How do I choose between belt and gear drives for robotic axis transmission?

In my 5-axis robotic arm design, I’m debating between using timing belts or gears for transferring motion between joints. Which is better for precision, maintenance, and torque handling?
1 Answer

Depends on your design concept. Usually direct drives are used in Robotic arms since they are super precise in terms of repeat accuracy and no mechanical gears are needed. On the other hand, they increase the mass to be moved. In my expirience the issue with belts is most of the times not the wearing itslef but the abreasing particles that might cause trouble especially in every kind of electronic production.