Harmonic Drive to highlight compact robotic joints at RoboBusiness

By The Robot Report Staff | September 25, 2024

In recent years, robots have become increasingly complex in design and function. We expect them to take up less space, move faster, do more, and look better. As designs become increasingly sleek and compact, the need for equally compact motion control and actuation solutions has become crucial.

At RoboBusiness, which takes place on Oct. 16-17 in Santa Clara, Calif., Reese Abouelnasr, a mechatronics engineer at Harmonic Drive, will lead a session titled “Developing Compact Robotic Joints.” This session will highlight current challenges faced by roboticists, and new solutions in the form of integrated servo drive technology and slim actuator design. Attendees will gain insights into actuator design through a deep dive into a low-profile, power-dense actuator to enable progressively miniaturized and streamlined robotics. Abouelnasr’s talk takes place on Oct. 16 at 11:45 AM.

Abouelnasr is a mechatronics engineer developing low-profile, integrated robotic joints for Harmonic Drive. He received a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering from the Georgia Institute of Technology, and a master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering from Tufts University, where he held multiple research positions focusing on humanoid and bio-inspired robotics. Abouelnasr’s mission is to make robotics more accessible for everyone.

Harmonic Drive brings 60+ years of experience to RoboBusiness

Harmonic Drive engineers and manufactures precision servo actuators, gearheads and gear component sets. It works closely with Fortune 500 companies of all sizes to understand their application requirements and provide a standard or, in most cases, a custom-engineered solution to enable the success of their design project. The company is based in Beverly, Mass., and has over 60 years of experience in building automation components. 

You can also find Harmonic Drive on the RoboBusiness show floor in Booth #305. Attendees will get a look at some of the company’s products firsthand, while also learning from Harmonic Drive’s experts. 

About RoboBusiness 2024

In addition to enabling technologies and robotics innovation, RoboBusiness focuses on investments and business topics related to running a robotics company. Keynotes at the event will feature:

• Rodney Brooks, co-founder and chief technology officer at Robust AI, as well as co-founder of iRobot and Rethink Robotics
• Sergey Levine, co-founder of Physical Intelligence and an associate professor at UC Berkeley
• Claire Delaunay, chief technology officer at farm-ng
• Torrey Smith, co-founder and CEO of Endiatx
• A keynote panel on driving robotics innovation with ABB, DHL, NVIDIA, and Teradyne

RoboBusiness will include more than 70 speakers, over 100 exhibitors and demos on the expo floor, 10+ hours of dedicated networking time, the Pitchfire Robotics Startup Competition, a Women in Robotics Luncheon, and more.

RoboBusiness is co-located with DeviceTalks West, which focuses on the design and development of medical devices. Thousands of robotics practitioners from around the world will convene at the Santa Clara Convention Center, so register now to ensure your spot!