Rubber Design BV Automates Quality Control with New Robot Cell

Heerjansdam, 01 may 2026 – Rubber Design BV has further automated its quality control with the introduction of an advanced robotic cell. This innovative system increases capacity for fully automated 100% inspection of vibration dampers and contributes to even more efficient and accurate quality assurance.

At Rubber Design BV, vibration dampers undergo a complete inspection process in which unloaded height and static properties are measured on a test rig. Only products meeting the specified requirements are assigned a unique test number, after which the test data is automatically stored in a database. Upon delivery, this data is linked to the customer’s project information, ensuring that test records are always available for follow-up or replacement if needed.

In recent years, Rubber Design has experienced significant growth, both in production volume and facility size. In response to this development, a new automation solution has recently been implemented, consisting of two robots for loading and unloading, and an advanced test rig capable of measuring loads up to 400 kN (40,000 kg). Thanks to this innovation, products can now be fully automated throughout the process—from loading and testing to being marked with a unique number and placed onto a pallet, which is then temporarily stored in a racking system.

After a complete measurement cycle, an employee can initiate automatic processing of the pallets containing tested products and their corresponding labels, after which they are ready for storage in the warehouse. With this new automation, Rubber Design BV continues to meet the high quality standards required in the industry and takes another step forward in innovation and process optimisation.

The superyacht sector is undergoing a shift characterized by rapid technological innovation, with sustainability as a central tenet. This shift encompasses the adoption of hybrid and electric propulsion technologies resulting in the implementation of advanced energy management strategies. In response to these emerging trends, we developed Embrace—our state-of-the-art solution addressing the increasing demand for electrified propulsion systems.

Embrace is designed for seamless integration with our propeller shaft installations, merging operational efficiency with sustainable innovation. This system ensures an acoustically optimized, comfortable on board experience by significantly mitigating noise levels compared to conventional propulsion mechanisms.

What is Embrace?

Embrace is an electrified propulsion system available in both water- and oil-lubricated configurations, offering adaptability to diverse vessel requirements. It is developed in collaboration with leading specialists in electric motor technology.

The core of the Embrace system is a high-performance permanent magnet motor, semi-integrated within the propeller shaft installation. The name Embrace symbolizes the way the electric motor seamlessly integrates with our existing propeller shaft installations, thereby enhancing overall propulsion efficiency and system performance.

The motor’s high torque output eliminates the need for gear reduction, resulting in lower noise levels and reduced structure-borne noise, which is crucial for the superyacht industry.

What Makes Embrace Stand Out?

The Embrace propulsion system offers several distinguishing features:

• Compact & Efficient Design: Engineered to save space while delivering powerful performance. Embrace reduces the required engine room space, optimizing on board space without compromising power.
• Semi-Integrated Motor: The bearingless motor design reduces mechanical wear, thereby minimizing maintenance demands and enhancing overall system reliability.
• Simplified Maintenance: Easy access to the propeller shaft installation streamlines servicing, ensuring long-term reliability. This allows for quicker inspections and repairs, reducing downtime and increasing the lifespan of the entire propulsion system.
• Direct Drive System: Eliminates the need for flexible couplings, improving both performance and durability. With fewer components involved, the direct drive design ensures higher efficiency and a significant reduction in mechanical noise, enhancing on board comfort
• Universal Application: Fully compatible with all Rubber Design propeller shaft installations, including both water- and oil-lubricated systems. Embrace is ideal for luxury superyachts, expedition vessels, and other high-performance crafts, making it suitable for new builds and retrofits alike.

These features collectively position Embrace as the leading solution for superyacht propulsion, combining cutting-edge innovation with operational benefits for yacht owners and operators. Embrace not only meets but sets new benchmarks in propulsion efficiency, acoustic performance, and sustainability.

The Core Benefits of Rubber Design

At Rubber Design, we provide complete propeller shaft installation systems, precisely tailored to meet the unique specifications of each vessel. Our systems are designed to enhance performance, durability, and longevity by ensuring seamless integration between the propeller shaft, engine, and auxiliary equipment.

Whether you are undertaking a new build or retrofitting an existing vessel, Rubber Design stands as your reliable partner for propulsion solutions. From initial conceptualization through to final implementation, Rubber Design is committed to offering expertise, support, and cutting-edge solutions. With Embrace, we are pioneering the path towards a sustainable, efficient future for the superyacht industry, setting new standards in propulsion technology and on board comfort.

Since 1989, Rubber Design has supplied shock and vibration control solutions to all naval vessels that Damen Naval has built for the Koninklijke Marine and foreign navies.
Now Damen and Rubber Design are working together on the Combat Support Ship!

Damen Naval and Rubber Design have signed a contract for the supply of shock and vibration control solutions to protect important equipment on board the new Combat Support Ship (CSS) of the Royal Netherlands Navy (RNLN).

The vibration dampers used have two functions, namely the isolation of vibrations so that radiated underwater noise is reduced as well as reducing the shock impact as a result of an underwater explosion. In order to be able to achieve this and also to comply with the strict standards that apply on board the future generation of naval ships, Rubber Design has developed a wide range of RDS shock mountings.

Rubber Design was founded in 1979 and has grown over the years into one of the leading international specialists in solutions for the vibration, noise and shock absorption.
The company is located in Heerjansdam and has more than 100 employees

Rubber Design’s cooperation with Damen started in 1989 with the construction of the multipurpose frigates (M-frigates) of the RNLN. Since then, Rubber Design has supplied shock and vibration control solutions to all naval vessels that Damen Naval has built for the RNLN, including the amphibious transport ships HNLMS Rotterdam and HNLMS Johan de Witt, the air defence and command frigates (LCF) of the Zeven Provinciën class, the Joint Support Ship HNLMS Karel Doorman and the patrol ships of the Holland class. Jointly executed projects for foreign navies include the Diponegoro class corvettes and Martadinata class frigates for the Indonesian Navy and the Sigma Class FMMM Frigates supplied to the Royal Moroccan Navy.