FST provides three advancements in lubrication and seal technology Thanks to the IP seals, cobots are optimally protected against harmful environmental influences such as dust and water ingress. (All Images: FST) Freudenberg Sealing Technologies (FST) continues to expand its seal and lubrication technology platform by providing a range of solutions addressing critical issues such as friction, performance, power and material compatibility. The following article examines three recent additions to the company’s broad range of system solutions. Ingress Protection Seals for Robots Highlight Automate 2026 The Automate Show in Chicago had its fair share of 6-axis, SCARA and Delta robots showing off how robotic technology is changing the industrial sector by providing solutions for physically demanding and monotonous tasks on the shop floor. These technologies need customized sealing solutions that offer long service life and reliability. Collaborative robots, for example, are being used in difficult industrial environments or outdoors where water ingress can take place. Outdoor use—in particular—is a trend that will continue in the future. FST has developed Ingress Protection Seals for Robots (IPSR) to ensure that AGVs, collaborative robots and humanoid robots’ function reliably under extreme conditions. These seals for demanding robotic applications offer excellent protection against harmful environmental influences with low friction. High-quality, wear-resistant materials and the special surface design ensure a long service life even under poor lubrication conditions. The challenges in the development of ingress protection (IP) seals for robot arms are diverse: robot arms consist of numerous joints that enable movements in different directions. Within these joints, there is only a very small installation space for the seal, which must be able to compensate for the tangential and axial displacements that occur there. A classic O-ring cannot do this. The sealing lip of the IPSR is designed in such a way that it can optimally adapt to these movements.

Thanks to the IP seals, cobots are optimally protected against harmful environmental influences such as dust and water ingress and depending on the installation space, surfaces, and tolerances, higher protection classes are possible. Cobots have become a fundamental aspect of modern industry, marking a new era in industrial automation. Unlike other robot types, they can operate near humans without posing risks. Advanced sensor technology and sophisticated algorithms enable them to detect human presence, ensuring a safe working environment. Due to their high flexibility, these machine helpers play a key role in streamlining automation tasks across diverse industries, ranging from automotive production to small-batch manufacturing. With quick setup and intuitive controls, they also pave the way for automated production in small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Cobots are widely used across industries due to their flexibility, ease of integration, and safe human interaction. To ensure safe and reliable operation across indoor and outdoor environments, advanced sealing solutions play a critical role. The high flexibility of cobots, not only in adapting to changing tasks but especially in diverse working environments, places stringent demands on the high-performance seals for articulated-arm robots. To guarantee operational reliability and long-term durability, it is crucial to protect the joints from dust, splash water, and other contaminants. Seals play a pivotal role in this context. FST’s high-performance sealing solutions not only prevent leaks and potential failures but also enhance the efficiency of robotics applications by ensuring a long service life.