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Drive systems for robotics

Machine. Helper. Rescuer. Friend.

Robots assemble devices, explore space, and perform surgeries on people. For motions and behaviors that come close to human capabilities they need powerful and highly precise drives.

 

maxon develops and manufactures custom-made components for autonomous mobile and industrial robots, such as humanoids, quadrupeds, agricultural robots, collaborative robots, and service robots.

Electric drives for robots

Robotic drives from 0.0002 Nm to 480 Nm.

Mobility is speeding up in the field of robotics too. Robots need to combine high precision and safe motion sequences with high speed. Our drive trains for application-optimized robots are modules with high power density, designed for OEM integration.

Excellent control characteristics

High efficiency and torque density

Positioning controllers can be designed directly into the robot joint

Connectivity through support for a variety of Ethernet standards, such as EtherCAT, etc.

Highly dynamic response with low system losses

Easy to combine

maxon: Driving the evolution of robotics.

In the next few years, robots will tangibly affect our everyday lives. Hundreds of millions of robots will take over dull, dirty and dangerous work. At maxon, we strive to accelerate this robotics revolution through our passion and our unique positioning for this market. 

Production Scalability

Our 60 years of production know-how enable us to quickly ramp up the manufacturing and testing of complex robotic drive systems into the tens of thousands of units per year. 

Reliability

Robotics drives must be rugged and operate reliably in all harsh and unstructured environments that modern robots encounter. Our drive systems follow maxon’s highest quality and testing standards.

Complexity Reduction

Robotic drive systems consist of numerous intricate subsystems such as electronics, motors, gears, encoders, seals, lubrication etc. We tackle these complex systems such that our customers can fully focus on the core of robotics. 

Total Cost of Ownership

Our robotic drives are fully vertically integrated systems. This allows us to be cost-attractive, offer fast time-to-markets as well as unique customization possibilities. Thanks to our highly reliable systems, robot assembly yields and operating times are maximized.

We create the right drive system for any robot.

We offer comprehensive system simulation and optimization services to make sure you receive the right solution for your problem. This covers topics such as simulation models for entire drive systems, kinematics simulations, holistic systems engineering and optimization, as well as consulting for functional safety or risk assessments.  

Our portfolio of integrated robotic drive systems is divided into two categories: High Efficiency Joints (HEJ) and High Precision Joints (HPJ), allowing them to address unique needs of different robotics segments. 

HEJ 90-48-140 front

Electric drives for robots

High efficiency robotic joints

  • High output powers, well coolable
  • Dynamic motions and high peak torques
  • Efficiencies up to 86%
  • IP67 ingress protected
  • Integrated electronics and joint output bearing
  • Mobile Autonomous Robots (Humanoids, Quadrupeds, Mobile Manipulation)
ANYDrive_V2023_Front

Electric drives for robots

High precision robotic joints

  • Broad portfolio of sizes and features
  • Features such as brakes, torque sensors, integrated electronics available
  • Customizable for flexible integration
  • High torque densities
  • Precision joint encoders, no backlash
  • Industrial Automation, Medical Robots (Pick-and-place, manipulation, robotic arms)

Webinar

Tackling robotics challenges with maxon's drive systems.

Watch our webinar as we explore modern robotics challenges with an industry expert. Discover how maxon's drive systems meet global needs.

Our product recommendations.

Robot applications involving lots of axes require absolute repetition accuracy, and outstanding efficiency with maximum dynamic response and lifetime. maxon has a variety of drive solutions that meet these requirements. We can also provide design and simulation support, including for highly complex robot systems.

HEJ 90-48-140 front

High Efficiency Joint Module

 

  • 140 Nm peak @ 2kg
  • Up to 13 rad/s
  • Up to 86% Efficiency
  • Integrated Electronics and Output Bearing
  • IP67
  • EtherCAT 
Data sheet
ANYDrive_V2023_Front

High Precision Joint Module

 

  • 12 Nm – 484 Nm
  • 0.9 rad/s – 17.8 rad/s
  • Integrated encoders and output bearing
  • Highly customizable 
Data sheet
EC-frameless_DT50S

EC Frameless DT

 

  • ∅42 ... 90 mm, up to 47 mm hollow shaft
  • up to 15'000 rpm
  • up to 9800 mNm
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TSX_MAG_Encoder_EC_frameless_DT50_Stecker_90grad

TSX MAG

 

  • for motors DT 38 … 90
  • 2560 cpt 
  • RS 422 line driver
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EC frameless DT

Download robotics white paper now.

Learn about our High-Performance motor platform for robotics. Read about our unique system features, core applications, and system integration considerations.

Corporate Blog

Success stories

The field of application of robotics is becoming ever more diverse and complex. For maxon drives, this means meeting the highest standards for precision, speed, and safety.
Go to the blog
maxon Innovation

Powering the future of Farming: DC motors in Agriculture 4.0

Agricultural production is where the food processing chain begins, but with challenges to traditional agricultural approaches continuing, such as a reduced workforce, the sector will have to increasingly rely on robotics and automation. This shift is raising the dependence on motion systems powering technology in the field. 
Learn more
maxon - Aviation is an important sector for maxonmaxon Innovation

«Drive system specification is crucial when precision matters»

Providing the motion for applications ranging from robotics through to medical implants, demands on the precision drive system market continue to include closer control and more compact designs. This trend is increasing the emphasis on the concept development stage. maxon UK & Ireland’s Managing Director, William Mason, explains how engineering support in the drive system market has developed – and where it’s going.
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Cybathlon 2024

SmartArM: Changing Perceptions of Prosthesis Wearers

The SmartArM represents the pinnacle of current arm prosthesis technology. Developed by a dedicated French research team, it has undergone significant improvements since its initial launch.
Learn more
Go to the blog

ANYbotics

Autonomous robot

It works in places that are too dangerous for people. maxon developed a customized drive system for the latest generation of the ANYmal robot from Zürich start-up ANYbotics. Its centerpiece is the new EC flat DT motor in combination with a series elastic actuator (SEA) that reaches its top speed in four milliseconds.

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Project management

From the idea to reality.

Drawing on our 60 years of experience, we apply our project management expertise to meet the unique demands of complex industrial applications. 

The experienced engineers and technicians in maxon’s development teams support customers from the specification phase to the start of production and beyond. We guarantee constant transparency, flexibility, and a proactive flow of information. 

Concept
Design 
Prototype
Pre-series
Pilot series
Series production

The maxon team works with customers to develop a comprehensive solution pathway. From research and as many alternative technical implementations as possible, the most efficient and economical variant is weighed up in a short time. 

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What challenges are you facing?

Our robotic solutions experts are happy to help you.

Our mobility solutions.

Modern mobility is inconceivable without powerful electric drive systems. maxon develops and produces mechatronic systems tailored to the market which get things moving reliably and efficiently.

Logistics

Smart and efficient logistics systems for Industry 4.0 need mobility solutions that feature compact design and high efficiency. maxon supplies drive systems for AGVs, autonomous shuttles, and logistics robots.

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Automotive

Our drive systems are found in many areas of a vehicle, such as air-conditioning systems, wind deflectors in convertibles, lane departure warning systems, and fuel pumps and injection systems.

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Electromobility

With maxon BIKEDRIVE solutions, we offer lightweight e-bike systems and develop drives for electric scooters and trikes, and for electric wheelchairs and rehabilitation vehicles.

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Maritime applications

maxon thrusters are reliable and durable drive systems for use in crewed and uncrewed underwater vehicles. They are specially designed for depths of up to 6000 meters.

Learn more