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Spherical bearing for robotics

Transferring movement - with spherical bearings made of high-performance plastic

Robotics is developing rapidly, and each new application places its own demands on moving components. Spherical bearings play a key role here: They create degrees of freedom (DoF) and enable complex kinematics. igubal spherical bearings reliably connect components and support designers in realising maintenance-free, durable and structurally efficient movements.

A humanoid robot points to a digital interface with igus elements and humanoid-robotics components.

Advantages with igubal

  • Maintenance-free - no lubrication required
  • Compensation of misalignment
  • Lightweight – ideal for dynamic applications
  • Corrosion-resistant
  • Resistance to dust and dirt
  • Available as a standard and customised solution
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Lubrication-free

construction

Maintenance-free

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Lightweight

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Vibration dampening

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Corrosion-resistant

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Quiet

Motion tasks in robotics - and suitable solutions

In robotics, we don't think in terms of components, but in terms of movements. The following overview shows typical motion types - and which igubal components are suitable for them.

Movement taskSuitable igubal componentsConstructive advantageTypical applications
Pivoting motionsSpherical bearings, double joints, plastic rod ends, metal rod ends with plastic inner race, coupling jointsCompensates for angular errors, enables safe movements under loadHumanoid robots, rover chassis, walking robots,
Transmit forces (Push/Pull)Coupling joints, axial joints, rod endsReliable power transmission with simultaneous mobilityActuator connections, leg mechanisms, linear movements
Rotation bearingsFlange mounted bearings, pillow block bearings, spherical insert bearings, spherical ballsCompact, lubrication-free bearings even in continuous operationShaft bearings, wheels, rotating assemblies
Multi-joint kinematicsCoupling joints, double joints, rod endsHigh mobility with precise movement guidanceParallelogram kinematics, gripper mechanics, bio-inspired mechanics
Lightweight construction and dynamic movementSmall spherical bearing and rod endsLightweight structure reduces drive power and increases dynamicsDrone mechanics, mobile robotics, pick-and-place systems
Movement under dirt and environmental influencesComplete igubal seriesLubrication-free and insensitive to dust, moisture and corrosionRover, rescue robots, agricultural and outdoor applications
Compact pivot pointsSmall spherical bearing and rod endsSpace-saving integration with high functionalityTight installation spaces, miniature mechanics, sensor and camera mounts

Humanoid robot hand

Replacing metal: plastic rod ends optimise finger kinematics in anthropomorphic robot hand

The AIDIN hand from AIDIN ROBOTICS demonstrates how crucial the interaction between design, sensor technology and mechanics is. While sensors and software do the "thinking", it is the mechanics that physically realise every movement.

As part of the collaboration, the metal rod ends originally used in the finger and thumb kinematics were replaced by igubal rod ends from the KBRM series in 2022. The aim was to reduce weight and at the same time ensure consistent, reliable movement. The plastic solution has been successful in series production ever since:

  • Maintenance-free operation without lubrication
  • Low weight for dynamic movements
  • Corrosion-resistant design
  • Quiet operation for smooth kinematics

Easy to see in the video: the AIDIN hand with igubal KBRM rod end bearings in the finger and thumb kinematics

Further robotics applications

Robust lightweight kinematics for autonomous harvesting robot

The Faculty of Electrical Engineering at the University of Ljubljana has developed an autonomous harvesting system with a delta robot that is intended to relieve the burden on human asparagus harvesters. Combined igubal rod ends and clevis joints are used in the kinematics. They allow a lightweight design for high dynamics, operate without maintenance and ensure reliable manoeuvrability - even under the influence of dust and moisture in the field.

White component on two metal arms of a robot or test setup.
Tribological flange mounted bearings in the autonomous fairway mower

The AMP L-100 from FireFly Automatix is an all-electric fairway mower that works autonomously, quietly and precisely - without supervision. Among other things, the igubal EFOI two hole flange bearing is used to ensure that the mowers can be reliably lifted and positioned. It supports the end of a shaft in the lifting mechanism and guarantees a lubrication-free and maintenance-free bearing.

Self-adjusting pillow block bearings for a spherical robot

The SCOUT rover from the ASTRA team at the Politecnico di Torino is a spherical robot that moves autonomously and, if necessary, extends a mechanical arm for precise gripping tasks. igubal pillow block bearings are used for the bearing of the internal pendulum, which allows it to navigate over uneven terrain. They ensure robust, maintenance-free guidance and are insensitive to abrasive dust.

Spherical moon rover on the floor in a beam of light.
Precise double joint for autonomous weed control

The agricultural robot from Small Robot Company Ltd. removes unwanted plants - entirely without chemicals. Precise movements of the delta robot, which adjusts the so-called "zapper" are crucial for its effectiveness. In the kinematics, KDGM double joints are used. They permit a lightweight, maintenance-free design and ensure smooth, long-lasting movements - even in dusty and dirty environments.

Small Robot Company agricultural robot removing weeds without chemicals in a field.
Pillow block and flange mounted bearings for strong joint structures in the manipulator

The LiCAS A1 is an ultra-light dual-arm manipulator for drone applications in inspection and maintenance. With a total weight of just 2.5kg, it makes precise work possible in areas that are hard to reach. In the shoulder joint, igubal ESTM pillow block bearings and EFSM flange mounted bearings ensure high stability despite axial and radial forces as well as tilting moments.

A drone flies over the blue floor in a sports hall.

Universal joints for robotics

igus cardan joint for power transmission with angular misalignment.

While spherical bearings primarily enable pivoting movements, universal joints are used to transmit rotary movements with simultaneous angular displacement between two axes. In robotics, they are used wherever rotating movements cannot be transmitted in alignment. Two different design approaches were developed for this purpose.

Prototypes available

Both versions are available as 3D-printed prototypes and can be requested for initial tests and evaluations. This enables the verification of possible applications and concretise requirements.

Version 1

  • Fork-based design
  • Cross piece with rotationally symmetrical geometry
  • Robust type
  • Suitable for higher forces

Version 2

  • Cylindrical type
  • Cross piece with rotationally symmetrical geometry
  • Based on DIN 808
  • Ideal for compact robotic systems
Request prototypes now