The focus is often on AI and software. Less attention is paid to the mechanics, even though they are crucial for precision, durability and reliability. This is because every movement of a humanoid robot is based on highly precise drive components. Threaded drives, such as those used in numerous robotic joints, play a key role in this regard.

Screw drives: Precision for robotic joints

The joints of humanoid robots must meet several requirements: limited installation space, high dynamics, a long service life and maximum repeatability. Screw drives play a central role in this context. They convert rotational movements into precise linear movements, thereby enabling finely tuned motion sequences in arms, legs and gripper systems.

Depending on the application, different designs such as ball screws or roller screws are used. Roller screws, in particular, are becoming increasingly important in the field of humanoid robotics, as they can combine high load-carrying capacity, high dynamic performance and a long service life.

The key factor here is the quality of manufacture. Even the slightest deviations in pitch, concentricity or surface finish have a direct impact on the performance of the robot as a whole. For manufacturers of humanoid robots, this means that the performance of the end product depends on the precision of its individual components.

Why manufacturing determines success or failure

As humanoid robots move from prototypes to near-production applications, the demands placed on industrial manufacturing are increasing. Ball screws and similar precision components must not only be manufactured with precision, but also in a reproducible and process-reliable manner, and in ever-increasing quantities.

It has also been scientifically proven that the mechanical design of the joints plays a key role in this. A Review article by Kenji Hashimoto (Advanced Robotics, 2020) shows that even highly sophisticated control systems can only compensate to a limited extent for mechanical inaccuracies such as play, compliance or insufficient stiffness. The performance of humanoid robots is therefore largely determined by the precision of their mechanical components.

Developers of humanoid robots face a particular challenge today: the systems are expected to become lighter, faster, more precise and more cost-effective all at the same time. It is precisely this tension that places greater demands on the manufacturing process. Components are required that have tight tolerances and a high surface quality, whilst at the same time being reproducible and capable of being manufactured in increasing quantities.

This is where modern Production Modules . Our experience shows that they are the ideal solution for heavy-duty yet highly precise machining.
ELHA manufacturing modules are designed to produce complex precision components efficiently and with consistent results, and offer clear advantages:

• High process stability with tight tolerances
• Cost-effective production, even for larger production runs
• Flexible adaptation to different component geometries
• Reduced lead times through integrated processes

On these modules, we manufacture not only ball screws but also numerous other components used in robots. These include drive shafts, bearing housings, fasteners and structural precision parts. Our approach is clear: we do not consider components in isolation, but within the context of their future application and the planned production volumes.

Machining of high-strength materials such as titanium

Another key driver in the field of human-robot interaction is the use of high-strength materials. Materials such as titanium enable lightweight yet extremely robust designs, making them ideal for mobile robotic systems. At the same time, they place high demands on machine design, tooling technology and process control.

Our Production Modules are designed accordingly. In combination with specially developed tooling strategies, they enable cost-effective and stable machining, even with challenging materials. The key factors here are:

• Safe machining of challenging materials
• High surface quality for functionally critical components
• Predictable tool life
• Reliable production processes

For manufacturers and developers of humanoid robots, this means that we see ourselves not merely as mechanical engineers, but as manufacturing partners who take a holistic view of components, processes and industrial feasibility.

From development to mass production

Many of the humanoid robots presented today are still at the pilot project stage or in the early stages of series production. However, as market penetration increases, the focus will shift away from individual demonstrators towards the commercial production of large quantities.

This is precisely where one of the key challenges of the coming years lies. Threaded drives, drive components and structural parts must not only be manufactured with precision, but also be reproducible thousands of times over to a consistent standard of quality.

Highly productive manufacturing modules lay the groundwork for this. They combine precision with productivity and enable scalable manufacturing when applications are transitioned from the prototype stage to industrial-scale production. In our view, it is precisely this combination that will be crucial for the next stage of development in humanoid robotics.

