Harmonic Drive® Gear with torque sensor

Harmonic Drive SE is expanding its portfolio of high-precision drive solutions with a pioneering innovation: the Harmonic Drive® Gear with integrated torque sensor. The new solution combines zero backlash motion with precise load detection – ideal for safety-critical and sensitive applications in robotics, medical technology and automation.

Torque measurement optimally integrated into precision gearboxes

Harmonic Drive® Gears are used wherever precise movements must be performed with zero backlash.

In many applications – such as collaborative robots (cobots) or surgical robots – torque is a key input signal for motion control. It enables fundamental safety functions such as collision detection and supports hand-guided programming (direct teach-in). The compact integration of a sensor into the strain wave gear provides an additional signal for sensitive control and increases safety.

Seamless integration – without compromise

The sensor is integrated into the gear in such a way that it is subjected only to torque and not to bearing forces. This means that the signal remains unaffected and the sensor can be designed to be extremely compact – without additional installation space or compromises in torsional stiffness.

Outstanding precision

Harmonic Drive SE torque sensors set new standards: with a measuring accuracy of 0.1% of the sensor's full-scale torque and a system accuracy of 1% for the combination of gear and sensor, they enable precise detection and control of the axle load – for example, when joining sensitive components in assembly processes.

Adaptable and robust

The design and construction of the core elements – Harmonic Drive® Gear Component Set, output bearing and torque sensor – are carried out in-house at Harmonic Drive SE and can be individually adapted to customer requirements. The sensor technology is based on proven strain gauge technology and impresses with its high temperature stability, resistance to ageing and electromagnetic compatibility. Even under harsh conditions, the lifetime remains excellent.

Flexible electrical interfaces

The sensor is available with various electrical interfaces – from passive strain gauges and analogue signals (±10 V, 4–20 mA) to serial bus protocols (USB, RS-232), PCB buses (SPI, I²C) and fieldbus systems such as CAN or EtherCAT.

Wide range of applications

Robotics, handling & automation:

Safety functions and sensitive control in cobots

Medical:

Force feedback in surgical robots

General mechanical engineering:

Force-controlled assembly processes with high precision

With the integration of the torque sensor into the proven Harmonic Drive® strain wave gear, Harmonic Drive SE is expanding its product portfolio with an intelligent solution for precise and safety-related applications – tailor-made for the requirements of modern key industries.

Limburg, 24 June 2025