INSUBCONTINENT EXCLUSIVE:
The humanoid robot market could experience a boom, with projections indicating a substantial and sustained increase over the next decade
Source: Freudenberg Sealing TechnologiesIndustrial robots have become indispensable in modern manufacturing, performing tasks with
precision, speed, and efficiency
As we look ahead, humanoid robots could rapidly grow, not only in manufacturing, but also in a wide range of applications
Specially designed sealing solutions made of high-performance materials will be needed to help support the next generation of robotics,
noted Freudenberg Sealing Technologies.The humanoid market is about to experience a boom, with projections indicating a substantial and
sustained increase over the next decade
The global market for humanoid robots was approximately $2.43 billion U.S
in 2023, but by 2032, it might grow to $66 billion, according to Fortune Business Insights.Such projections highlight the growing presence
of these two-legged machines across multiple industries, their rise fueled by advancements in automation and their ability to interact in a
human-like manner.Last year, global automaker BMW garnered attention by deploying a Figure 02 robot at its factory in Spartanburg, N.C.,
integrating the system into body construction and sheet metal processing
Standing approximately 1.7 m (5 ft., 7 in.) tall, the Figure AI humanoid reportedly demonstrated its potential in industrial
settings.Similarly, Amazon has experimented with Digit from Agility Robotics in U.S
warehouses, signaling growing interest across different sectors in evaluating their benefits for various business models.Sealing solutions
can support robotics growthAs humanoids grow in use, seals will play a key role in their operation, especially for built-in hydraulic or
pneumaticactuators that serve as the robot’s “muscles” and initiate their movements.Global sealing provider Freudenberg Sealing
Technologies considers humanoid robots to be a young but not unfamiliar field
The company has experience in the development of made-to-order solutions for industrial robots such as collaborative robot arms, SCARA
robots, delta robots, six-axis robots, and automated guided vehicles (AGVs)
This results in a natural pathway to provide seals that satisfy humanoid design requirements, all the way to the finger joints.The sealing
technologies used in robot applications must be extremely robust, long-lasting, and made of low-friction materials to support long hours of
operation and repetitive movements.Solutions such as Ingress Protection Seals for Robots (ISPR) cover all these attributes, providing
protection against harmful environmental influences such as dust or water, according to Freudenberg
Such seals can also perform well in very small installation spaces and can compensate for both axial and tangential displacements.The
company added that its IPSR seal is already being built into humanoids by a well-known international robot manufacturer.Another sealing
product potentially applicable to humanoid robots is the Premium Sine Seal (PSS)
Thanks to its specific qualities, the seal can be used in motors and gearboxes of industrial robots
With its unique design, it seals reliably both externally and internally, preventing contamination.Due to its low friction, the PSS ensures
that less of a robot’s performance is lost over time and actively counteracts internal contamination in the sealing system, Freudenberg
said.In addition, polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) wafer seals show friction reduction in robots
These disk seals made of high-performance PTFE plastic are water-repellent, can be used in an extremely wide range of temperatures, and are
in demand in various industries.Sealing materials used in robots such as cobots and humanoids must meet various challenges and requirements
to ensure optimal performance and offer a long service life
Source: Freudenberg Sealing TechnologiesBattery and thermal management materialsMiniaturized solutions are another trend for industry,
including in humanoid robots, where power systems must be compact because batteries are often installed in the machine’ thorax region and
need to be compact.Not only are these batteries expected to be diminutive, but they also need to offer high performance
However, this often equals more heat generation, which is why the materials surrounding the batteries must be heat-resistant.The right
materials can address the challenge of thermal management in humanoid robots
One example is Freudenberg’s recently developed Quantix ULTRA thermoplastic, which can withstand temperatures as high as 1,200°C
(2,192°F).Existing uses for this material include electric-vehicle battery applications, as it meets the flame-retardant requirements for
In addition, the material has been an option for the encasement of important electrically conductive rails known as busbars within electric
powertrains.As robotics and humanoid deployments scale, demand for such materials is also likely to grow.Now accepting session
submissions!Freudenberg equips humanoids for demanding environmentsAutomation manufacturers are looking for seals with a damping effect that
can also keep moisture out at the same time
Both are preconditions for the latest class of robots being developed to work in new applications.Humanoids are not expected to work solely
in factories and warehouses
Some people predict that they will find roles in caregiving and even outdoors in harsh weather and working conditions
That means the seals in the highly sensitive joints must be especially resistant to dirt and the penetration of moisture.Looking further
ahead, it is conceivable that humanoid robots could be used in hazardous environments, such as in mining operations, where the seals
themselves and the materials they are made from will have to be extraordinarily robust and durable.When it comes to boosting the potential
of humanoids, it’s important to teach them quickly, which is still a tedious process
The team at Freudenberg believes that machine learning can be accelerated with the use of electromagnetic rubber compounds for muscular
movement, neural signals, and even brainwave transmission.Such compounds have already been applied in Asia for life-science applications
If they were applied to the hands of humanoids, they could relay haptic signals that could be processed for robot motion control.As a
result, developers can find that sealing experts can offer an alternative approach to robot learning and autonomy in addition to support for
remote-controlled applications
This could be more intuitive and efficient than traditional programming and video shadowing
These are just some ideas of how companies with an extensive knowledge of materials could move in the direction of electromagnetic
materials.Freudenberg has already visited several humanoid makers and shared information on developing tailor-made materials and sealing
product designs based on its in-depth R&D capabilities
Sealing experts are laying the foundation to expand humanoid robots’ range of applications while increasing their safety, longevity and
range of functions.
About the author and FreudenbergHunter Cheng is the global segment manager for robotics at Freudenberg-NOK Sealing
With a multi-cultural background and nearly a decade of focus on sealings for robotics, Cheng is now working with international colleagues
to form a global group serving robotics makers around the world.Automated systems are getting smaller and more efficient, and they must
endure harsh environmental conditions such as high or low heat, plus harsh chemicals
To deliver productivity, reliability, and safety improvements, Freudenberg offers sealing systems for all types of robots.Plymouth,
Mich.-based Freudenberg will exhibit at Booth 4839 at Automate in Detroit this week.The post Humanoid robots can benefit from
high-performance seals, says Freudenberg appeared first on The Robot Report.
