[AGIRobots Inc.] Develops Prototype of In-house Developed QDD Actuator - Promoting In-house Production of Core Robot Components

AGIRobots Inc. (Headquarters: Nagoya City, Aichi Prefecture, Representative Director: Atsuki Akamisaka) is pleased to announce that it has commenced development of its proprietary QDD (Quasi Direct Drive) actuator, and has completed the design, manufacturing, and basic drive verification of its prototype.

Prototype of in-house developed QDD

Background on the Importance of QDD

QDD is a drive system that combines a reducer with a relatively low gear ratio and a high-output motor, making it easier to achieve high output, responsiveness, and controllability. In recent years, it has become one of the key technologies for robots requiring agile and delicate movements, such as quadrupedal and humanoid robots.

Currently, there is a high dependence on overseas products for core robot components like actuators, especially QDDs.

On the other hand, with the advancement of Physical AI and the increasing sophistication of robots, actuators are no longer just components but are becoming crucial elements that define the robot's performance itself.

We believe that in the future, to enhance competitiveness, robot manufacturers must establish systems for designing and developing actuators in-house, rather than relying on external suppliers. Furthermore, the importance of building domestic development and supply systems is expected to grow from the perspectives of geopolitical risks and supply constraints.

About the Prototype Developed This Time

Against this backdrop, AGIRobots is working on the in-house development of QDD actuators, including the reducer, motor, and control systems. By establishing a system capable of designing the core of joint drive from scratch, rather than simply procuring and using finished products, we aim to optimize the performance of our own robots and establish future competitive advantages.

The prototype developed this time is primarily intended for arm robot applications, with a target output of approximately 30Nm class. Its main features are as follows:

・Compact design with an external dimension of 57mm

・Reducer designed and manufactured in-house

・Adoption of a BLDC motor

・Adoption of a dual encoder configuration

A significant feature is that the reducer is designed and manufactured in-house. We have adopted a BLDC motor as the drive source, configured to meet the output performance and responsiveness required for robot applications. Furthermore, by adopting a dual encoder configuration, we make it easier to grasp the status of both the motor side and the output side, aiming to improve operability, including initial alignment and return movements.

Prototype Drive Video

This initiative is not merely conceptual; basic drive verification using the prototype has already been completed. We emphasize the importance of verifying through actual hardware rather than just concepts, and this prototype development is part of that effort.

Prototype Drive Demo Video (YouTube)

Future Outlook

This actuator is currently in the prototype stage, and we plan to proceed with improvements from the perspectives of durability, energy efficiency, controllability, and thermal design.

Additionally, we are considering collaboration with partner companies in the manufacturing, component, and control domains for future mass production and performance enhancement.

AGIRobots will continue to promote the in-house development of core robot technologies, looking ahead to the development of proprietary arms, dual-arm robots, and humanoid robots.