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Robot Gripper and Dexterous Hand Gear Motors

Application Overview

Robot grippers, dexterous robotic hands and end effectors require compact drive systems for finger joints, tendon spools, rotary jaws, lead screws and other precision mechanisms. A suitable gripper motor or gearbox should be selected from the complete mechanism requirement, including force, speed, geometry, shaft load, backlash, noise and duty cycle.

SigGear provides micro gear motor and planetary gearbox solutions for compact gripping mechanisms. The final motor, reduction ratio, shaft, feedback and mounting configuration require engineering confirmation.

Main Selection Factors

Gripping Force and Mechanism Geometry

Provide fingertip force, jaw force, lever arm, pulley radius, tendon spool radius, screw lead or linkage geometry. The required gearbox output torque depends on the complete mechanical transmission path.

Output Torque and Speed

Define continuous torque, peak torque, peak duration, closing speed, opening speed and complete motion cycle. A higher reduction ratio can increase torque capability but usually reduces output speed.

Tendon Spool and Shaft Loads

Tendon-driven hands can generate radial load on the output shaft and bearing system. Provide tendon force, spool diameter, load direction and distance from bearing support. Radial and axial loads must be reviewed separately from output torque.

Compact Size and Weight

Dexterous hands and small grippers often have strict packaging requirements. Confirm:

  • Maximum diameter
  • Total length
  • Shaft extension
  • Mounting interface
  • Cable routing
  • Encoder and connector space
  • Weight limit

Backdrivability and Manual Motion

If the finger or gripper must move when power is removed, specify the required backdrivability behavior. Backdrivability depends on motor selection, gearbox ratio, friction, mechanism and controller configuration.

Backlash and Positioning

Specify backlash, repeatability, positioning accuracy and force-control requirements. Complete-system performance depends on gearbox backlash, structure stiffness, tendon elasticity, encoder position and controller tuning.

Candidate SigGear Product Families

Micro Gear Motors

Micro gear motor solutions can be evaluated for:

  • Finger joints
  • Tendon-driven robotic hands
  • Compact jaws
  • Laboratory grippers
  • Small end effectors

Explore micro gear motors

8–42 mm Planetary Gearboxes

Planetary gearbox solutions can be evaluated when customers already have a motor or require a customized motor-gearbox combination.

Explore 8–42 mm planetary gearboxes

Dexterous Hand and Gripper Integration Review

For tendon-spool and cantilever-load applications, the output shaft and bearing arrangement must be reviewed carefully. External bearings or additional support structures may be required when radial load is significant.

Important engineering questions:

  • Is the mechanism tendon-driven or direct-drive?
  • What is the required gripping force?
  • What is the tendon or spool diameter?
  • Is manual movement required when power is off?
  • Is force control required?
  • What encoder and driver functions are needed?
  • What noise and service-life targets apply?

Noise and Service Life

Noise performance and service life depend on the selected motor, gearbox ratio, load spectrum, lubrication, assembly condition and operating environment. Use measured data from the selected configuration rather than assuming a product-family value.

Prototype and Customization Support

SigGear can evaluate:

  • Motor and planetary gearbox matching
  • Reduction-ratio selection
  • Output shaft and spool interface customization
  • Mounting structure customization
  • Encoder, cable and connector options
  • Customer branding and labeling

Customization availability depends on technical feasibility, prototype quantity and production requirements.

Information Required for Selection Review

Please provide:

  • Gripper or hand type
  • Required fingertip or jaw force
  • Mechanism geometry
  • Tendon or spool dimensions
  • Continuous and peak output torque
  • Output speed
  • Operating voltage
  • Diameter and length limits
  • Radial and axial loads
  • Backlash and positioning requirements
  • Backdrivability requirement
  • Encoder and driver requirements
  • Duty cycle
  • Prototype quantity and annual forecast

Micro Gear Motors 8–42 mm Planetary Gearboxes Micro Robotics Gear Motors Request CAD, Sample and Quote

Request a Gripper Drive Selection Review

Send your gripper requirements to SigGear for a preliminary model review.

Wanrong Wang
International Sales, SigGear
wangwanrong@siggear.com

Send Robot Gripper Requirements