backlash can be eliminated, for example, by adding a light preload or minimizing clearance in robot joints, which also allows smooth motion.
• Energy efficiency and savings. The less power the humanoid needs to fulfill its mission, the longer the battery life. Crossed roller bearings can be custom-designed to distribute loads more effectively, exhibit lower rotational torque, minimize friction via separators, eliminate backlash or use lighter-weight materials which can all help reduce power consumption.
• Installation and assembly. Crossed roller bearings give robot joints their ability to pivot, and proper mounting is critical to ensure accuracy and prevent misalignment as well as prevent damage to the bearings themselves. Custom options can include special housings, plates, flanges and mounting holes.
• Material considerations. In most applications, Alloy 52100 provides good strength and anti-fatigue characteristics. However, some humanoids will be deployed in harsh environments, requiring corrosion-resistant stainless construction or special seals to repel dust and dirt as well as prevent grease leakage. Black chrome and thin dense chrome surface treatments also provide effective protection in many harsh environments.
• Maintenance. For situations in which a traditional lubricating grease is not possible, your motion component vendor can recommend alternatives such as a dry film lubricant for friction reduction or liquid crystal lubricant for clean environments.

Collaborate Early With Your Motion Component Supplier
As you specify custom motion components for humanoid robot applications, it’s important to get in touch with your supplier early in the design process to avoid the extra work that can arise over time. At IKO, we leverage our extensive expertise on crossed roller bearings, linear motion components and cam followers to propose custom solutions that encompass all the conditions and scenarios you expect your humanoid to encounter. We’ll work with you every step of the way, including testing and validating the custom part to ensure it performs as expected when your humanoid goes to work. Whether the motion component is intended for manufacturing, caregiving, home maintenance or fulfilling orders, IKO stands ready to help you create a custom motion product that will operate reliably and provide a long, productive lifetime.