Mass-production-ready precision for human-robot collaboration – ELHA manufacturing solutions

The market for humanoid robotics is developing at a rapid pace. Whilst new platforms and concepts are still emerging today, industrial scalability will increasingly determine market success in the future.

Screw drives and other precision components form the basis for reliable motion, high load-bearing capacity and a long service life. At the same time, it must be possible to manufacture these components cost-effectively and in large quantities.

With our manufacturing modules, we lay the groundwork for this: high precision, stable processes, sophisticated materials such as titanium, and a level of productivity that makes it economically viable to produce even increasing quantities.

Do you develop components for humanoid robots, or are you involved in the mass production of precision drive elements?

Then speak to our experts about materials, manufacturing concepts and scaling strategies. Together, we’ll find the right path from the component to cost-effective series production.

Der Beitrag Gewindetriebe und Human Robots – warum präzise Mechanik über die Zukunft entscheidet erschien zuerst auf ELHA.

Strategic adaptation to changing market conditions 

In-house mechanical manufacturing was an important part of the company for many years. In particular, strong demand from the automotive industry led to a steady expansion of production capacity. 

As the market situation has changed, the focus of the business has also shifted. Demand from the automotive industry has declined significantly in recent years. Consequently, capacity utilisation in our in-house mechanical manufacturing operations was increasingly failing to meet the economic and strategic requirements of a forward-looking engineering company. 

Following an in-depth analysis, the decision was therefore taken, with a heavy heart, to phase out our in-house mechanical manufacturing in a controlled manner and to cease it completely by the first quarter of 2027. 

Focus on development, assembly and service 

In future, ELHA will source all the necessary components from qualified partners. The components will be tested and quality-assured at the site, and then assembled in-house to form the tried-and-tested ELHA machines. 

ELHA thus follows a model that has become established in large parts of the mechanical engineering sector: a focus on the core competencies of development, design, assembly, automation and service. 

To ensure we can continue to respond flexibly to customer requirements, selected machines will remain in-house for reworking and modifications. This will enable us to continue implementing short-notice optimisations quickly and efficiently. 

Pooling resources creates efficiency and synergies 

With the discontinuation of in-house production, a significant proportion of the warehouse space at the „Allee 16“ site in the centre of Hövelhofer will become available.  

In future, operational functions will be increasingly consolidated at Plant 2 on the Otto-Hahn-Straße 27 line. This physical consolidation will enable shorter distances, more efficient processes and closer integration between the individual business units. At the same time, it will generate synergies in the areas of logistics, material flow and collaboration between teams. 

Both the mechanical and mechatronics training workshops will remain at the site in the town centre and will be specifically expanded there. 

Strengthening sustainability 

The reorientation of our value creation is an important step towards ensuring ELHA remains competitive in the long term. By focusing on our own strengths, efficient structures and close collaboration with high-performing partners, we are laying the foundations to continue offering our customers cost-effective, innovative and technologically advanced solutions in the future. 

Der Beitrag Neuausrichtung in der Wertschöpfung: ELHA trennt sich von interner Fertigung  erschien zuerst auf ELHA.

Machine data is generated in every manufacturing process, but it often remains unutilised. Yet it harbours enormous potential for reducing downtimes, planning maintenance in a more targeted manner, making energy consumption transparent and measurably improving production processes.

In our joint training by Fraunhofer IEM and ELHA-MASCHINENBAU, technical employees are shown how they can recognise and exploit precisely this potential. With a practical combination of basic knowledge, real use cases and direct machine access, the two-day training course offers a unique introduction to the effective use of machine data in manufacturing companies, including the first steps in data analysis and data management.

Where companies stand today in the use of machine data

In many manufacturing companies, extensive machine data is generated every day by sensors and control systems that continuously provide information on statuses, consumption and processes.

