The Robot Report

  • Home
  • News
  • Technologies
    • Batteries / Power Supplies
    • Cameras / Imaging / Vision
    • Controllers
    • End Effectors
    • Microprocessors / SoCs
    • Motion Control
    • Sensors
    • Soft Robotics
    • Software / Simulation
  • Development
    • Artificial Intelligence
    • Human Robot Interaction / Haptics
    • Mobility / Navigation
    • Research
  • Robots
    • AGVs
    • AMRs
    • Consumer
    • Collaborative Robots
    • Drones
    • Humanoids
    • Industrial
    • Self-Driving Vehicles
    • Unmanned Maritime Systems
  • Business
    • Financial
      • Investments
      • Mergers & Acquisitions
      • Earnings
    • Markets
      • Agriculture
      • Healthcare
      • Logistics
      • Manufacturing
      • Mining
      • Security
    • RBR50
      • RBR50 Winners 2025
      • RBR50 Winners 2024
      • RBR50 Winners 2023
      • RBR50 Winners 2022
      • RBR50 Winners 2021
  • Resources
    • Automated Warehouse Research Reports
    • Digital Issues
    • eBooks
    • Publications
      • Automated Warehouse
      • Collaborative Robotics Trends
    • Search Robotics Database
    • Videos
    • Webinars / Digital Events
  • Events
    • RoboBusiness
    • Robotics Summit & Expo
    • DeviceTalks
    • R&D 100
    • Robotics Weeks
  • Podcast
    • Episodes
  • Advertise
  • Subscribe

A modular industrial gearbox for infinite applications

By Sponsored Content | May 1, 2023

Modular components are ideal for industrial applications as they make implementation easier and allow for more advanced and specialized applications to be developed. The Apiro gearbox system from igus® is one way to bring modularity to industrial applications, while also providing a wide range of other benefits. This blog will explore those benefits and why Apiro gearboxes are an ideal solution for a near-endless number of applications.

The name Apiro is derived from the Greek word “ápeiros”, meaning infinite. This meaning has guided the design philosophy of the Apiro product line, aiming to be a solution with infinite possibilities and fit for infinite applications. To this end, multiple different sizes and kinematics of the Apiro are available. Rotary and linear motion can be combined in one system — thanks to the multi-functional aluminum guide profile available as part of the Apiro system — to create complex machines like SCARA robots and articulated robot arms. Multiple different gear ratios are also available and can be combined, as well as both worm gear and bevel gear variants. Gearboxes can be connected through a hollow space in the middle of the gearbox where a drive shaft can be inserted.

Besides robot arms, Apiro systems have been used to create gantry robots, devices for multi-lane adjustments and curve adjustments in packaging machines, and multi-axis pick-and-place robots. Of course, this is just a small selection of the possible applications with Apiro systems, but even among these few there’s a significant amount of variety and ingenuity.

A dry-running alternative to standard gearboxes

So what makes the Apiro stand out from other gearboxes, besides its modularity? The answer lies in the materials used to develop the Apiro. The gears themselves are composed of dry-running iglide® materials, which eliminate the need for external lubrication. This not only cuts maintenance costs, but also provides resistance to dirt and dust.

Inadequate or improper lubrication is one of the leading causes of gearbox failure, contributing to 34.4% of all gearbox failures. This is nearly double the amount of the next closest cause, which is water and particulate contamination (19.6%). Due to the dry-running nature of the Apiro, failure stemming from improper lubrication is entirely eliminated as there’s no need to manually lubricate the system. The Apiro is also suitable for splash water applications and resists dirt and dust, eliminating failures stemming from both water and particulates. Ultimately, this leads to a significantly more reliable and cost-effective component than a traditional gearbox.

Another strength of the Apiro is the ability to connect not only to other gearboxes, but to drylin® linear actuators and dryspin® lead screws as well. This is especially useful in the packaging industry, where lane adjustments can utilize multiple actuator/gearbox connections to easily perform necessary motions with just one motor powering the system. Manual adjustments are also possible, and optional color-coded handwheels are available to further simplify installation and operation.

Conclusion

Industrial components are relied upon for consistent operation, regardless of the component or the application it’s used in. Improvements are constantly being made to conventional industrial components, and the Apiro gearbox is one such improvement. The consistency and reliability it provides relative to traditional gearboxes, paired with modularity and ease-of-use, make switching to the Apiro system an easy choice.

Sponsored content by igus

Tell Us What You Think! Cancel reply

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Related Articles Read More >

Sager Electronics and its partners, logos shown here, will exhibit at the 2025 Robotics Summit & Expo.
Sager Electronics to exhibit at the Robotics Summit & Expo
The Shift in Robotics: How Visual Perception is Separating Winners from the Pack
An AutoStore automated storage and retrieval grid.
Webinar to provide automated storage and retrieval adoption advice
Smaller, tougher devices for evolving demands

RBR50 Innovation Awards

“rr
EXPAND YOUR KNOWLEDGE AND STAY CONNECTED
Get the latest info on technologies, tools and strategies for Robotics Professionals.
The Robot Report Listing Database

Latest Episode of The Robot Report Podcast

Automated Warehouse Research Reports

Sponsored Content

  • Sager Electronics and its partners, logos shown here, will exhibit at the 2025 Robotics Summit & Expo. Sager Electronics to exhibit at the Robotics Summit & Expo
  • The Shift in Robotics: How Visual Perception is Separating Winners from the Pack
  • An AutoStore automated storage and retrieval grid. Webinar to provide automated storage and retrieval adoption advice
  • Smaller, tougher devices for evolving demands
  • Modular motors and gearboxes make product development simple
The Robot Report
  • Mobile Robot Guide
  • Collaborative Robotics Trends
  • Field Robotics Forum
  • Healthcare Robotics Engineering Forum
  • RoboBusiness Event
  • Robotics Summit & Expo
  • About The Robot Report
  • Subscribe
  • Contact Us

Copyright © 2025 WTWH Media LLC. All Rights Reserved. The material on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, cached or otherwise used, except with the prior written permission of WTWH Media
Privacy Policy | Advertising | About Us

Search The Robot Report

  • Home
  • News
  • Technologies
    • Batteries / Power Supplies
    • Cameras / Imaging / Vision
    • Controllers
    • End Effectors
    • Microprocessors / SoCs
    • Motion Control
    • Sensors
    • Soft Robotics
    • Software / Simulation
  • Development
    • Artificial Intelligence
    • Human Robot Interaction / Haptics
    • Mobility / Navigation
    • Research
  • Robots
    • AGVs
    • AMRs
    • Consumer
    • Collaborative Robots
    • Drones
    • Humanoids
    • Industrial
    • Self-Driving Vehicles
    • Unmanned Maritime Systems
  • Business
    • Financial
      • Investments
      • Mergers & Acquisitions
      • Earnings
    • Markets
      • Agriculture
      • Healthcare
      • Logistics
      • Manufacturing
      • Mining
      • Security
    • RBR50
      • RBR50 Winners 2025
      • RBR50 Winners 2024
      • RBR50 Winners 2023
      • RBR50 Winners 2022
      • RBR50 Winners 2021
  • Resources
    • Automated Warehouse Research Reports
    • Digital Issues
    • eBooks
    • Publications
      • Automated Warehouse
      • Collaborative Robotics Trends
    • Search Robotics Database
    • Videos
    • Webinars / Digital Events
  • Events
    • RoboBusiness
    • Robotics Summit & Expo
    • DeviceTalks
    • R&D 100
    • Robotics Weeks
  • Podcast
    • Episodes
  • Advertise
  • Subscribe