#Japan #Tokyo #NSK #PalGo™ #Jinki Ittai

Innovative Launch of the PalGo™ Heavy-Duty Caster

In a significant leap towards enhancing the automation of heavy load transport, NSK Ltd., headquartered in Shinagawa, Tokyo, has partnered with Jinki Ittai Co., Ltd., based in Kusatsu, Shiga, to jointly develop the PalGo™ Heavy-Duty Caster. This innovative product will make its world debut at the upcoming International Robot Exhibition 2025 (iREX 2025). The collaboration aims to create a solution that allows for both the movement of heavy items and multidirectional navigation, marking a pioneering achievement for both companies.

Product Overview

The PalGo™ Heavy-Duty Caster builds upon NSK’s advanced active caster technology. It integrates differential mechanisms powered by two motors, enabling omnidirectional movement, including forward, backward, lateral, and rotational capabilities. This new model also meets the rigorous demands for transporting heavy loads, showcasing the collaborative efforts of NSK and Jinki Ittai.

The prototype is already being integrated into Jinki Ittai's Jinki Cart ver. 3.0, further enhancing its functionality for various applications.

Specifications

• - Wheel Diameter: 250 mm
• - Vertical Load Capacity: 1,100 kgf (per wheel)
• - Maximum Drive Torque: 130 Nm (per wheel for drive), 178 Nm (per wheel for rotation)

Note: Specifications and appearance may vary without prior notice.

Exhibition Details at iREX 2025

At iREX 2025, NSK and Jinki Ittai will each host booths in adjoining sections, providing a collaborative display that highlights their latest innovations.

In NSK's Booth:

• - World Premiere of PalGo™ Heavy-Duty Caster: Attendees will experience both a stunning mock-up showcasing the internal mechanics through an artistic representation of ‘the flow of force’—symbolized with orange lines—and a fully operational prototype featuring the drive and turning functionalities. The design is managed by Kotaro Nezu of znug design, embodying the concept of “making heavy load transport more flexible.”

In Jinki Ittai's Booth:

• - Launch of Jinki Cart ver. 3.0 Featuring PalGo™ Heavy-Duty Caster: This prototype is designed for the movement of heavy items in tight spaces, such as warehouses and factories, where conventional forklifts face challenges. The demo will include the transportation of wire drums using the omnidirectional capabilities of the PalGo™ caster, with live commentary from the developers.

Cross-Company Initiatives

In addition to the booths' showcases, a special event will feature discussions by project members from both companies, along with Kotaro Nezu, outlining the collaborative process and sharing insights on design management. The schedule for these sessions is as follows:

• - December 3, 2025: 1:30 PM
• - December 6, 2025: 12:30 PM

Each session is planned for approximately 30 minutes.

Future Endeavors

As part of its commitment to innovation, Jinki Ittai is conducting operational tests for the Jinki Cart ver. 3.0, with trials scheduled for October 2025 at Tatuta Electric Wire Co. NSK, on the other hand, is intensifying its efforts towards mass production of the PalGo™ Heavy-Duty Caster and aspires to create new values that will propel the evolution of the robotics industry.

About NSK

Established in 1916, NSK has been at the forefront of bearing manufacturing and technology, contributing significantly to the global industry for over a century. Currently, NSK operates in about 30 countries, securing its position as the third-largest bearing manufacturer globally. The company prioritizes efforts in innovation aimed at ensuring a smoother, safer society through its philosophy of MOTION & CONTROL™.

For more updates about NSK, visit their official web page.