Unitechno Accelerates Business in Core Components for Robot Drive Systems

Engineering plastic injection molding specialist Unitechno announced on the 24th that its general-purpose actuator module for Autonomous Mobile Robots (AMRs) has entered the customer validation phase.

This AMR actuator module is a product that has been fully developed by Unitechno’s related company NMC. It is a general-purpose actuator platform that applies drive technology based on high-precision motor design and control algorithms. Leveraging its many years of experience in developing electric vehicle drive motors and controllers, NMC has utilized its high-torque-density design capabilities and high-efficiency power control technology to realize a compact and lightweight structure and stable output characteristics optimized for robotic drive environments.

Unitechno is responsible for sample production of the AMR module and for establishing a system for future mass production. Based on the precision injection molding, tooling, assembly technologies, and quality management system it has accumulated through its automotive parts business, the company plans to gradually apply process stability, change management, and inspection and traceability systems required for robot drive modules.

Sample supply of the AMR module has been confirmed for one domestic customer, and Unitechno is also conducting sample supply and technical discussions with an additional three to four potential customers. In line with customer validation schedules, the company is carrying out performance testing and process verification in parallel, while working to establish quality standards to increase the likelihood of transitioning to mass production.

The module is designed so that it can be applied not only to AMRs but also to logistics automation systems, collaborative robots, and industrial robot platforms. A key feature is that structural optimization was carried out from the early design stage with a potential shift to mass production in mind. NMC is also developing an integrated high-precision reducer actuator for joint drives in humanoid robots.

For humanoid joint drives, key technical factors are evaluated to include high torque density, fine position control accuracy, durability under repetitive load conditions, and minimization of backlash. NMC aims to secure both high torque output and smooth driving characteristics within a compact structure by integrating its motor and control technologies with precision reducer design technology capable of achieving high reduction ratios.

A Unitechno official said, “With the spread of physical artificial intelligence (AI), the robotics industry is entering a phase where the reliability of high-precision drive systems and the stability of mass production determine competitiveness,” adding, “By combining NMC’s integrated motor, control, and reducer design technology with Unitechno’s manufacturing and quality capabilities, we will expand the scope of application from AMRs to next-generation robot platforms such as humanoids.”