Innovative hybrid drives turn SINUMERIK controlled robots into precision tools for heavy-duty machining
CNC-controlled robots are the all-rounders of modern manufacturing – at least as long as process forces, path dynamics, and the required manufacturing tolerances can be reconciled. Until now, they lacked the stiffness required for the precise machining of difficult-to-cut materials. An innovative hybrid drive gives SINUMERIK controlled robots the decisive extra rigidity, power, and dynamics for economical and precise heavy-duty machining, e.g., of steel – even with complex geometries and tool paths.
The innovative hybrid drive is the result of a collaboration between the Fraunhofer Institute for Manufacturing Technology and Advanced Materials IFAM in Stade and Siemens. Stephan Hansen and Tobias Hamann (Fraunhofer IFAM) as well as Sven Tauchmann and David Bitterolf (Siemens) were honored with the “Inventor of the Year Award” in the “Open Innovation” category for their development.
Combining the strengths of two drive types
The SINUMERIK Machine Tool Robot, unveiled at Automatica 2025, combines the strengths of direct drives and gear motors: Direct drives operate with high precision and speed, which also allows them to dampen vibrations, but they are comparatively heavy. Gear drives are robust and powerful, but offer less dynamics and “sensitivity”. The intelligent combination of these principles in a drive train results in a hybrid drive that combines the advantages of both systems. Robots equipped with this drive remain low-vibration and stable even at high feed rates and strong excitation from process forces – close to the precision and dynamics of classic machine tools.
With hybrid drive and an expanded range of applications for precise heavy-duty machining, SINUMERIK controlled robots are becoming the Swiss Army knife of manufacturing. This saves time, energy, costs, and space – and simplifies personnel deployment. Manufacturing processes become leaner, more flexible, and more sustainable.
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