Portescap adds encoder, motor for robotics

Listen to this article

The 08ECP20 Ultra EC motor joins Portescap’s BLDC portfolio. | Credit: Portescape

Portescap, a developer of miniature motion solutions, recently introduced the 08ECP20 brushless DC slotless motor. Portescap said this mini actuation solution is designed for engineers looking to downsize devices and applications without compromising on performance or reliability.

The company said the 08ECP20 is the smallest frame size in its Ultra EC portfolio. The 8mm motor includes Portescap’s proprietary Ultra EC winding and an optimized bearing assembly that the company said enables the brushless motor to achieve speeds up to 60,000 rpm.

Portescap also recently released the M-Sense12A, the first autoclavable encoder to join its product lineup and an expansion of its surgical solutions capabilities. Portescap said this encoder has been optimized for surgical robotic applications and can survive up to 2,000+ sterilization cycles, with its autoclavable design allowing it to be used within surgical devices requiring precise positioning of the motor’s rotor. It is compatible with Portescap’s existing portfolio of surgical motors.

Learn from Agility Robotics, Amazon, Disney, Teradyne and many more.

The M-Sense12A magnetic encoder provides a resolution range up to 1024 lines and accuracy up to 1.5 degrees, making it a potential fit for surgical applications requiring accurate positioning and closed-loop motion feedback. This encoder is also able to work accurately at high input speeds, Portescap said, with a maximum input speed of 120 kRPM at 1024 lines/rev in incremental mode. Incremental and absolute feedback options are available.

Portescap’s Greg Harnsberger, senior manager of global industry marketing, will be speaking at the Robotics Summit & Expo, which takes place May 1-2 in Boston. Harnsberger and Yoshi Umeno, industry manager, global medical & robotics at Kollmorgen, will discuss “Design for Peak Performance: Motion Control System Selection in Next-Gen Robotics” from 1:45-2 PM on May 1.

The talk will dive into the critical factors impacting motor selection across joint sizes, from high-torque motors replacing hydraulics to miniature motors for smooth and precise end-effector motion. It will also uncover the secrets to seamless communication from feedback devices and teach attendees how to engineer an optimized motor system.

Kollmorgen and Portescap are both owned by Regal Rexnord.