In a bid to enhance the reliability of their robots in extreme conditions, Sarcos Robotics partnered with HZO to implement cutting-edge Parylene coatings. This innovation safeguards the Guardian S robots’ essential electronics from water damage and the risk of short circuits. Discover more >>
Sarcos Guardian®.
Sarcos Robotics specializes in the creation and deployment of complex mobile robots that augment human abilities with mechanical accuracy. Their flagship product, the Sarcos Guardian® S, is designed for various sectors and demanding tasks, notably in environments that pose risks to electronic components.To guarantee that clients could depend on these robots under unpredictable circumstances, Sarcos aimed for the Guardian S to maintain consistent performance regardless of the challenges faced.
Development Process
Throughout the design phase,Sarcos’ engineering team recognized a significant risk of hardware malfunction due to potential short circuits. The Guardian S robots were anticipated to encounter liquid exposure of over two inches in various challenging scenarios, including oil spills, rain, standing water, cleaning agents, and saltwater.
Mechanical seals were found to be inadequate for the level of protection required, and the team sought a lighter, more streamlined solution to preserve the robot’s compact design. Weighing under 17 pounds and engineered to navigate through openings as small as 7 inches in diameter, the Guardian S necessitated an efficient protective method. Following a proposal, Sarcos contacted HZO to investigate the potential of Parylene coatings.
After discussions, Sarcos and HZO concluded that HZO’s coating-as-a-service approach was the most effective solution. The printed circuit board assemblies (PCBAs) were sent to an HZO center of excellence (CoE), where the team managed the readiness, masking, coating, and demasking processes.Once the quality assurance checks were completed, the components were returned to Sarcos for final assembly.
Outcomes
Sarcos engineers provided complete schematics detailing design specifications,including specific masking points where coating should be avoided.HZO’s engineering team crafted a customized solution that effectively addressed the complexities of the process, design, and production requirements.
Advantages of HZO Parylene Coatings:
- Versatility across various applications and IP ratings
- Demonstrated durability with up to 1,000 hours of submersion testing
- Scalable solutions utilizing advanced masking automation and optimized coating systems
- Flexible delivery options through coating-as-a-service or factory-in-factory models
Final Thoughts
with the assurance that the Guardian S could function reliably in two inches of water, Sarcos gained confidence that their clients could execute critical missions without disruption—further enhancing the company’s reputation for delivering dependable, cutting-edge robotics.
For further insights, read the original article or visit the HZO website.
