Elfin Collaborative Robot

Developed by Han’s Robot (a Han’s Laser subsidiary), the Elfin series represents China’s domestically developed collaborative robot platform with applications spanning industrial automation and medical assistance.

Product Overview

The Elfin series collaborative robots feature a distinctive dual-joint modular architecture where each motion module contains two joints, creating a unique kinematic structure that provides enhanced flexibility. This design differentiates the platform from most collaborative robots on the market while delivering industrial-grade performance with repeatability of ±0.03mm.

Available in multiple payload configurations (3kg, 5kg, 10kg, 12kg), the series serves diverse applications from precision assembly to medical procedures requiring contact force modulation.

Key Features

Designed for both industrial automation and medical assistance, the Elfin’s dual-joint modular architecture achieves 7× higher impact tolerance than conventional single-joint designs at ±0.03 mm repeatability.

• Dual-Joint Modular Design: Each module integrates two joints, providing 7x higher impact tolerance than conventional designs and enabling operation in demanding environments
• EtherCAT Communication: Controller-to-joint communication at 10KHz control frequency with strong anti-interference performance
• Compact Form Factor: Streamlined aesthetics with internal cable routing to eliminate interference and entanglement issues
• Drag Teaching: Intuitive programming through physical guidance, reducing deployment time
• Graphical Programming: Accessible interface for non-programmers to create complex motion sequences

Product Variants

Elfin Series (Standard)

The baseline collaborative robot series with payload options of 3kg, 5kg, 10kg, and 12kg. Features repeatability of ±0.03mm suitable for general industrial and service applications.

Elfin-P Series

Enhanced protection variant with IP66 rating and improved repeatability of ±0.02mm. Updated positioning algorithms enable operation in environments requiring washdown capability.

Elfin Pro Series

Premium variant released in April 2023 integrating:

• End-Effector Force Control: 200N/10Nm measurement range with 0.5%FS precision
• AI Vision Integration: ±0.2mm visual positioning accuracy supporting 10+ detection modes
• 1000Hz Control Refresh: High real-time control frequency for collaborative robotics applications

The Elfin Pro series received both iF Design Award and Red Dot Design Award recognition.

Elfin-Ex Series

Explosion-proof variant with national certification (Ex ⅡC T6 Gb/Ex ⅢC 80℃ Db) for operation in hazardous gas and dust environments. Available in 5kg, 8kg, 10kg, and 15kg payloads with reach up to 1300mm.

E12 Series

Extended reach variant with 12kg payload and 1800mm arm span, designed for welding, spraying, and applications requiring large work envelopes without auxiliary equipment.

Technical Specifications

Elfin Pro integrates 200 N/10 Nm force sensing and AI vision at 1000 Hz control refresh; the standard Elfin runs EtherCAT at 10 kHz with ±0.03 mm repeatability.

Clinical Applications

Remote Ultrasound Diagnostics

The Elfin series serves as the robotic manipulator for tele-operated ultrasound systems. Medical professionals operate the console remotely while the robot replicates their movements at the patient site. Integrated position and force control enables accurate reproduction of scanning motions while maintaining appropriate contact pressure.

This application addresses the shortage of experienced sonographers in rural and remote regions, making expert ultrasound services accessible through network connectivity.

Laboratory Automation

Elfin Pro robots with integrated AI vision handle specimen processing workflows including:

• Test tube sorting based on residual liquid detection and visual appearance assessment
• Sample aliquoting and distribution
• Barcode scanning and tracking
• High-throughput processing at pharmaceutical and clinical laboratories

The classification algorithms enable real-time sorting decisions at speeds meeting laboratory throughput requirements.

Physiotherapy Assistance

Force-controlled variants perform:

• Moxibustion therapy with precise temperature and pressure management
• Massage and manipulation following taught motion patterns
• Rehabilitation exercises requiring consistent force application

Practitioners can record treatment motions through drag teaching, enabling the robot to replicate therapeutic techniques.

Regulatory Status

The Elfin series is classified as general-purpose industrial equipment. When deployed in medical applications, the complete system (including robot, end-effector, and software) may require separate medical device registration by system integrators.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between Elfin and Elfin Pro?

Elfin Pro integrates force control and AI vision directly into the robot arm, eliminating external sensors and cables. The Pro series achieves 1000Hz control refresh versus 10kHz on standard Elfin, and provides higher positioning accuracy for demanding applications.

Can Elfin robots be used in medical procedures?

Elfin robots serve as platforms for medical applications when integrated into certified systems. The robots themselves are general-purpose equipment; medical device certification requirements depend on the specific application and regulatory jurisdiction.

What makes the dual-joint design different?

The dual-joint modular architecture combines two joints per module, providing 7x higher impact resistance than conventional single-joint designs. This enables stable operation under high torque applications like screw driving and prevents motion drift during contact tasks.