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Submit your project details to request pricing and application support for Nidec Drive Technology America Corporation’s precision gearing technologies. Our team supports customers and partners across North America with solution selection and quotation requests.

This quote request form is intended for customers and partners in North America seeking precision gearing solutions.

For inquiries related to other Nidec divisions or requests originating outside North America, please visit the Nidec Group website to locate the appropriate regional or product-specific contact.

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Traction Drive Type A
Traction Drive Type A
Traction Drive Type A
  1. Traction Drive Type A
  2. Traction Drive Type A
  3. Traction Drive Type A

Traction Drive Type A

Traction Drive Type A for AGV and Mobile Robotics Applications

Traction Drive Type A is engineered for wheel drive assemblies used in automated guided vehicles (AGVs), autonomous mobile robots (AMRs), and intelligent mobile equipment. Designed to deliver smooth rotational motion with exceptional positional stability, Type A enables precise speed control and quiet operation within compact mobile platforms.

Utilizing traction drive rolling-contact technology, torque is transmitted through pressure-controlled contact rather than traditional gear meshing. This design minimizes vibration and eliminates speed irregularities, allowing near-zero backlash when paired with closed-loop control systems. The result is highly accurate motion performance ideal for navigation, positioning, and continuous mobile operation.

Capable of supporting high input speeds and stable dynamic response, Traction Drive Type A provides reliable performance for logistics automation, warehouse robotics, and advanced mobile automation systems requiring smooth motion and long-term durability.

Frame Sizes

A 200
Traction Drive Brochure Download

Primary Advantages of the Traction Drive

Negligible Transmission Error

  • Smooth rolling contact allows for negligible transmission error
  • Eliminates speed irregularity inherent in gear transmissions
  • Great fit in application where the angular velocity ratio is important

Minimal Noise Generated

  • Removal of the gear mesh minimizes noise and vibration
  • The noise generated will be in the 40–50 dB-A range
  • In comparison to gear transmissions which generally fall in the 60–80 dB-A range

Why technology is referred to as the “gearless gearbox?

The traction drive is a non-gear reduction technology that minimizes vibration and noise. The negligible transmission error makes it the smoothest and most quiet method to mechanical adjust speed and torque. The following a brief explanation.

  • The traction drive assembly consists of two smooth rollers held in fixed position with mechanical properties that include high hardness
  • (Fn) Power is transmitted from the driven roller to the passive roller through viscous film
  • When under pressure, this oil film will have a higher friction coefficient
  • The speed differential between the rollers creates a tangential force (traction force, Ft) that shears the oil film
  • The reduction ratio is determined by diameter of inner ring that contains the roller assembly and the number of planetary rollers, among other minor factors
  • When the normal force (Fn) is deficient slippage can occur; we can control through close loop feedback

Well Suited for Fine Precision

The traction drive is a non-gear reduction technology that minimizes vibration and noise. The negligible transmission error makes it the smoothest and most quiet method to mechanical adjust speed and torque. The following a brief explanation.

  • Very low noise and vibration for input speeds up to 10,000rpm
  • Exceptional rotation al accuracy and fine precision of <5 arc-sec
  • Extremely compact and achieves up to a 20:1 reduction ratio in a single stage
  • Currently available in frame sizes up to 1kW; all designs are customized for the OEM
  • A potential technological improvement in many applications such as the following; Collaborative or mobile service robots, High quality imaging or high speed printing, 3D printing or precision measurement, and Medical equipment or mobility assist

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