TQ-RoboDrive

High torque density frameless motors for surgical robotics

TQ-RoboDrive, a business unit of the TQ-Group, develops and manufactures compact frameless motors and customized actuators for applications with the highest demands on torque density, installation space, weight, dynamics and precision. The technology has its roots in robotics research at the German Aerospace Center (DLR) and is designed for demanding applications across a wide range of industries.

These roots also extend into surgical robotics. RoboDrive motor technology is still used in the DLR MIRO, a lightweight, torque-controlled robotic arm for medical applications first presented in 2008. MIRO later became a key component of the MiroSurge telesurgery platform, which combines multiple robotic arms with a surgeon console and haptic input devices.

For medical and surgical robotics, the ILM series combines high torque density with smooth running, high dynamic response and thermal robustness, giving engineers the freedom to optimize compact axes and joints for highly precise systems. Its frameless architecture supports direct integration into the surrounding mechanics and application-specific configuration.

Typical applications include:

• Surgical instrument axes
• Surgeon consoles
• Sensitive medical cobots

TQ-RoboDrive also supports customers beyond motor selection. With its Assembly & Integration Service, the team can take an actuator concept from initial design review to a fully assembled and tested unit. This can include component selection and sourcing, procurement, assembly, integration, testing and quality assurance through to delivery.

By combining frameless motor expertise with actuator implementation, TQ-RoboDrive helps medical robotics developers reduce interfaces between suppliers and move from motor design-in to a shipment-ready actuator with one engineering partner.