Stuttgart, Germany – June 23, 2025 – A revolutionary new era in robotics is dawning. Engineering innovator SENTImotion, in close collaboration with advanced materials leader Envalior and global manufacturing expert Frencken Group, announcing a groundbreaking gearbox concept for robot arms that paves the way for the cost-effective mass production of lightweight and energy-efficient robots. This pioneering solution is set to be showcased at automatica, June 24-27, in Messe München, Hall B4, Stand 328.

SENTImotion's Vision Becomes Reality: The SMFdrives Concept

The newly developed SMFdrives concept leverages Envalior's high-performance Stanyl® PA46 engineering plastic, resulting in gearboxes that are approximately 50% lighter and 50% cheaper to produce than their metal counterparts, all while delivering full performance. This breakthrough is poised to fundamentally alter the robotics landscape.

"SMFdrives is ready for series production," stated Steffen Breuninger, Managing Director of SENTImotion GmbH. "This concept marks the 'ChatGPT moment' in robotics – a leap towards physical AI, finally driving robot costs towards the $10,000 mark and opening the door to the mass market."

Unprecedented Performance & Practical Benefits

SMFdrives integrates an intrinsic backdrive lock, eliminating the need for separate braking systems, which further reduces weight and complexity. These plastic gearboxes are also seamlessly compatible with existing robot designs, allowing for easy integration. Beyond cost and weight savings, the advanced material and SENTImotion's precise tooth geometry enable significantly better torque-to-weight ratios and high reduction ratios, crucial for developing robust, reliable, and durable robotics systems.

The reduced weight of robots equipped with SMFdrives also leads to lower energy consumption and faster response times, boosting productivity. Their compliance with stringent safety standards (exceeding ISO/TS 15066 requirements) even sets a new benchmark for safe human-robot interaction.

Global Partnership for Mass Market Adoption

While SENTImotion delivers the core engineering and design innovation, Envalior provides its cutting-edge Stanyl® PA46 material and deep expertise in plastic gear design. Frencken Group, serving as the industrial partner, ensures reliable, high-volume production of these precision injection-molded components through its global manufacturing footprint.

The development partners are now engaging in large-scale projects with robot manufacturers, targeting the mass production of humanoid and service robots for domestic use, retail, logistics, and patient care, with future optimizations planned for industrial applications.

Visit SENTImotion (Hall B4, Stand 328) at automatica or digitally www.sentimotion.de for more information.