How Harmonic Joint Modules Empower the Development of Bionic Humanoid Robots
Bionic robots are the driving engine of high-end equipment manufacturing, helping humanity progress from manufacturing intelligence to understanding intelligence.They require high-precision joint modules, intelligent sensing devices, and high-performance control chips and algorithms working synergistically.A typical bionic humanoid robot features 10–40 degrees of freedom. Modular harmonic joint modules simplify system integration, improve reliability, and enhance maintainability.
What is a Bionic Humanoid Robot
A bionic humanoid robot mimics the human form or behavior to replace humans in hazardous or repetitive tasks.They can perform industrial operations such as handling, assembly, and other high-precision actions, as well as provide services in home environments—dancing, opening doors, handing objects, and more—bringing convenience and assistance to daily life.
Why Joint Modules Are Especially Important for Bionic Humanoid Robots
As humanoid robots evolve and adapt to increasingly diverse environments, they must achieve both high-precision control and handle high-load conditions.The robot’s movement capabilities—such as walking, running, or carrying heavy objects—depend entirely on the motor modules distributed throughout its body.These modules are not just simple motors; they are highly integrated power execution units, combining multiple functions for precise and powerful actuation.
Requirements of Joint Modules for Bionic Humanoid Robot
Bionic robots often perform delicate operations such as hand grasping, gait balancing, and posture control.They must move as flexibly, coordinately, and safely as living organisms.Thus, their joint modules must feature high torque density, compact size, and lightweight design, capable of delivering high torque and power within minimal space and mass.
What is a Joint Module
A joint module is a fully integrated unit that pre-packages a motor, reducer, and sensors into one tested and calibrated module.Its internal components are optimally matched, avoiding issues like misalignment and assembly errors that might arise from user installation.This design greatly simplifies R&D and manufacturing.Bionic robot manufacturers can directly purchase and use harmonic joint modules, significantly reducing development cycles and production complexity.
The Roles of the Harmonic Reducer and Frameless Torque Motor
Harmonic Reducer
Due to its multi-tooth engagement design (large contact area), the harmonic reducer can withstand high torque loads.Its structure also provides excellent torsional rigidity—meaning minimal deformation under load, fast system response, accurate positioning, and strong vibration resistance.
This allows robots to perform heavy-load handling or precision machining tasks without noticeable shaking or position deviation.
Frameless Torque Motor
The frameless torque motor’s core concept is direct drive and high integration.
By removing traditional components such as housing, bearings, and output shafts, it provides only the rotor and stator, allowing direct integration into the mechanical structure.
Its compact size, high torque density, and high rigidity make it ideal for joint modules—saving space and weight while enabling slimmer designs and smaller joints.
Our New-Generation Harmonic Joint Module
Based on the combination of a frameless torque motor and harmonic reducer, our company has developed a new generation of harmonic joint modules widely used in humanoid robot actuators.
Feature
Extremely high power and torque density
High positioning accuracy and rigidity
Compact and lightweight structure
Higher efficiency and reduced energy loss
For more insights into harmonic joint modules, please refer to the HONPINE News article:
Why the Joint Module is Called the “Power Heart” of the Robot
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Linear Actuators vs Rotary Actuators: The Core Choice for Humanoid Robot JointsThe robot joint module is the core hardware of humanoid robots, currently mainly divided into two major categories: rotary and linear. In humanoid robot designs, the choice often involves trade-offs based on the application scenario and manufacturing cost.- Harmonic Drive vs Cycloidal Reducer vs Planetary Reducer Joint Module ComparisonAt present, more than 90% of robot joint modules on the market adopt harmonic drives or planetary reducers. The cycloidal reducer, however, is just beginning to be tested in humanoid robot joints in China and has not yet been fully validated by the market.
- Harmonic Drive and Servo Motor Synergy Accelerates Robotic Arm MiniaturizationWith the continuous development of robotics, servo control systems are playing an increasingly important role in complex working environments. A coordinated control strategy combining servo motors and harmonic drives improves the system’s dynamic performance and control accuracy. The Harmonic Drive + Servo Motor pairing is the core solution for achieving miniaturization, lightweight design, and high precision in industrial and collaborative robots.
EtherCAT vs. CAN for Harmonic Drive Motors: A Technical ComparisonIn the operation of robotic harmonic drive motors, the communication protocol serves as a critical link ensuring stable collaboration among core hardware components. EtherCAT and CAN are the two mainstream choices, with significant differences in performance that directly impact the control precision and response efficiency of harmonic drive motors.- How HONPINE harmonic drive servo motor achieves ultra-high performance and ultra-high precisionHONPINE harmonic drive servo motors achieve ultra-high performance and precision through a modular framework that integrates high-precision harmonic drives, high-accuracy optical encoders, and high-power-density motors. Professional testing with laser interferometers ensures stable, accurate, and predictable execution of position commands, meeting the stringent requirements of high-end industrial applications for precise motion.
Harmonic Joint Motor VS Planetary Joint MotorWhen collaborative robots precisely pick up chips, AGVs shuttle smoothly through shelves, or surgical robots perform millimeter-level operations, few people notice that the joint motor contains a "power heart" that determines its performance—the reducer. Among them, harmonic reducers and planetary reducers are two mainstream technical solutions, and their differences directly affect the precision, lifespan, and applicable scenarios of the joint motors.
HATF Series Large Hollow Flange Harmonic Rotary ActuatorThe HONPINE HATF Large Hollow Flange Harmonic Rotary Actuator features a hollow design, which facilitates internal cabling and device integration. The product is equipped with a high-precision encoder and can be customized with an IP67 waterproof rating. It is widely applicable in industries such as precision CNC machine tools, 3C equipment, precision laser processing, inspection equipment, printing equipment, medical devices, glass polishing equipment, robotic arms, AGVs, and mobile camera gimbals.- How to Choose a Robotic Rotary Actuator? HONPINE’s Built-In Driven Rotary Actuator Offers Significant AdvantagesThe HONPINE built-in driven rotary actuator is a highly integrated modular joint module that enables flexible assembly of multi-degree-of-freedom robotic arms and serves as a core component for building robotic internal structures.
- Which is Better for Joint Modules: Single or Dual Encoders?In humanoid robot joint modules, the motor is the core component that drives joint movement, while the encoder serves as the "eyes" of the motor, providing real-time feedback on its position, speed, and other critical data. Depending on the number of encoders used, motors can be categorized as single-encoder or dual-encoder types, each with its own advantages in terms of functionality and application.
How to Choose Precison Rotary Actuators for CNC Machine Tools and RobotsSince commencing production of rotary actuators in 2018, HONPINE has continuously grown and refined its product categories based on the diverse application fields of its customers. This article introduces HONPINE's two major series of rotary actuators: HPG and HAG. These are high-precision rotary actuators developed and manufactured by HONPINE specifically for CNC machine tool and robotics applications. Contact HONPINE, and we can recommend the most suitable rotary actuator based on your specific application.
Why harmonic joint modules are still the mainstream of integrated joint modulesIn the field of robotics, joint modules serve as core components that determine a robot's flexibility, stability, and operational capability, directly affecting its overall performance and usage costs. Currently, harmonic drive joint modules remain the most mainstream solution in the market.
How to set the maximum current limit for the robot joint moduleDuring the operation of a robot joint module, properly setting the maximum current limit is crucial for ensuring stable operation and extending its service life. This article details how to set the maximum current limit for the joint module via the driver software.
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