Integrated robot joint actuator
igus ReBeL gearbox (robolink) integrated robot joint actuator
Integrated robot joint combining a brushless external-rotor motor, plastic strain wave gear, output encoder and CAN-bus driver board, in 80 and 105 mm sizes; up to 20 Nm maximum and 15 Nm nominal output torque at 10 rpm.
Need this part, a replacement or a complete package? Our experienced UK engineering team helps you select, source and obtain the right products, with pricing, delivery coordination and after-sales support.
UK engineering team · Product sourcing · Supply support
Get pricing, sourcing and replacement support
Need igus parts, a replacement or another suitable option? Send your part number or describe what the machine needs to do. We connect your requirement with experienced UK engineering and procurement support to help you get the right products, pricing and supply options. Your matched provider can take the enquiry through quotation and ordering to delivery and after-sales support.
- Source original parts or assess suitable alternatives
- Get pricing, lead times and a defined supply proposal
- One enquiry for components, complete axes and ongoing support
No obligation to buy. Choose the quick form below or use the full configurator on this page. Add what you know; an engineer can help with the details.
Need help choosing? Build a specification →Spec builder
Specify what you need instead of ReBeL gearbox (robolink)
Select the products and performance you need. Our UK engineering team can use your specification to help source the right components, pricing and supply options. See your summary before adding contact details.
Already know the part number? Use the quick enquiry form. You can configure a requirement below without registering.
- 1Products
- 2Performance
- 3Environment
- 4Volumes
- 5Your spec
What are you specifying?
Select everything you need. A motor, drive and gearbox can be specified together as one axis.
Key specifications
| Outer diameter (max) | 105 mm |
|---|---|
| Data / bus | CAN bus; igus Robot Control for up to 16 drives |
| Rated torque (max) | 15 Nm |
| Peak torque (max) | 20 Nm |
| Speed (max) | 10 rpm |
| Ratio | 50–70:1 |
| Weight | 900 g |
| Sizes | size 80: 2.5 Nm max / 2 Nm nominal, 50:1, 330 g, size 105: 20 Nm max / 15 Nm nominal, 70:1, 900 g |
Summarised in our own words from igus SE & Co. KG's published data; series maxima, individual models vary. Last checked 2026-10-30. Source 1 · Source 2
Notes on this data
Weight figure is for size 105. Used in the ReBeL cobot (2 kg payload, 664 mm reach for 6 DOF).
Specify Motion is not affiliated with igus SE & Co. KG. igus and ReBeL gearbox (robolink) are used only to identify the product. Comparisons use published figures; always confirm against the current datasheet.
igus ReBeL gearbox (robolink) replacement and alternative options
Use these supply-network options as a starting point for an engineering check. We can also help source the original igus part. Published series figures do not establish an exact-model or drop-in replacement: confirm ratings, fit, interfaces and approvals for your application.
Hollow-shaft harmonic servo actuator: strain-wave gearing, motor, encoder and brake in one unit, run from a separate servo drive. Six frame sizes, from 48 VDC to 220 VAC.
| Published maximum | ReBeL gearbox (robolink) | MAH |
|---|---|---|
| Peak torque | 20 Nm | 800 Nm meets or exceeds |
| Rated torque | 15 Nm | 557 Nm meets or exceeds |
| Speed | 10 rpm | 125 rpm meets or exceeds |
Large-bore version of the harmonic actuator with a frameless 16-pole motor, giving a much bigger through-hole for cabling. Two sizes.
| Published maximum | ReBeL gearbox (robolink) | MAT |
|---|---|---|
| Peak torque | 20 Nm | 800 Nm meets or exceeds |
| Rated torque | 15 Nm | 557 Nm meets or exceeds |
| Speed | 10 rpm | 102 rpm meets or exceeds |
Harmonic actuator with an integrated German-made Synapticon Circulo servo drive on EtherCAT, with STO and optional FSoE functional safety.
| Published maximum | ReBeL gearbox (robolink) | MGM |
|---|---|---|
| Peak torque | 20 Nm | 459 Nm meets or exceeds |
| Rated torque | 15 Nm | 267 Nm meets or exceeds |
| Speed | 10 rpm | 108 rpm meets or exceeds |
Figures are the highest published for each series and are not always measured the same way. A higher figure is not automatically a better choice: mounting, duty cycle, feedback, connectors and approvals matter too. An engineer will check the fit against your application before recommending anything.
Typical applications
What an integrated robot joint actuator is
An integrated robot joint actuator packages a brushless motor, a reduction gear, encoders, a servo drive and often a brake or torque sensor into one module that bolts in as a robot joint. Gearing may be planetary, strain-wave or cycloidal. Many are designed for legged robots, humanoids and cobots, with low gear ratios or quasi-direct drive to keep the joint back-drivable and responsive. Communication is typically over CAN or EtherCAT, with position, velocity and torque control modes.
