Our background in developing our well-known DC motors and our carefully accumulated expertise in drive technology, make maxon the one-stop-shop for mechatronic drive systems. From design and engineering, to production, testing and support.
Maxon is ‘driven by precision’, worldwide and across many high-tech sectors. We are a knowledge partner in development, where different types of drives form a crucial contribution to the measure of success. The best ideas are the result of collaborations, mutual inspiration and challenging each other in pursuit of a higher goal. Maxon brings expertise, know-how and experience to co-creation and co-development; we generate solutions, make connections and support the development of new approaches.
Maxon has worldwide representation in over 40 countries, where more than 3000 employees ensure the provision of services within easy reach of our customers. Our drive systems are produced at nine maxon locations: Switzerland (2x), France, Germany, Hungary, Netherlands, China, South Korea and United States. Competence centres, specialising in specific areas such as robotics and integrated drive systems, take care of the development of the in-depth expertise in the fields our partners demand.
Motor Design
• Dimensions & Tolerances (modules shoebox size: um, urad, temperature design constraints in complex geometry, volume, weight, in narrow shape tolerances)
• Simulation temp, magnet, UL, FEM analysis, temp. measurements
• MATLAB-Simulink (bandwidth control, motor simulation maxmot linear, modes & shapes analysis)
• CAD (2D & 3D solidworks, PTC)
• MATLAB Qualification Process Development
• National Instruments Labview (product qualifications)
• Automated Poka-Yoke Qualification Tooling Design (dimensional, functional, freq. response, optical etc.)
• Magnet Measurement, Qualification and Optimization (climate chamber -40 +150 oC, humidity control)
• Temperature Testing
• Lifetime Testing, Particle Measurement, Run-in Qualification (qualification, shock, temperature)
Operations
• Low Volume (lot-size 50)
• High Mix (product)
• High Complexity (low tolerances)
• High Quality Rating (automotive level with SRS, Ship to Line, VMOI)
• Cleanroom (ISO 7 100m2, ISO 6 100 m2, ISO 5 crossflow)
• Surface Design: coating technologies, shear testing glue, adhesives
• Gluing optics, magnets, dose control – from spot to filler – (Loctite, Stoch Weld, Glasbeans, Fillerbond)
• High Voltage Testing (Megger), LCR measurement
• Measurement optical, interferometry (submicron level), autocollimator (linearity control)
• Supply agreements, customer portals EDI, re-ins and outs, complex logistics
• Building with lux, temperature and humidity stability
At the ETH Zurich, a robot has been developed to mechanically destroy the weeds growing between crops. “Rowesys” is conveniently started via remote control – and makes herbicides unnecessary. Read more
Meer dan 100 elektromotoren van maxon zijn gebruikt op de ‘Rode Planeet’ en hebben kosmische straling, stofstormen en temperatuurschommelingen doorstaan. Er zijn al diverse precisieaandrijvingen naar Mars gevlogen, waaronder met NASA’s Perseverance rover. Lees meer
Studenten van de opleiding tandheelkunde kunnen hun behandelingen eenvoudig, veelvuldig en veilig oefenen op de simodont dental trainer. deze VR-trainingssimulator geeft zeer accurate én realistische force feedback op diverse tandheelkundige behandelingen die studenten onder de knie moeten krijgen. Lees verder
Hoe kunnen we robots in de nabije toekomst volwaardig deel laten uitmaken van ons dagelijks leven? Dat is de uitdaging die de Franse start-up Enchanted Tools aangaat. Dit bedrijf, opgericht door Jérôme Monceaux (mede-ontwikkelaar van de robots Pepper en Nao), onthulde onlangs Miroki, het prototype van een NIEUWE GENERATIE PRACHTIGE EN NUTTIGE MENSELIJKE ROBOTS. Lees verder
maxon has been developing and producing drive components and mechatronic systems for decades. However, the system business is becoming increasingly important and more complex. Programmable MACS controllers are thus an essential component for these system solutions. The master controller (MACS) can be used in a variety of ways. Practical examples include autonomous repetitive processing of travel profiles, as well as complex synchronized multi-axis movements and complete kinematics modules for Scara or Delta robotics applications. Read more
Selecting a DC micromotor for use in applications from aerospace through to downhole drilling inspection, a 4pole motor has advantages. A 4pole design is stronger than a 2pole equivalent but can also fit within the same space and weight envelope. Greg Dutfield of maxon UK explains. Read more
A classic problem in engineering is the rotational inverted pendulum. It is used to demonstrate and examine movement patterns and control algorithms in control and electrical engineering as well as in mechanical engineering. These help to control robots and other machines. Read more and watch the video
The goal of one company is in the building of a single-person, remotely piloted electric aircraft with the goal of making air taxis affordable and eco-conscious. Read more
Maxon is driven by the desire to find the perfect result for each market need. In this Keynote, our experts show the impressive drives that move drones and robots, as well as the app that helps users make the most of the BIKEDRIVE AIR. And more. Watch the video
It takes a high-tech vision system, machine learning technology and the right motors to produce this weeding robotics system for commercial vegetable cultivating. Read more
Bij maxon ontwikkelen we diverse aandrijfsystemen voor de UAV en drone markt. Volledig gecertificeerd en de hoogste kwaliteit producten. Van standaard oplossingen tot custom made toepassingen. Lees er meer over op onze speciale UAV website [EN] of neem contact met ons op.
