Russian developers have proposed a new design for the working body of robotic systems. Such robots perform engineering tasks in places where it is dangerous for humans to be present. The main innovation is the complete abandonment of hydraulics, according to a publication in the Rospatent database.
Instead of complex hydraulic systems, engineers propose using electric motors. They are attached to the robot's body with ordinary bolts. Coils with cables are fixed on the motor shafts. The cables wrap around guide rollers and connect to the movable parts of the working body. To turn the robot's "arm" in the horizontal plane, linear actuators – simple electromechanical devices – are used.
The new design is cheaper, easier to maintain, and more reliable than hydraulic counterparts. In addition, the exclusion of the hydraulic circuit reduces the risk of fluid leaks and facilitates repairs in the field. The development is intended for tactical robots operating on the front line or in areas of man-made disasters.