When engineers choose an integrated robot joint actuator
Choose an integrated joint actuator to build robots faster with fewer parts, especially legged, humanoid, exoskeleton and collaborative robots. Back-drivable versions suit force control and impacts. The trade-offs are torque density, precision and industrial qualification: low-ratio designs trade output torque for transparency, and some units are aimed at research rather than production duty. For industrial arms with heavy duty cycles, a dedicated harmonic actuator or motor and gear set may be better.
How to specify the igus ReBeL gearbox (robolink)
Send these with your enquiry and an engineer can confirm the right ReBeL gearbox (robolink) variant or an equivalent:
- Peak and continuous output torque (Nm)
- Output speed (rpm)
- Gear type and ratio
- Back-drivability and torque sensing
- Supply voltage (V DC)
- Communication interface and control modes
- Mass and size (kg, mm)
Common mistakes to avoid
- Using peak torque as continuous torque
- Ignoring thermal limits in legged robots
- Overlooking bus bandwidth with many joints
- Assuming research-grade units meet industrial life requirements
igus ReBeL gearbox (robolink): frequently asked questions
Can you help replace igus ReBeL gearbox (robolink) or source the original?
Send the full model code, quantity and required date. Our engineers can check original-part availability and assess suitable alternatives, including supply-network options where appropriate. We confirm compatibility and any changes needed before recommending a replacement.
What is the igus ReBeL gearbox (robolink)?
Integrated robot joint combining a brushless external-rotor motor, plastic strain wave gear, output encoder and CAN-bus driver board, in 80 and 105 mm sizes; up to 20 Nm maximum and 15 Nm nominal output torque at 10 rpm. Published series figures include outer diameter 105 mm, rated torque 15 Nm, peak torque 20 Nm, speed 10 rpm. It is made by igus SE & Co. KG; Specify Motion can help source it or propose an equivalent.
Who makes the igus ReBeL gearbox (robolink)?
The igus ReBeL gearbox (robolink) is made by igus (igus SE & Co. KG) and is listed here for engineers comparing options. Specify Motion is not affiliated with igus SE & Co. KG; brand names are used only to identify the product.
What is the outer diameter of the igus ReBeL gearbox (robolink)?
The published series maximum outer diameter is 105 mm. Individual models and sizes in the ReBeL gearbox (robolink) range vary, so check the exact variant against your duty cycle, mounting and environment, or ask our engineers to confirm the right size for you.
Is there an alternative to the igus ReBeL gearbox (robolink)?
We can assess suitable replacement options. On published figures, Motion Control Products MAH and Motion Control Products MAT are options to assess from our supply network. An engineer confirms the fit against your application before recommending anything.
What is a quasi-direct-drive actuator?
A quasi-direct-drive actuator uses a high-torque motor with a low gear ratio, typically below about 10:1, so the joint is back-drivable and responds quickly to external forces. This suits legged robots and force control. The trade-off is lower output torque than high-ratio joints of similar size.
Why integrate the drive in a robot joint actuator?
Integrating the drive reduces cabling and lets each joint communicate over a shared bus, which simplifies robot design. It also allows the drive to sit close to the motor, improving control. The trade-off is that heat from both motor and drive must be managed inside the joint.
Further reading: How to select a harmonic actuator · Frameless motor sizing robot joints · Gearboxes and harmonic drives
Other integrated robot joint actuator series
Engineer support
Let our experienced engineers do the hard work for you
Tell us how you use the igus ReBeL gearbox (robolink): the load, speed, duty and environment. Our engineers will confirm whether it is still the right part, find it for you, or propose an alternative that fits better.
- Reviewed by an engineer, not an autoresponder
- Like-for-like and better-fit alternatives
- Standard, modified and custom options
Prefer to configure it? Use the spec builder.
UK engineering input · A route to buying the right products
From your enquiry to products, delivery and support
Specify Motion helps turn a part number or application into a purchasing enquiry. We provide recommendations and connect your requirement with a relevant engineering or procurement provider for product selection, pricing, sourcing and supply.
- Tell us what you needSend a code or configure the application, quantities and timing.
- Reach a relevant providerAccess experienced UK engineering input and a suitable procurement route.
- Review the quotationYour provider confirms the products, price, compatibility checks and supply terms.
- Order with delivery and support agreedConfirm delivery, warranty and after-sales arrangements with the contracting provider.
You choose whether to proceed with the provider and should carry out your own checks. Website and introduction service terms.