The fact that this data is not utilised is often due less to the technology than to a lack of practical experience. Although technical employees have sound manufacturing knowledge, they often lack expertise in the systematic handling of machine data. It remains unclear how data can be effectively recorded, processed and analysed. There is also often uncertainty as to which interfaces and protocols are relevant and how these are implemented. Many employees also lack concrete access to methods, tools and procedures for analysing data in production, especially when dealing with real machine data.

This is exactly where the training Practical use of machine data programme. It teaches basic methods and tools for data acquisition, data preparation, data analysis and interpretation and enables direct transfer into practice, both at the Fraunhofer IEM research campus and in the ELHA-MASCHINENBAU production environment.

Contents and focus of the training

Day 1: Basics, data management & first applications

• Industrial data & data sources
• Relevant interfaces and protocols
• Basics of data storage
• Python programming environment (as a basis for later data analysis)
• Methods of visualisation & evaluation
• Tour of the Future Mile research campus
• Outlook for future applications of data analytics in production

In addition to theory, the first practical work with real data sets takes centre stage, always with a view to the requirements of manufacturing companies and the entry into industrial data analysis.

Day 2: Data acquisition and evaluation on a real machine

• Production tour at ELHA-MASCHINENBAU
• Industrial data utilisation in the company
• Presentation of the demonstrator
• Storage and structuring of data
• Set up your own dashboard
• Application of proven tools for data visualisation
• Transferring what you have learnt to your own company context

The tour of the production hall makes it possible to experience how machine data is successfully utilised in an industrial environment.

Practice instead of theory

The training is aimed at technical employees from production, IT, electrical engineering or maintenance; previous knowledge of machine data is not required.

The participants benefit from

• Understanding of the basics, methods for handling production data, tools and procedures
• Practical experience with real machine data
• Skills in building dashboards and analyses
• Transfer of the methods learnt for use in your own company

The training combines the methodological strength of the Fraunhofer IEM with our industrial experience at ELHA-MASCHINENBAU.

This combination makes the course particularly valuable. Fraunhofer teaches the theoretical principles, methods and tools and we demonstrate the practical implementation on modern machines and real production processes. This allows participants to directly experience how data analysis, machine-oriented work and optimisation potential interact.

Organisational overview

• Duration: 2 days, 23 - 24 June 2026
• Course language: German
• Course size: 5-12 people
• Appointment in presence at Fraunhofer IEM & ELHA-MASCHINENBAU
• Price: € 990,- (tax-free according to §4 Nr. 22a UStG)

Registration takes place via the website of the partner company Fraunhofer IEM. As the group size is limited, early booking is recommended.

To register with the Fraunhofer IEM: Secure your place now!

Der Beitrag Wie Unternehmen Maschinendaten sinnvoll nutzen können: verborgene Potenziale sichtbar machen erschien zuerst auf ELHA.

The outstanding achievements of our experienced managers deserve recognition. Their dedication and expertise have shaped and strengthened our team. We are delighted that they will remain on board to support the new team leaders and act as mentors to promote young talent - alongside their ongoing projects.

Congratulations on the new positions! May the challenges ahead bring you much joy!

Der Beitrag Neue Wege: Teamleiter geben den Staffelstab weiter erschien zuerst auf ELHA.

In close cooperation with Ponticon GmbH, we have not only further developed the PKM, but also given it a whole new dimension. From 20 November to 24 November 2023, our PKM will be taking part in a pioneering series of tests. The focus is no longer just on the familiar machining process, but also on exploring the possibilities of powder-based additive manufacturing for the first time.

This expansion opens up fascinating perspectives and opportunities that we do not want to withhold from you. We therefore cordially invite you to take part in this pioneering series of experiments, which will take place in our Plant 2.

A partnership for the future:
ELHA Mechanical Engineering, Cognibotics and Ponticon

Together with the company Cognibotics, we have created a pioneering module that not only raises the speed but also the precision of additive manufacturing to a new level.

In this exciting week of testing, we will focus not only on the performance of the PKM, but also on the integration of the 3DMD process by our partner Ponticon GmbH. This dynamically growing company from Germany is bringing innovation to the world of additive manufacturing and successfully establishing the 3DMD process in industrial and academic environments.

