Design and realization of a novel magnetic nutation drive for industry robotic wrist reducer

Purpose The purpose of this research is to achieve a novel magnetic nutation drive for an industry robotic wrist reducer. Design/methodology/approach A novel magnetic nutation drive is proposed, and the structure and principle of the designed magnetic nutation drive are described in this study. Three-dimensional finite element analysis is used to compute the magnetic and torque of the magnetic nutation drive. Furthermore, a prototype of this novel magnetic nutation drive device is developed with 3D printing technology and tested to verify the feasibility of the proposed structure and principle. Findings The simulation and experimental results indicated that the proposed magnetic nutation drive device could meet the desired specifications, and that this novel magnetic nutation drive device successfully realized the non-contact transmission ratio of 105:1 required for a robotic wrist reducer. Practical implications This novel magnetic nutation drive is low-cost and easy to make and use, and which provides the non-contact transmission ratio of 105:1 required for a robotic wrist reducer. Originality/value For the first time, this research applies the permanent magnet drive technology to nutation drive and puts forward a new non-contact nutation drive mode. The novel drive mode can solve some problems of the traditional mechanical contact nutation drive, such as vibration, friction loss, mechanical fatigue and necessity of lubrication. The proposed non-contact nutation drive device can achieve a high reduction ratio with compact structure and can be suitable for industry application.