At the International Robotics Show (IREX) in Tokyo, Japan, SMAC Moving Coil Actuators will introduce a prototype version of the world's first five axes, direct drive micro SCARA robot. The micro SCARA robot is an evolution of SMAC’s robotic finger, adding two additional axes that emulate a wrist. SMAC expects an early 2016 release.
The SMAC robotic finger was introduced earlier this year in Chicago, Illinois, and Hannover, Germany. The 25mm motor used in the front joint (PIP) is a servo "partial" motor and equipped with an SMAC rotary encoder with 15.5K counts per revolution. It achieves a high torque/diameter ratio due to the proprietary magnetic circuit design as well as the coil design. Intellectual property rights have been addressed.
Another - larger motor (35MM) acts as the 2nd joint (MCP FLex). It puts out a torque of 630 mNm and thus can exert a resultant force of 7N at the tip. Both motors move +/- 45 degrees - as the human joints do.
The 3rd motor operates as the first joint (MCP Abd). This is the joint that moves side to side. This motion is based on SMAC’s moving coil linear design and already meets the required parameters.
These motors have been integrated into a structure that allows them to operate and cover the same movement capability as a human’s finger. The structure weighs approximately 350 grams and is physically about 1.5 x larger than the average male finger.
The Micro SCARA Robot (MSR) incorporates SMAC's patented Soft-Land technology to handle fragile components. The ability to softly land on a surface means the MSR virtually instantly (in milliseconds) recognizes that contact has been made and at what distance. This duplicates the action of a human finger and results in a test of the various finger interfaces that is very close to the finger action it is testing for.
Both the SMAC robotic finger and micro SCARA robot will next be presented live to the public by SMAC R&D Specialist, Naoyuki Okada, at Workshop Venue A (East 1 Hall Entrance), December 2, 2015, 2:30pm to 3:30pm. It can be seen throughout the International Robotics Exhibition at Booth # IR3-34.
Source: http://www.smac-mca.com