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Nabtesco: Precision Reducers, Gearheads and Robot Motion Components
Nabtesco RV motion components, gearheads and actuators, with hollow shaft selection, 2025 compact reducer announcements, 2026 RA catalogue corrections and practical joint qualification questions.
Nabtesco precision transmission for robot builders
Nabtesco Corporation supplies motion control products across several industries. Its Precision Equipment Company is the relevant business for robot reducers, gearheads and related motion assemblies. These products support the mechanical drive system of a robot or machine. They are not a complete robot with a controller, tooling and validated application. A sourcing brief should identify the joint, positioner or mobile platform being designed and distinguish component supply from responsibility for the finished machine.
RV components and hollow shaft selection
The product lineup separates RV-E, RV-N and RV-C components from more integrated products. RV-C uses a hollow shaft arrangement that can accommodate routing through the centre. Specify the required opening and the actual cable or pipe envelope, including movement and maintenance access. A gearbox that fits the available space still needs verification of its ratio, load support and mounting interface. Do not select a size solely from the robot's nominal payload.
Gearheads, actuators and positioners have different scope
The catalogue distinguishes a component reducer, a sealed gearhead prepared for motor mounting, and an actuator incorporating a servomotor. It also lists RVP positioner units and RVW Mecanum wheel drive units. Ask which motor, adapter, seal, lubricant and control hardware are included in the specific offer. A positioner can move a fixture but still needs coordinated control with the robot. A wheel drive unit requires a complete vehicle design, navigation system and application validation before it can perform autonomous transport.
New compact reducer directions announced in 2025
In a 2 December 2025 announcement, Nabtesco introduced RVmini and Monocrank additions intended to address smaller torque applications. The notice described RVmini as strain wave gearing and announced reference exhibits at iREX2025 beginning on 3 December. This is evidence of an expanded product direction. It is not evidence that every proposed robot design has qualified those products or that an exhibition configuration is available under the buyer's required commercial terms. Request the current orderable specification and evaluation schedule.
Use the revised RA documentation in engineering reviews
A 6 July 2026 RA series notice identifies corrections to allowable radial loads for RA-20EA and RA-20EC and a bolt-size correction for RA-20EC. It instructs users to consult the errata and revised selection information with the catalogue. This is a practical reason to record document revisions in the design file. Before releasing an adapter or fixture drawing, verify the applicable load table, fasteners and dimensions against the current supplier documentation for the exact model.
Load and duty information required for sizing
Nabtesco offers a detailed selection tool for models and life calculations using operating conditions. Treat the output as part of an engineering review, with the inputs retained for checking. A useful application package includes:
Torque over the complete motion cycle, output speed, acceleration and dwell periods.
External radial, axial and overturning loads, load inertia and centre of gravity.
Emergency-stop or shock events and how frequently they may occur.
Mounting orientation, thermal conditions, lubricant and planned maintenance access.
Check both the reducer and the surrounding structure. Compliance in a frame, adapter or bearing support can affect end-point accuracy even when the selected gearbox meets its own specification.
Prototype validation and production purchasing
Agree a test using the intended mounting arrangement, load and motion profile. Review temperature rise, positioning behaviour and repeatability after sustained operation. Ask for lubrication instructions, inspection records, serial or batch traceability, and a procedure for evaluating any abnormal noise or vibration. A replacement should be matched by full model and revision, not appearance. For a production program, specify engineering change notification, sample approval, service responsibilities and the handling of a failed incoming inspection. Confirm commercial lead time and delivery location in writing.
Official technical contact and RFQ preparation
The official precision equipment enquiry page is the route for product selection and quotation requests. Include a drawing, load calculation, desired ratio and quantities for prototype and production phases. Compare relevant suppliers in Components, Control & AI, use the robot procurement buyer guide to assign system responsibilities, and prepare a project RFQ. Ask for the current documentation package and identify who accepts the finished machine's performance, rather than leaving the component and application boundaries implicit.