Mechanical precision meets digital intelligence

Automation is becoming smarter and more connected. As a result, the demands placed on drive technology are also changing. Together with technology partners such as ALVA, FLUX, and adcos, Nabtesco is driving this development forward. The company will showcase the resulting benefits for users at SPS 2026 with three new products: a digital strain wave gear with an expanded range of functions, new super-short actuators with reduced axial length, and the new RDS-C cycloidal gearbox with integrated position sensing.

New features, more possibilities

The digital strain wave gear integrates smart sensor technology and data analysis into the gear without affecting its installation dimensions, enabling comprehensive condition monitoring and evaluation. Operating and condition data can be captured directly and used, for example, for load monitoring and lifetime tracking. With the fourth generation, Nabtesco is significantly expanding the range of functions.

New features include integrated position measurement, digital communication via BiSS-C, and a customer tool for parameterisation, monitoring and analysis. Users benefit from higher control accuracy, greater transparency regarding operating and condition data, as well as simpler integration and commissioning.

Super-short actuators with reduced axial length

The Super-Short Actuator combines a gearbox, motor, bearings and encoder into a plug-and-play unit that reduces installation space and weight. It is approximately 30% shorter axially and about 30% lighter than comparable standard actuators, says Nabtesco. This is made possible by ALVA's GearTorq frameless motor, manufactured using patented FiberPrinting technology.

In combination with the Nabtesco strain wave gear, the actuator offers high power density in a compact design while reducing integration effort. For optimal control, a specially tuned control system from adcos, a Nabtesco Group company, is available.

Cycloidal gear with integrated position sensing

The RDS-C Link combines the cycloidal gears of the RDS-C series (hollow shaft gearboxes with parallel-axis drive) with a specially tuned FLUX encoder. This encoder detects the absolute position directly at the output shaft, enabling high positioning accuracy even under load.

This compact solution reduces design and integration effort and, thanks to its inductive measurement principle, is also suitable for use in harsh environments, such as those with dust, contamination, or condensation. The RDS-C Link is available for various sizes in the RDS-C series; additional gear sizes and custom solutions are available upon request.