Modular system as success recipe

Back in 1989, Terry Knight and Al Robinson, the founders of Inuktun, probably didn't expect they'd be this successful. At the time – both of them close to retirement – they began designing small swimming ROVs. Today, more than 50 people work at the Inuktun headquarters in Nanaimo. The company has several sales companies and partners all over the world. And the market for industrial inspection robots is growing continually. But so are the requirements. Customers are increasingly demanding solutions that cover several fields of application.

That is why Inuktun makes use of modular technology. It allows customers to specifically configure the perfect robotic solution for their needs from a large selection of proven cameras, crawler elements and controllers. When requirements change, new components can be added to the system or it can be completely reconfigured. The company also offers a wide range of rental robots – with increasing success. Priscilla Johnson explains: "In some cases customers cannot afford to buy a robot system. Existing customers, on the other hand, may have a special application for which their equipment is insufficient. With a rental system they are able to close the gap."

The robotics specialist Inuktun uses components from Swiss drive specialist maxon motor. All crawler modules and cameras are equipped with brushed maxon DC motors, using various motor-gearhead combinations. "We prefer maxon drives because they are efficient and silent," says Johnson. maxon products are regularly used in difficult conditions, for applications such as deep drilling, underwater robots or rocket launches. For its sophisticated robots, Inuktun needs precisely this kind of reliability and quality. All the more since, in future, these robots are to perform their tasks autonomously.