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Maybe the greatest feature is that it can have a very high ratio while avoiding Harmonic Drive related IP.

• wpennington 9y ago
  Perhaps, although Harmonic Drive has previously licensed SRI's Abacus tech from the same inventor (Alexander Kernbaum)[0]. Given the two groups are already partners in commercialization, it wouldn't be a surprise if they extend their collaboration to include this design. In any event, it will be interesting to see what happens -- especially if it remains independent of Harmonic Drive, to your point. [0] https://spectrum.ieee.org/automaton/robotics/robotics-hardware/sri-demonstrates-abacus-rotary-transmission https://spectrum.ieee.org/automaton/robotics/robotics-hardwa...
• captaindiego 9y ago
  Does anyone know if this Inception Drive will be patented heavily as well? Or if it will be fairly easy to build products around this sort of design?
  • wpennington 9y ago
    Given the work is being completed at SRI, I would assume the tech would be positioned in a patent or portfolio of some sort. However, this is purely speculation. Nevertheless, this suspicion is further supported by the fact the inventor has a history of patenting for commercialization. That's largely the SOP at SRI and central to their business model. However, worth noting that just because a patent is filed doesn't mean it (or all of it) will be allowed. So, wrt your second inquiry -- assuming the tech was filed on -- whether or not it can be designed around will largely depend on 1) what was claimed in the patent (e.g., how broad and thorough the claims are) and 2) what is eventually allowed by the examiner. The latter is largely a product of the prior art in the space.
• daphreak 9y ago
  Pretty sure some of the Harmonic Drive patents have lapsed. Cone Drive is now making some very similar products.