Motor Applications in Delta Parallel Robots

1. Component Overview

Delta robots are high-speed, high-precision industrial robots with a parallel triangular mechanism, ideal for light-duty picking, sorting, and assembly. Their key components include:

Parallel Arm Structure: Three servo-driven linkages connect equidistantly to a fixed platform and a moving platform, forming a 3-DOF system with high rigidity and dynamic responsiveness.

Drive System: Three servo motors drive the linkages, often paired with precision reducers to achieve fast and accurate movement.

End Effector: Attached to the center of the moving platform, tools like suction cups, grippers, dispensers, or nozzles perform tasks like picking, assembling, or packaging.

Control System: Based on motion controllers or dedicated platforms for trajectory planning, multi-axis coordination, and error compensation with dynamic interpolation.

Vision System (optional): Industrial cameras and image processing enable target detection, dynamic positioning, and trajectory correction.

Sensors & Safety: Encoders, collision sensors, and limiters ensure safe and reliable operation during high-speed tasks.

2. Working Principle

Delta robots use three independently controlled servo motors to drive the linkages, achieving precise X, Y, Z movement of the end platform. The control is based on inverse kinematics and synchronized multi-axis commands:

The controller calculates the required angles for each motor based on the desired end position using inverse kinematics, then sends signals to each motor.

Each motor drives its linkage to create a coordinated motion, moving the end effector through 3D space. Encoders feed back position data for real-time correction via closed-loop control.

With optional vision systems, Delta robots support “vision-guided high-speed picking” operations for complex dynamic environments.

Delta robots offer excellent repeatability (±0.1 mm or better) and ultra-high throughput (up to 200 cycles/min), used in food, pharma, electronics, and solar industries.

3. Motor Roles

Delta robots rely on motor precision, speed, and coordination. Key functions include:

3-Axis Coordinated Drive: Three motors synchronize to drive linkages for 3D motion, requiring exceptional speed and precision.

High-Speed Acceleration: Servo motors support high torque and fast acceleration/deceleration to sustain high-frequency operation.

Closed-Loop Precision: With high-resolution encoders and PID or feedforward control, motors maintain accurate positioning and smooth path tracking.

Low Inertia & Vibration: Lightweight servo motors minimize system inertia and vibration for smooth motion and fast dynamic response.

Versatile Integration: Supports protocols like EtherCAT and CANopen for seamless integration and multi-robot coordination.

Long-Term Reliability: Quality motors offer excellent heat dissipation, energy efficiency, and EMI resistance—ideal for 24/7 industrial environments.

4. Custom Motor Solutions

For the high-speed, synchronized, and compact needs of Delta robots, we offer optimized motor solutions:

Motor Recommendations:

• High-speed pick-and-place (120+ cycles/min): Use low-inertia, high-speed GPG-GP servo motors with compact reducers for acceleration and tracking.
• Cleanroom use in food/pharma: Use GPG-GM IP65 motors with oil-free options and stainless housing for hygienic operation.
• Lightweight robot designs: Use ultra-thin GPG-MP series for small Delta frames, reducing load and installation space.

Integration Support:

• Multi-axis motion controller for interpolation and coordinated paths
• Precision planetary reducers for torque optimization
• High-resolution encoders (17–23 bit) for micron-level control
• Installation kits: motor cables, anti-pull plugs, EMI filters
• Custom specs: interface, shaft length, encoder models as required

We also support simulation and selection services for custom Delta designs, including full-process support from modeling and tuning to delivery—ensuring high-efficiency, precise, and reliable robot operation.