Our mission: innovations "Made in Germany" for sustainable production

The test series will provide an insight into the highly dynamic kinematics of the PKM, which enables surface rates of up to 1,000 cm²/min and construction speeds of up to 600 cm³/h. The reproducible production of filigree 3D structures with a minimum wall thickness of 500 μm and a surface roughness of around 20 μm sets new standards in additive manufacturing.
The combination of different alloy systems and elementary metals with powder-based feeding enables a versatility that is unique in the industry.

Technical specifications that impress

• Wide range of feed rates: up to 170 m/min for smooth surfaces, high accuracy and high productivity
• Maximum acceleration: 2.5G for maximum powder efficiency
• Up to 8 powder hoppers for material flexibility
• Real-time control of the spot size (typically 0.3 to 1.8 mm)
• Installation space: 4,000 x 3,000 x 2,000 mm (expandable)
• 3- and 5-axis operation

Visit us and experience the future of additive manufacturing!

Would you like to experience first-hand how the PKM pushes the boundaries of additive manufacturing? Then we cordially invite you to visit us at our Plant 2 and take part in our presentation. Discover the possibilities opened up by the unique combination of ELHA mechanical engineering, Cognibotics and Ponticon GmbH.

With our innovations, we not only contribute to higher productivity and increased resource efficiency, but also to greater flexibility for the production of tomorrow. Our customers' products benefit from improved application properties and we are proud to be shaping the future of additive manufacturing with our developments.

To register, please send your contact details and the day you would like to visit to info@elha.de.

We look forward to your visit and to pushing the boundaries of what is possible together!

Der Beitrag Parallele Kinematik trifft auf Additive Fertigung erschien zuerst auf ELHA.

Our PKM, which not only shows how flexibly and precisely it works, but can also stimulate the taste buds, awaits you on our 200 m² stand. Wondering how? Quite simply - our PKM becomes a bartender without further ado and conjures up one of three possible cocktails for you. Three fantastic cocktails: including the classic cocktail Sex on the Beach, our specially created ELHA cocktail and our non-alcoholic Florida charmer. Come along and watch our PKM as he prepares your cocktail. You will also find out what makes our PKM so special. If you would like a little taster now, here are a few convincing arguments in favour of the Parallel Kinematics Module: 

• Precision and flexibility combined: a wide variety of components, including large castings, can be machined directly "inline" with unprecedented precision and flexibility 
• The working plane can be mounted in any orientation and adapted to the respective work area  
• The PKM is also lightweight, and the low weight of the arm system means that maximum acceleration is possible 
• Weight-optimised structures with carbon rods ensure up to 20 times less moving mass 
• Highly precise and powerful work 
• Large workspace 
• Etc.   

If you would like more information about the PKM, take a look at here and here over. 

After a tasty cocktail, we will continue on our stand and this year we have not just one machine with us, but two. In addition to our PKM, our newly refurbished production module will also be on hand to demonstrate the advantages of a retrofit machine. Retrofit? What exactly is a retrofit, you ask?  

Retrofitting is a method of bringing older machines and systems up to the latest state of the art. Why is this so important? Here are some of the advantages: 

1. Cost efficiency: Instead of purchasing expensive new machines, you can modernise your existing systems cost-effectively with retrofitting and extend their service life. 

2. Sustainability: By upgrading existing machines, you help to reduce waste and wastage of resources. 

3. Increase in productivity: Modernised machines work more efficiently and reliably, which improves your production output. 

Our experts at the trade fair will be on hand to answer all your questions about retrofitting and discuss customised solutions for your individual requirements. 

A trade fair wouldn't be a trade fair without a great giveaway, and this year's highlight is definitely our ELHA coffee from Tatico. Our coffee is roasted from the best coffee beans and is a delight for all coffee lovers. Tatico coffee also bears the TransFair seal and therefore fulfils the extensive criteria of the globally established fair trade standards in terms of cultivation, harvesting and trade.  
With every sip, you can feel the flavour and quality that also characterise our products.  

