Manipulator, for example an industrial robot, and drive device for a manipulator

摘要

A drive device 7 for a manipulator according to the invention comprises a controller signal input/output means 8, an interconnecting means 9, a position monitoring means 10 and a power supply receiving means 9. The interconnecting means 9 is adapted to connect the drive device 7 to other drive devices such that bi-directional communication is possible between the plurality of drive devices provided in the work place unit 4 of a manipulator. Especially, the interconnecting means 9 is adapted to connect the drive means 7 to an interconnection line ICL which allows communication, preferably serial communication among just the drive devices 7 connected to the interconnection line ICL. An Ethernet line is suitable for being used as a interconnection line ICL according to the invention.