Industrialisation investigation for Wavedrives' radical magnetically geared electric actuator

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Actuators convert energy into force and movement, for moving or controlling things. They exist in all shapes and sizes within just about every mechanical device. Automation, specificity and pervasiveness of modern technology has increased this already huge global market while also creating a requirement for more sustainable, lightweight and powerful actuators. For example, energy efficiency requirements are driving electrification in aerospace and automotive sectors; logistics and manufacturing are becoming fully automated within low-powered smart facilities; and the distinction between therapeutic robotics and prosthetics is becoming increasingly blurred. However, it is becoming clear that existing mature, power-hungry technologies are not able to evolve to meet these new challenges, due to fundamental design limitations.In response to market need, WaveDrives has developed a radical electric actuation technology, motivated by two decades' experience developing commercial robots and powered prosthetics. Inspired by the structure and performance of human muscle, their **_S_**arcomere **_I_**nspired **_L_**inear **_A_**ctuator(**_SILA)_**, is more controllable and efficient than comparable technologies because its contactless transmission has no energy wasted due to friction. WaveDrives has built up an impressive array of partners who are evaluating the embedding of SILA within their products and systems.Early indications are positive, however **_SILA_** is an advanced prototype; time-consumingly manufactured by highly-trained engineers. Increasing manufacturing productivity is now business critical. In this project, WaveDrives and an interdisciplinary team from the University of Bristol will combine forces to industrialise SILA manufacture. We need to develop new automated manufacturing technology for **_SILA_**'s novel magnetic components, taking us beyond the industry SOTA which is still manual assembly. We also need to understand how manufacturing tolerances in these assemblies affect actuator performance and evaluate relevant new manufacturing methods.Project results will accelerate **_SILA_** industrialisation. Other benefits include seeding new avenues of scientific research and informing research-based education at the University of Bristol. It provides knowhow on automation methods for potential UK exploitation in other high-tech magnetics applications.Specifically, the project will help secure WaveDrives' first UK manufacturing partner(s), providing a UK-patented competitive technology to support long-term business growth for that manufacturer and supply-chain. Further economic benefits would accrue through innovative and competitive products adopting **_SILA_** technology and to product users, e.g. of innovative powered prosthetics, more environmentally sustainable transport and more energy efficient logistics.Thus the project lies at the heart of establishing the UK as"a global leader in the manufacture of core technologies which underpin electrification"(ISCF DER challenge \[[URKI][0]\]).[0]: https://www.ukri.org/innovation/industrial-strategy-challenge-fund/driving-the-electric-revolution/