Now Robotics Secures Five Original Patents for Core 'Reducer' Components in Humanoid Robots

On June 10, Now Robotics, a company specializing in intelligent robots, announced that it has registered five patents related to core drive component technologies for humanoid and industrial robots, accelerating the internalization of key robot components.

The company explained that these patent registrations are part of a strategic effort to secure core component technologies for humanoid robots, going beyond simply manufacturing finished industrial robots.

The five newly registered patents include: ▲ a design and manufacturing technology for wave generators used in harmonic drives; ▲ a vertical multi-joint robot equipped with a reducer that applies both bevel gears and harmonic drives; ▲ harmonic drive technology; ▲ an actuator that includes a reducer; and ▲ a reducer that combines planetary gears and harmonic drives.

The reducer is a critical component that precisely controls the rotational force of the motor in robot joints and increases torque. Its importance has become more prominent with the recent expansion of the physical AI and humanoid robot markets, as it has a direct impact on repeatability and durability.

Humanoid robots require multiple joints to replicate human-like movements, and each joint is equipped with high-precision reducers and actuators. As a result, securing reducer technology is considered one of the key factors determining future competitiveness in the humanoid robot sector.

The patents secured by Now Robotics include technologies related to improvements in the tooth engagement structure of harmonic drives, the combination structure of planetary gears and harmonic drives, the design of a three-point drive wave generator, and actuator structures based on reducers.

In particular, these technologies are designed to improve load distribution and engagement stability of conventional reducers, as well as enhance precision, rigidity, rated torque, and peak torque performance. The company explained that these advances make the technologies applicable not only to industrial robots but also to next-generation humanoid robot joint drive modules.

With the registration of these patents, Now Robotics has expanded its technology portfolio beyond the manufacturing of finished industrial robots to include core drive components such as reducers and actuators.

The company plans to apply these technologies to its next-generation robot product lines, including the ‘NURO X’ series, and to utilize them in the industrial humanoid robot development projects currently underway. Through this, Now Robotics aims to strengthen its competitiveness in the humanoid robot sector by securing not only robot control and mechanical design technologies but also key drive component technologies.

A Now Robotics representative stated, “In the era of humanoids, securing key hardware technologies such as reducers and actuators is just as important as software,” adding, “This patent registration marks an important milestone in securing competitiveness in core component technologies, going beyond finished robot manufacturing.”

The representative further added, “We will continue to pursue the internalization of core drive technologies such as reducers, actuators, controllers, and AI control technology in response to the future expansion of the industrial humanoid market, and strive to achieve global-level competitiveness in robot technology.”

Meanwhile, Now Robotics is expanding its business into industrial robots, autonomous logistics robots, and robot automation systems, while also developing industrial precision humanoid robots to strengthen its efforts to target the next-generation robot market.

By adding core drive component technologies to its finished product manufacturing capabilities, Now Robotics is accelerating its efforts to secure technological competitiveness for the era of humanoid robots.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.