Humanoid Robotics Motion Platform
Humanoid robot OEMs requiring single-source supply for joint modules — combining hollow-shaft frameless motors, dual-encoder joint drivers, planetary-gearbox integrated joints, and linear actuators.
Single-source supply for humanoid robot joint modules. Hollow-shaft frameless torque motors, integrated planetary-gearbox joints, and dual-encoder joint drivers with EtherCAT/CANopen/CAN FD support. ≤1 µs multi-axis synchronization, 8/16 kHz control loops, ≤10 arcmin gearbox backlash. Kinco collaborates with 100+ humanoid robotics OEMs worldwide.
FIG.03 HUMANOID Frameless · BiSS-C 100+ OEMs Where this recipe fits
Humanoid robotics manufacturers face a critical bottleneck at the joint module — the integration of motor, driver, and gearbox from fragmented supplier bases is time-consuming, expensive, and risks compatibility gaps. Kinco resolves this with in-house design and manufacturing of all three core components: hollow-shaft frameless torque motors, dual-encoder joint drivers, and planetary-gearbox integrated joints. Linear actuators for leg modules are also supplied with assembly service. This single-source approach has been adopted by 100+ humanoid robotics OEMs globally.
What the system needs to do
Motor Design
- Hollow-shaft frameless torque motors for rotating joints
- Precision coiled winding for lower copper loss
- Ultra-thin slot insulation, high-flux-density electrical steel
- Torque ripple minimized to 0.5%–2%
Joint Driver
- EtherCAT (CoE per CiA402 with CSP/CSV/CST modes), CANopen, CAN FD support
- Distributed Clock with ≤1 µs multi-axis sync jitter
- Control loops: 8 kHz position, 16 kHz velocity & current
- Power density >97%, 3× rated torque overload
- Optional integrated dual encoder with BiSS-C, SSI, Tamagawa
Gearbox & Encoder
- Planetary gearbox with ≤10 arcmin backlash
- Full grinding process for GB5 grade accuracy; gear skiving for GB6
- Lower starting torque, 30K lower steady-state temperature rise
- Encoder resolution 17–23 bits single-turn
- Absolute angle accuracy ±5–±10 arcsec, repeatability ≤±1 arcsec, drift <0.1 arcsec/°C
Multi-brand component selection
The list below is a starting point. Final part numbers, quantities, and accessories are confirmed during RFQ based on motor power, I/O count, protocol, and certification scope.
| Role | Component | Specification |
|---|---|---|
| MOTOR | Kinco Hollow-Shaft Frameless Motor | Per-joint sizing · 0.5–2% torque ripple |
| DRIVE | Kinco Joint Driver | EtherCAT/CANopen/CAN FD · ≤1µs sync · optional dual encoder |
| JOINT | Kinco Integrated Planetary Joint | ≤10 arcmin backlash · compact height with high ratio |
| ACTUATOR | Kinco Linear Actuator (leg modules) | Motor + full actuator assembly service |
| ENCODER | Kinco Dual Encoder (option) | BiSS-C / SSI / Tamagawa · 17–23 bit · ≤±1 arcsec repeat |
| SERVICE | Kinco Joint Assembly Service | Integrated motor+gearbox+driver+encoder testing & assembly |
Reference comparison: vs fragmented supplier stacks (separate motor + drive + gearbox vendors).
Alternative selection reference only. Final compatibility must be verified by power rating, I/O count, protocol, software logic, cabinet layout, safety requirements, and local approval.
How we size each component
- Joint sizing driven by required peak torque, continuous torque, range of motion, and ambient temperature.
- EtherCAT recommended over CANopen when multi-axis sync jitter must be ≤1µs.
- Dual-encoder option recommended for joints where output-side position must be verified independently of motor-side.
- Linear actuator assembly service available for OEMs avoiding in-house mechanical integration of legs.
Practical notes for cabinet build
- EtherCAT topology with distributed clock enabled for multi-axis sync
- Encoder cable shielded and routed separately from motor power
- CAN FD baud rate selection depends on joint count and update period
- BiSS-C / SSI encoders require dedicated cable specifications for stability at high RPM
Coming from a legacy brand
- OEMs sourcing motor / drive / gearbox separately may need mechanical re-design for integrated joint envelope.
- Existing motion control firmware referencing other-vendor encoder protocols may need adaptation.
- Joint assembly service replaces in-house assembly line — supply chain integration affects QC sign-off process.
When to use this recipe — and when not to
Good fit
- Humanoid robot OEMs scaling from prototype to volume production
- Teams lacking in-house motor + gearbox engineering capability
- Projects requiring sub-microsecond multi-axis synchronization
Not the right fit
- Robots requiring proprietary actuator types not in Kinco's portfolio (e.g., hydraulic, pneumatic muscles)
- Applications where joint-level safety certification (PLe/SIL3) is required but Kinco joint driver doesn't yet carry that rating in the chosen variant — verify
- Research projects requiring full firmware-level open source on joint drivers
Available technical documentation
The documents below can be shared during RFQ review. Some materials are subject to NDA depending on the manufacturer.
Questions about this recipe
How many humanoid robotics OEMs does Kinco currently support?
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What's the manufacturing capacity for joint modules?
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What multi-axis synchronization accuracy is achievable?
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Send your application type, existing model numbers, voltage, I/O count, protocol, quantity, and target lead time. We respond with a practical BOM recommendation and quotation scope within one business day.