The SHA Integrated Series from Harmonic Drive is a family of compact, high-performance rotary servo actuators. They combine zero backlash Harmonic Drive gearing, a brushless servo motor, dual absolute magnetic encoders, and a servo drive into a single, compact device to help save installation space for machine builders.

Available with CANopen or EtherCAT communication, and optional integrated braking, this actuator family eliminates the need for an external drive which helps reduce system complexity, cabinet space, and installation time — without compromising precision, torque density, torsional stiffness, or reliability.

Harmonic Drive notes that when using EtherCAT with the actuator, 10-20 times faster motion control communication is possible compared to CANopen. This enables high speed, synchronized motion in a number of demanding industrial applications.

Per Harmonic Drive, modern automation, robotics, and process control systems are demanding higher precision, faster communication, and reduced system complexity, all within increasingly compact footprints. Traditional actuator architectures require external drives, complex cabling, and centralized control cabinets, leading to higher system costs, longer commissioning times, and increased points of failure.

The company developed the SHA Integrated Series to directly address these challenges by bringing intelligence and control to the source of motion, enabling distributed control architectures that are simpler, lighter, and more scalable.

Features of the SHA Integrated Actuator Series include:

• high precision Harmonic Drive gearing delivers zero backlash, high torsional stiffness, and exceptional repeatability
• dual absolute encoders provide precise, reliable position feedback of the motor input position and gear output position
• reduced hardware minimizes cabinet space and overall system weight
• distributed control at the source of motion improves system responsiveness and scalability
• only a single cable with four conductors is required for power and communications, simplifying cable management which reduces wiring complexity and potential failure points
• standard hollow bore allows cables, tubes or similar components to pass through the center of the actuator
• utilizes 48V DC nominal supply voltage.

Applications for the SHA Integrated Actuator Series

Harmonic Drive says the SHA Integrated actuator is well suited for a broad range of industrial and manufacturing applications, including:

• Automation: Enhancing performance and efficiency in packaging machinery, assembly lines, and material handling systems.
• Robotics: Improving precision and responsiveness in end of arm tooling and robotic material handling.
• Process Control: Supporting precise flow regulation and motion control in oil and gas, pharmaceutical, and chemical manufacturing environments.
• Semiconductor Manufacturing: Enables higher accuracy, faster response, and simplified system architectures.