This paper details the design and development of a robotic joint actuator that combines a frameless BLDC motor with a two-stage stepped planetary gear reducer, as well as a custom-built controller for precise position control. The rotor is physically coupled to a hollow sun gear shaft to facilitate internal cable routing, and the actuator features a high-resolution absolute encoder utilizing the BiSS-C protocol. The controller includes a 3-phase H-bridge driver, differential signal conversion for encoder communication, and a CAN interface for host communication. Position control is achieved through a PID loop operating at 1 kHz. A prototype actuator and controller have been fabricated, and step response tests were conducted. Experimental results indicate stable and accurate tracking of position commands, with a short settling time of 0.04773 seconds. These findings confirm the effectiveness of the integrated actuator system for robotic joint applications. Future work will focus on optimizing internal cable space and implementing sensorless control algorithms.

Generally, a working excavator has only one directional bucket tilting angle, which is up-forward. However, side direction rotation of the bucket would allow variety of working output. We designed a hydraulic rotary actuator comprising a double rod hydraulic cylinder with a rack-pinion gear set for use in excavator bucket with side tilting mechanism, thus converting the linear to angular motion. The proposed side tilting rotary actuator was designed with parts suitable for medium size of heavy duty excavator. These mechanical parts were inexpensive to purchase and the manufacturing cost was reasonable. The proposed mechanism is potentially useful for excavator with variety of working output.