The ultimate purpose of technology is to empower every individual to live with greater dignity, independence, and convenience. In this video, we are honored to showcase CubeMars' advanced application in the field of Assistive Robotics. Mentee Robotics, a global leader in assistive robotics, has selected CubeMars precision actuators as the core power source for its next-generation humanoid assistive system, designed to help individuals with limited mobility perform daily tasks and receive safe mobility assistance.
This collaboration not only demonstrates CubeMars' excellence in advanced motion control, but also accelerates the realization of the vision of Independent Living.
Unlike traditional industrial robotic arms, assistive robots operate in homes, hospitals, and care facilities, where they interact physically with people—especially elderly users and individuals with mobility impairments. This places exceptionally demanding requirements on the underlying actuation system.
High Torque at Low Speed: Assistive robots must perform physically demanding tasks such as helping users stand up, carrying objects, and supporting part of a person's body weight. These applications require motors capable of delivering powerful, stable torque even at extremely low speeds.
Absolute Human Safety: When interacting directly with people, robots must never apply excessive force or cause accidental injury. The actuator system must provide highly accurate force control and compliant behavior, allowing it to continuously sense human intention and external resistance in real time.
High Reliability in Complex Multi-Joint Systems: Humanoid and assistive robots often feature dozens of degrees of freedom within compact joint spaces and highly complex kinematic structures. Actuators must achieve a high level of integration while delivering reliable 24/7 operation over long service periods.
To overcome these challenges, Mentee Robotics selected CubeMars high-performance precision actuators. Their key advantages for assistive robotics include:
1. Exceptional Low-Speed High Torque for Everyday Assistance: CubeMars actuators combine optimized electromagnetic design with high-ratio reduction systems to deliver smooth, powerful torque output at low rotational speeds. This enables Mentee's assistive robot to effortlessly perform everyday tasks such as grasping household objects, assisting users in standing up, and providing stable physical support—all without relying on bulky hydraulic or pneumatic systems.
2. Medical-Grade Compliant Force Control for Safe Human Interaction: Safety is the highest priority for assistive robots. CubeMars actuators integrate high-resolution encoders with advanced Field-Oriented Control (FOC) algorithms, providing high torque-control bandwidth with extremely low latency. If unexpected external resistance is detected—for example, when a user suddenly loses balance or resists movement—the system immediately activates Impedance Control or compliant motion control. The actuator instantly becomes compliant, reducing output force and significantly minimizing the risk of injury during physical interaction.
3. High Integration with Industrial-Grade Reliability: CubeMars integrates the brushless motor, precision gearbox, dual encoders, and servo drive into a compact, plug-and-play actuator module. This highly integrated architecture significantly reduces Mentee Robotics' mechanical assembly and wiring complexity while improving overall system reliability. Built with industrial-grade components, CubeMars actuators are designed to provide long service life and dependable performance under continuous operation in demanding home and healthcare environments.
In this video, you'll see how CubeMars actuators enable outstanding performance in Mentee Robotics' assistive humanoid robot.
Everyday Task Demonstration: Watch the robot leverage its powerful low-speed torque to safely and precisely assist users with daily physical tasks.
Mobility Assistance: See the coordinated motion between the mobile platform and robotic arms, delivering smooth and natural assistance during user mobility support.
Safe Human-Robot Interaction: Experience the robot's highly compliant joint behavior and rapid safety response during close physical interaction with people.
Q1: What is the key difference between motors for assistive robots and industrial robotic arms?
A: Industrial robots prioritize maximum positioning accuracy and high operating speed, typically working inside isolated safety enclosures.
Assistive robots, on the other hand, require high torque at low speeds, advanced compliant control (impedance control), and uncompromising human safety. CubeMars precision actuators are specifically designed to meet these requirements, enabling safe and natural human-robot collaboration in unstructured environments.
Q2: What happens if power is suddenly lost while the robot is supporting a user?
A: CubeMars actuators incorporate excellent holding capability and power-loss protection mechanisms. In the event of an emergency stop or unexpected power failure, the actuator's mechanical design helps maintain its position, preventing uncontrolled free fall and providing multiple layers of mechanical and control-system safety.
Whether you're developing assistive service robots, rehabilitation exoskeletons, or advanced humanoid robots, CubeMars delivers high-torque, high-safety precision actuation solutions designed for next-generation human-centered robotics.
[Learn More About the CubeMars Precision Actuator Series]