Mechanical
RV Reducer (Cycloidal)
Provides high-torque, high-rigidity speed reduction for base and arm axes using a two-stage cycloidal gear design.
An RV reducer combines a planetary first stage with a cycloidal second stage, giving it higher torsional rigidity and better shock load tolerance than a harmonic drive, which is why it is the common choice for high-torque axes like J1 and J2 on larger robots.
Internally, cycloidal discs orbit around pins inside a housing, and this rolling contact design spreads load across many contact points at once, giving the reducer a long service life under heavy, repetitive loading.
RV reducers are heavier and bulkier than harmonic drives for the same output torque, which is why they are typically reserved for the axes closest to the base where extra mass matters less.
Related components
Common questions
- What does the RV Reducer (Cycloidal) do?
- Provides high-torque, high-rigidity speed reduction for base and arm axes using a two-stage cycloidal gear design.
- How does the RV Reducer (Cycloidal) fail?
- Common failure modes: Cycloidal disc or pin wear after extended heavy loading, Bearing wear increasing radial play at the output shaft, Seal failure leading to grease leakage and contamination, Sudden gear damage following an axis collision or overload.
- What fault codes relate to the RV Reducer (Cycloidal)?
- Related codes include SRVO-021.