Domestic Substitution Case Study: Technological Breakthroughs and Cost Advantages

Harmonic Drive Reducers: Precision Power Solutions for Humanoid Robot Joints

Technological Breakthrough: A Perfect Balance of Miniaturization and High Torque

Harmonic Drive Reducer modules, newly developed by Harmonic Drive, are specifically designed for humanoid robot finger joints. With a compact diameter of just 28mm, they achieve 0.1° repeatability while withstanding 15Nm of peak torque. Their patented flexible wheel material and optimized tooth profile ensure a lifespan exceeding 20,000 hours, meeting the high-frequency grasping demands of robots.

 

Modular Design: Plug-and-Play Joint Power Unit

Integrated Module: Combines a harmonic reducer, frameless motor, and absolute encoder into one, reducing wiring space by 40%

Intelligent Interface: Supports CANopen/EtherCAT protocols for coordinated control of multiple joints

Environmental Adaptability: IP67 protection rating, stable operation over a wide temperature range of -20°C to 80°C

Industry Application Cases

At the 2024 Tokyo Robot Show, a bionic hand equipped with a Harmonic reducer completed a 0.2mm diameter needle threading operation. Its joint response speed reached 0.05 seconds, with a force control accuracy of ±0.5N, and it has passed ISO 10218-2 safety certification.

 

Future Technology Roadmap

Harmonic is developing the next generation of magnetically encoded harmonic reducers, expected to improve positioning accuracy to 0.01° and reduce weight by 30% by 2026, providing a better solution for the mass production of humanoid robots.

 

Dexterous Hand Joints: A Model of Miniaturization and High Concurrency

Tesla Optimus Gen-3 Dexterous Hand

Using the Harmonic RSF-5B module (5mm diameter), each finger is equipped with three reducers, achieving a torque output of 0.5 N·m and a repeatability of 0.02°.

Completed needle threading tests with a 0.1mm diameter surgical suture, achieving 2,000 consecutive operations without loss of accuracy.

University of Tokyo Bionic Hand Project

Using the RSF-3C module (20mm diameter) to drive the finger joints, the base size is close to that of a human finger, achieving a 99.7% egg grasping success rate.

Integrated brushless motors and absolute encoders achieve a response latency of only 8ms, supporting multi-finger collaborative piano playing.

 

Upper Limb Joints: Verification of High Load and Long Life

UBTECH Walker S2 shoulder joint

Equipped with a CSF-14 harmonic reducer (14mm diameter), it maintains a 1 arc-minute return clearance even under a 15kg load.

Worked continuously on the automotive assembly line for 18 months, accumulating over 5 million movements without fatigue fracture.

 

Digit's waist rotary joint for the agile robot

Equipped with a CSF-20 module (20mm diameter), it achieves a transmission efficiency of 92%, enabling the robot to complete 360° continuous rotation.

Tested for extreme temperatures from -40°C to 120°C, suitable for outdoor use. Inspection Scenarios

 

Domestic Substitution Case Study: Technological Breakthroughs and Cost Advantages

Yushu Technology G1 Humanoid Robot

Volume adoption of domestically produced harmonic reducers from Harmonyx (produced at the Shanghai factory) by 2025, reducing costs by 35%

A single unit boasts 22 units (including 8 finger joints), achieving 0.03mm insertion accuracy

Zhiyuan Robotics Yuanzheng A1

Using a combination of Harmonyx CSF series and domestically produced planetary reducers, the overall joint cost is kept to 21,000 yuan.

Completing screw fastening operations in 3C production lines, the yield rate has increased to 99.2%.