Cylindrical Voice Coil Motor Robotics Force Control 15N 26V Linear Actuator

Product Overview

The VCAR0015-0062-00A is a cylindrical voice-coil motor designed specifically for robotic applications requiring precise force control. When powered by a 26V DC supply, this motor delivers a peak force of 15N over a 6.2mm stroke, with force output proportional to the drive current.
This linear relationship makes this cylindrical voice coil motor ideally suited for force-controlled grasping, soft contact, and haptic feedback. Because the motor uses direct drive and supports reverse drive, external forces applied to the load are immediately reflected back, allowing the controller to sense contact status without the need for complex mechanical structures.
The non-contact design eliminates cogging effects, hysteresis, and friction, providing smooth force output across the entire stroke range from zero to full travel.
Manufactured with a robust cylindrical housing and precision bearings, this voice coil linear actuator is capable of meeting the continuous duty cycle requirements of modern robotic systems. A simple current command generates smooth, controllable force across the entire stroke range, making servo tuning simple and intuitive.

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Solution

Industrial robots and collaborative robots require actuators that can operate safely around people while performing precise maneuvers around objects. Geared reduction motors are difficult to drive in reverse and cannot provide an intuitive indication of the force applied by the end-effector.

This voice-coil motor solves this problem by serving as a direct, transparent force source. The current flowing through the coil determines the magnitude of the applied force, enabling the robot to grasp fragile components with just the right amount of pressure and release them instantly. The motor’s reversible drive characteristics support impedance control, allowing the robot to absorb shocks and adapt to uncertain environments much like a spring or shock absorber. Its high-bandwidth characteristics support rapid updates to tactile and force feedback loops.

For designers, this simplifies the control architecture: a single actuator provides both motion control and force sensing capabilities. As a result, robots are safer and more flexible, capable of handling delicate assembly, insertion, and inspection tasks. Additionally, this cylindrical voice-coil motor can withstand frequent reverse operation—common in pick-and-place cycles—without suffering mechanical wear.

Specifications

Application

This cylindrical voice-coil actuator is widely used in collaborative robot grippers, force-controlled end-effectors, teleoperation control units, exoskeleton joints, surgical instruments, force-feedback interfaces, and prosthetic research platforms.
The research team has also applied it to the development of teleoperation systems and prosthetics. Furthermore, this voice-coil motor is suitable for automated insertion and press-fit stations that require monitoring and limiting contact force.

FAQ

Q: How does the motor achieve force control?
A: Force is proportional to coil current in a voice coil motor. By commanding current instead of position, the controller sets the output force directly, which enables accurate gripping and contact control.

Q: What does backdrivable mean for a robot?
A: A backdrivable actuator can be moved by an external force without resistance from gears. This lets the robot sense contact, absorb impacts and operate safely near people.

Q: Can this motor be used with a force sensor?
A: Yes. The motor can work with an external force sensor for closed loop force feedback, or run in open loop using its current-force relationship where accuracy requirements allow.

Q: Is the 15N force enough for gripping applications?
A: 15N peak force suits small and medium grippers, insertion tasks and haptic devices. SUPT MOTION offers a full range up to 3000N if higher force is needed.

Q: What is the maximum duty cycle?
A: With 6.5N continuous force, the motor can run at rated conditions continuously in a 25°C environment. Short peaks up to 15N are allowed according to the thermal curve.