This article provides an in-depth comparison between Direct Drive (DD) motors and harmonic rotary actuators, covering their transmission principles, advantages and disadvantages, and typical application fields.

When selecting a motion control solution, understanding the strengths and limitations of a harmonic rotary actuator is essential. While these actuators are widely recognized for their exceptional precision and compact design, they also have inherent limitations that make them unsuitable for certain heavy-duty applications. This guide provides a comprehensive overview of the advantages and disadvantages of harmonic actuators, helping engineers choose the right transmission solution based on their specific application requirements.

In recent years, with the introduction of integrated harmonic actuators, an increasing number of automation equipment manufacturers have begun to replace the traditional configuration of harmonic drive reducers combined with servo motors. Through continuous practical application, harmonic actuators have evolved into a wide variety of forms.

AGVs can adopt various drive solutions, such as planetary gear reducers or reducers with specialized mechanical structures. However, for AMRs and precision-handling AGVs that demand extremely high motion smoothness and positioning accuracy, harmonic rotary actuators are one of the ideal drive solutions. Their high positioning accuracy and smooth operation enable AGVs to achieve precise path tracking and docking, while their compact and lightweight design frees up valuable space inside the AGV chassis for integrating additional sensors or batteries.