AK Series Robotic Actuators
The AK series is CubeMars' broadest actuator family and the starting point for most robotics projects. Motor, planetary gearbox, driver and encoder are in one housing, and some models have a second encoder on the output shaft.
AK series actuators range from 1.3 Nm to 48 Nm of rated torque and 4.1 Nm to 120 Nm of peak torque. KV values range from 60 to 170 rpm/V.
The body number gives the motor diameter and the second number the gear ratio. For example, AK80-9 means an 80 mm body and a 9:1 reduction. With the same body, a high reduction gives more torque and less speed, while a low reduction gives a more agile response.
Because it supports MIT mode, servo mode and force control, it can be used in both position-controlled and torque-controlled applications.
Choosing a motor
The most common questions when comparing products in this category.
What is the difference between rated and peak torque?
Rated torque is what the motor can deliver continuously without overheating, so size your system to it. Peak torque is the upper limit it can withstand for short periods. Look at peak torque for starts and impacts, and rated torque for continuous operation.
What does the KV value mean?
KV is the number of revolutions per volt. A low KV means more torque and less speed, and a high KV the opposite. With the same frame, the KV choice sets the speed and torque balance of your application.
How should I choose the gear ratio?
A gearbox increases torque and reduces speed. Applications that need high torque at low speed, like a legged robot joint, favor a high ratio (36:1, 48:1), and those that need fast response favor a low ratio (6:1, 9:1). If you are not sure, send us your target torque and speed.
Frameless motor or integrated actuator?
In integrated actuators (AK, AKH) the driver, encoder and gearbox are inside the motor, and they run over CAN straight out of the box. The AKE series combines motor and gearbox and uses an external driver. Frameless motors (RI, RO) are just a rotor and stator that you build into your own mechanics, and they need an external driver. Choose frameless for tight spaces or custom designs, and integrated for quick installation.
How do I use the filters?
In the filter panel you can narrow down by series, gear ratio, peak torque, KV, no-load speed, weight and price. On desktop the panel sits to the left of the list, and on mobile it opens with the Filter button. Products without a value for a filter drop out when you apply it, so we recommend starting broad and narrowing step by step.
Not sure which to choose?Ask the technical team
