Surgical robots are transforming the way surgical procedures are performed. According to data released by Frost & Sullivan, China’s surgical robot market reached RMB 7.17 billion in 2023 and is projected to exceed RMB 28.7 billion by 2030. Behind this rapid market expansion lies stringent requirements for every precision component within surgical robots. Reliable lubrication is essential for every movement of robotic arm joints, bearings, gears, ball screws and electrical connectors. FUCHS lubrication solutions for surgical robots are custom-engineered for these high-precision, high-cleanliness and highly regulated application scenarios.

I. Why Do Surgical Robots Require Specialty Lubrication?

A surgical robot consists of multi-degree-of-freedom robotic arms, drive motors, reducers, ball screws, sensors and numerous electrical connectors. It features a large number of moving parts and an ultra-precise structure. Friction and wear can not only shorten equipment service life but also compromise equipment performance, operational stability, positioning accuracy and handling feel. Motion anomalies such as clearance, stick-slip and sliding will directly affect the positioning accuracy and manipulation experience of robotic arms.

Unlike industrial robots, lubrication for surgical robots faces three unique challenges:

• Biocompatibility: Lubricants used on components in direct or indirect contact with patient tissue must pass biosecurity tests.
• Sterilization Resistance: Equipment undergoes frequent sterilization including gamma irradiation, ethylene oxide (EtO) and autoclaving. Lubricants must retain stable performance after repeated sterilization cycles.
• Material Compatibility: Robotic arms and instruments incorporate plastics, elastomers, metals, electrical contacts and other materials. Lubricants shall not cause corrosion, aging or swelling.

II. Core Advantages of FUCHS Lubrication Solutions for Surgical Robots

In terms of biocompatibility, all products in the FUCHS NYEMED portfolio have passed three core tests: ISO 10993-5 cytotoxicity (direct contact), ISO 10993-10 skin irritation (direct contact), and ISO 10993-11 acute systemic toxicity (intravenous injection), ensuring non-cytotoxicity and negligible skin irritation.

*There is no official medical-grade certification for lubricants. For critical applications with potential patient contact, lubricants verified by biocompatibility testing shall be selected.

For sterilization resistance, all FUCHS NYEMED products have undergone dedicated sterilization testing. They withstand mainstream sterilization methods including gamma irradiation, ethylene oxide and autoclaving. Key parameters such as viscosity, evaporation rate and oil separation rate show no significant degradation after sterilization, maintaining consistent performance through repeated disinfection. For high-risk scenarios involving contact with human tissue or liquid pharmaceuticals, FUCHS lubrication solutions are compatible with stringent sterilization conditions such as 134°C steam and ethylene oxide.

Regarding material compatibility, FUCHS provides material compatibility assessment and other testing services to help evaluate and select products better suited to specific operating conditions.

In production quality control, the FUCHS NYEMED series is manufactured in compliance with the ISO 13485:2016 medical device quality management system, and produced within an ISO 14644-1 Class 7 cleanroom. Full-process cleanliness control and batch traceability meet audit and regulatory requirements.

III. Precision Product Selection for Key Surgical Robot Components

Different components operate under distinct conditions and have varying lubrication requirements. FUCHS offers targeted lubrication solutions for common surgical robot components including bearings, gears, connectors and seals:

• High-speed precision bearings: Polyol ester-based NYEMED 7492 is recommended. It delivers outstanding high-speed wear resistance for high-speed metal friction applications.
• Gears and reduction motors: Synthetic hydrocarbon NYEMED 7630 is recommended. It features high temperature resistance and low volatility, effectively reducing operating noise.
• Electrical connectors and contacts: NYEMED 7560 protects electrical contacts and lowers connector insertion/extraction force. Perfluoropolyether (PFPE) NYEMED 7571 offers stable chemical properties and good insulation for electronic assemblies requiring high corrosion resistance.
• Seals and O-rings: Low-viscosity silicone oil NYEMED 7605 provides excellent compatibility, delivering lubrication while enhancing sealing performance. For environments with prolonged exposure to liquid pharmaceuticals and chemical reagents, NYEMED 7471 with high chemical inertness is available.
• Motion control and damping: Two silicone-based products, NYEMED 7325 and NYEMED 7328, both have flash points above 300°C. They enable smooth motion control, eliminate impact and stick-slip, and achieve finer, more stable handling feel. High-viscosity synthetic hydrocarbon NYEMED 7364 delivers both damping and sealing effects.

In addition, multiple products in the NYEMED series feature UV fluorescent markers to facilitate rapid visual inspection of coating during assembly and quality checks.