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

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

In-house developed QDD prototype

Background on the Importance of QDD

QDD is a drive system that combines a relatively low-ratio reduction gear with a high-output motor, making it easy to achieve both high output and excellent responsiveness and controllability. In recent years, it has become a critical technology for robots that require agile and delicate movements, such as quadruped robots and humanoid robots.

Currently, there is a high dependency on overseas products for actuators, which are core components of robots, particularly regarding QDDs.

On the other hand, with the advancement of Physical AI and the increasing sophistication of robots, actuators are becoming more than just parts; they are becoming essential elements that define the performance of the robot itself.

The company believes that for robot manufacturers to increase their competitiveness in the future, it will be vital to build a system where they can design and develop actuators themselves rather than relying on external sources. Furthermore, from the perspective of geopolitical risks and supply constraints, the importance of building domestic development and supply systems is expected to grow even further.

About the Developed Prototype

Against this backdrop, our company is working on the in-house production of QDD actuators, including the reduction gear, motor, and control systems. By building a system capable of designing from the foundation of joint drive rather than simply procuring and using finished products, we aim to optimize the performance of our own robots and establish a future competitive advantage.

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

・ Compact design with an outer dimension of 57mm

・ Reduction gear designed and manufactured in-house

・ Uses a BLDC motor

・ Adopts a dual-encoder configuration

A major feature is that the reduction gear is designed and manufactured in-house. Additionally, a BLDC motor is used as the drive source, configured with an eye toward the output performance and responsiveness required for robotic applications. Furthermore, by adopting a dual-encoder configuration, it becomes easier to grasp the status of both the motor side and the output side, aiming to improve operability, including initial positioning and homing operations.

Prototype Drive Video

This initiative is not limited to the conceptual stage; basic drive verification using the prototype has already been completed. Our company places importance on moving beyond concepts to verify actual hardware, 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 in terms of durability, energy efficiency, controllability, and thermal design.

In addition, with an eye toward future mass production and performance enhancement, we are also considering collaborations with partner companies in the manufacturing, component, and control sectors.

AGIRobots will continue to promote the in-house production of core robot technologies as we look toward the development of our own robotic arms, dual-arm robots, and humanoid robots.