At this trade fair, we not only want to offer you something to see and hear, but also to smell and taste. After this long time without a trade fair and with a mask, it is important to us to stimulate your senses.  

Der Beitrag ELHA auf der EMO Hannover: Technik, Cocktails und Kaffee für alle Sinne! erschien zuerst auf ELHA.

The "Paderborn-Höxter outpatient paediatric and youth hospice service" helps families with sick children and young people. The support service currently has 46 volunteers and looks after 22 families.

Der Beitrag Ambulante Kinder- und Jugendhospizdienst Paderborn-Höxter erschien zuerst auf ELHA.

You can find the full article at www.nw.de via the link or by clicking on the banner.

To the ELHA contribution

Der Beitrag Lesepate der nw erschien zuerst auf ELHA.

The team, consisting of students from the 10th grade technology course, met at the race track at 9 am. Mischa, the driver from Year 5, did a few practice laps on the skills course.

Although the Bobby Car was a little too heavy and the electronic amplification was missing, 16th place was achieved. The pupils and our trainees have thus developed a fantastic Solar Bobby Car and strengthened the co-operation between the Franz Stock-Realschule Hövelhof and ELHA-MASCHINENBAU during the months of joint preparations. This enabled the pupils to gain practical technical experience on the one hand and our trainees to learn how to pass on their knowledge on the other. We are very pleased about the great co-operation between the pupils of the Franz Stock-Realschule and our trainees. We will certainly not miss out on another race start at the Bobby Car Solar Cup.

Bobby Car Solar Cup 2018

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The ELHA-Racing Team consisted of: Rebecca Hofzumberge, Ronja Hudalla, Laura Emslinger, Tim Müller, Fabian Steffensmeier, Max Voss, Lars Hermbusche and the driver Mischa

ELHA Bobby Car can be seen at 1:41

Der Beitrag ELHA-Racing Team am Start des Bobby Car Solar Cup erschien zuerst auf ELHA.

As part of the ongoing cooperation with the Franz-Stock-Realschule Hövelhof, ELHA supports the school team of the "Bobby Car Solarcup 2018".

"The support provided by our apprentice Nikolas Relard, who assists the team with construction on a weekly basis, deserves special mention. The current construction status is already very advanced, as shown below and also in the regional publications: The pupils are tense: In the coming weeks, it's off to the tuning workshop, where the current build status will be checked for admissibility. Has everything been installed correctly and in accordance with the regulations? How will our current status be assessed by the professionals?

The young technology enthusiasts from Franz-Stock-Realschule Hövelhof are designing and building a solar-powered bobby car and will be competing in the OWL-wide "BOBBY CAR SOLARCUP 2018" on 16 September 2018.

As a partner company, the students asked ELHA-MASCHINENBAU Liemke GmbH & Co. KG as a partner company in order to obtain technical support for the construction project. Also enthusiastic about the project and the idea of bringing pupils closer to technology at first hand, ELHA gladly accepted the project partnership and assumed all project costs incurred. Since then, the ELHA racing team has spent two hours a week building the Bobby Car together with a trainee from the company. The team has access to the machinery and tools in the training workshop. What motivates the pupils to take part in a school project in their own free time is clearly „the interest in driving themselves“. It is also simply „fun to tinker and find solutions to problems.“ The team only sees potential for improvement in the speed of the Bobby Car: „We can only drive at 5 km/h - it needs to go even faster.“ Because on 16 September 2018, the focus will be on speed as well as mastering the skills course.

We wish the entire team every success for the following days of further development, expansion and the competition on 16 September 2018 in Bielefeld! Further information about the project can be found on the following website: http://www.bobby-car-solar-cup.de

Der Beitrag Bobby Car Solar Cup 2018 erschien zuerst auf ELHA.