As of Dec 15, 2020, the IQ Vertiq 6806 is now the Vertiq 8108. More details here.

The IQ Vertiq 8108 is the first commercial-grade drone and robotics motor module in its class. The module is an integrated motor and controller with an embedded position sensor. The combination of IQ’s unique hardware design and proprietary software allows IQ motors to maximize torque output, efficiency, and precision, while minimizing motor vibration, cost, and footprint. The IQ Vertiq 8108 is designed, assembled, and calibrated in the USA!

With IQ’s closed-loop motor control technology, UAVs will be able to change directions, stabilize, and brake four times faster. The module also offers advanced telemetry for motor health monitoring. The Vertiq 8108 was designed for UAV propulsion, but with IQ’s position firmware, it is also the ideal servomotor for precision robotic applications. With smooth, high-torque motors, users will be able to build extremely compact, high-performance robotic devices.

Specifications

Features:

Control:

• Velocity & position control with tunable PIDs
• Field Estimated Control
• Anticogging & Encoder Linearization
• 3D reversible, no delay while crossing zero
• Industry-leading rise & response times
• Regenerative & active braking
• Active freewheeling
• Fast FET switching, use of gate drivers

Communication:

• Protocols: CAN, serial, PWM, Dshot, servo & more
• Sinusoidal commutation
• Trapezoidal commutation (optional)

Hardware Features:

• Controller-motor integration
• Embedded position sensor

Reliability:

• Access to standard & custom telemetry
• Over-current & over-voltage & over-temperature

Use Cases: Speed Firmware

Commercial UAVs

The Vertiq 8108 150KV is built for commercial UAV applications, specifically those that carry expensive payloads and require peak performance and reliability. IQ did its initial testing flight testing with BFD!

FPV Drones

This module is ideal for FPV pilots who want to build the biggest and baddest personal drones. Experience faster throttle response, greater maneuverability, and higher peak RPM.

Wheeled Vehicles

Connect the Vertiq 8108 to a wheel to precisely drive Automated Guided Vehicles (AGVs), scooters, and skateboards.

Use Cases: Position Firmware

Legged Robots

The Vertiq 8108 modules are perfect for high-torque, direct drive applications like legged robots. See our demo of pre-programmed trajectories below:

Robotic Arms

An IQ Vertiq 8108 150KV motor can be used to actuate movement at every joint, giving a robot arm smooth, precise motion. Check out our mirrored writing demo:

Gimbals

Closed-loop position control and Anticogged motion can make gimbal systems extremely smooth and stable.

Maker Projects

IQ modules are easily programmable and versatile, so they can be used in many different applications. We made a virtual spring below. What will you dream up?

Speed Motor Setups: IQ Vertiq 8108 150 KV vs. Competition

* Manufacturer does not specify this feature on their website
** For the production version, IQ is aiming to make this competitive to the U8 Lite

Position Motor Setups: IQ Vertiq 8108 150 KV vs. Competition

* Manufacturer does not specify this feature on their website.

Support & Documentation

You can find documentation and other resources at our website, including links to a preliminary datasheet and other manuals.

Manufacturing Plan

Motors

IQ has had a great relationship with its motor manufacturer since 2018. They made and delivered the Vertiq 8108 alpha prototypes in August 2020. We’ve tested the alpha versions rigorously and found several ways to improve the motor design. With these updates, we will initiate a run of beta prototypes (pre-production units) by the end of October 2020, and we plan to receive and validate those motors by the end of this year. At that point, we will make any final low-risk design modifications and begin full production. The final units will likely arrive at our office in Philadelphia, USA in February 2021.

Controllers

IQ is employing the same strategy for the controller that we did with our first Crowd Supply campaign. Our PCB manufacturer, which has been making boards for us since 2017, made the alpha prototypes in August. We’ve tested the boards and discovered that upgrading several components could make a significant difference in performance. These new components will be included on the beta PCBs, which will be ordered in late October and arrive in early December. Once these beta units have been validated, IQ will order the production versions in parallel with the motors.

Assembly & Calibration

IQ eventually hopes to outsource final assembly and calibration to a third party, but for the prototype runs and the first production run, IQ will do all assembly and calibration in-house. The assembly process involves soldering the controller to the motor phase wires, then screwing in the bottom cap. From there, IQ connects the integrated motor and controller to its calibration jig and runs the calibration and quality control procedure. All motors that calibrate and pass the QC check are ready for use. When IQ receives the production Vertiq 8108 motors and controllers in February 2021, we will assemble, calibrate, box, and send them to Crowd Supply.

Risks & Challenges

IQ is doing all that it can to minimize the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on this campaign, but it is difficult to predict how the situation will change between now and delivery. The COVID crisis exacerbates several existing challenges of production.

First, the supply of certain electronic components is inconsistent even under normal circumstances. In early 2020, COVID caused major supply chain issues because many manufacturers shut down or limited production. Most of these issues have been resolved, but it is something we will have to monitor closely.

Second, IQ manufactures its parts overseas. Usually when we do a major production run, we’ll send a member of IQ to oversee the final steps of the process as a way to reduce risk. Since we can’t do that now, we will have to double and triple check all specifications and processes to ensure the manufacturer gets the part right the first time. It is essential that the manufacturer hits the agreed upon specs. If they don’t, our timelines get pushed back by a minimum of 6 weeks.

If any situation arises that would delay the expected delivery date, backers will be informed promptly through project updates.

Shipping & Fulfillment

Crowd Supply will be handling all fulfillment and logistics. As such, all orders will be shipping from their warehouse in Texas, in the US. See the Crowd Supply Guide for more information on their ordering and shipping policies.