Met ons 60-jarig bestaan vieren we een zogenaamd diamanten jubileum. Een jubileum dat volgt op het gouden jubileum. Een mijlpaal die slechts weinigen weten te bereiken. Ook is het een interessant bruggetje naar hoe het materiaal in de industrie gebruikt wordt. Zo gebruiken we bij maxon bijvoorbeeld synthetische diamanten voor gereedschap. Lees meer over deze zeldzame, kostbare en eeuwige stof in ons jubileum magazine.
Vanuit onze vestiging in Enschede hebben we inmiddels zo’n 20 jaar ervaring in de ontwikkeling en productie van high precision drive systems voor de semicon industrie. Een industrie waar de ontwikkelingen elkaar snel opvolgen en waar de lat steeds hoger wordt gelegd. Benieuwd wat wij hierin reeds betekend hebben en kunnen betekenen? Bekijk dan onze splinternieuwe brochure.
You dream also of perfection? It’s hidden between those thousandths of every second. See, how Mountain Bike Pro Racer Mathias Flückiger and maxon chasing the same dream. Watch the video
The goal achieved was to provide an intelligent, data-driven treatment therapy for dealing with neurological and musculoskeletal movement impairments. Read more
Traditiegetrouw presenteert aandrijfspecialist maxon deze lente de productcatalogus 2022/2023. Het 592-pagina-tellende boekwerk zit boordevol interessante en nieuwe producten. Een van de highlights daaruit zijn de stralingsbestendige GAMA-encoders. Lees verder
Bianca Braun, lid van de raad van bestuur en hoofd interne audits bij aandrijfspecialist maxon, bezoekt om de vier jaar alle bijna dertig vestigingen in de wereld. Eind maart was ze bij maxon benelux in Enschede. Een week lang gingen zij en haar team het gesprek aan met medewerkers en klanten. Lees verder [Bron: linkmagazine.nl]
People usually wear gloves for warmth or protection. There are gloves with other purposes, however, such as restoring mobility to the wearer’s fingers. This is the idea behind a mechatronic orthosis called the exomotion® hand one. The exomotion® hand one is worn like a glove and consists of custom-fitted exo-finger mechanics, a supporting forearm splint, a sensor, a control unit, and four miniature drives that provide the power to open or close the wearer’s fingers. Read more
maxon’s medical business unit specializes in developing and producing drive systems for a variety of medical applications. In close partnership with our customers, we develop the perfect drive system based on a modular standard solution or create a fully customized solution tailored to the customer’s specifications. Watch the video
Aandrijfspecialist maxonheeft afgelopen jaren veel tijd gestoken in het efficiënt inrichten van zijn eigen bedrijfsprocessen en het meer grip krijgen op de complete keten. Dat werpt nu zijn vruchten af. Lees verder[Bron: linkmagazine.nl]
In France’s Bordeaux region, robots ensure that the wine is organically good. They autonomously eliminate grass and weeds between the vines, making pesticides unnecessary. To enable the robots to navigate the hilly terrain, the developers took some cues from Mars rovers. Read more
Remote offshore installations, dusty mines, dirty sewers: environments made by people for people. Yet operating them is dangerous. The solution? The robotic dog from ANYbotics, which can carry out inspections autonomously. We went to Zurich to visit one of the biggest robotics teams in Europe. Read more
Zurich-based startup MyoSwiss has developed a lightweight exoskeleton that works like an e-bike for the legs. It assists the wearer’s movements with electronic reinforcement. Read more
maxon presents a new frameless BLDC motor with matching encoder that really comes into its own in dynamic applications. At the same time, we are also presenting a new series of ECX flat motors for a wide range of robotics applications. This heralds the arrival on the market of several solutions for design engineers grappling with tight spaces. Read more
The new maxon site in Beynost (15 minutes from Lyon) required a €10m investment of the maxon Group’s own funds, and is located at the heart of a center of excellence for mechatronics. Read more
When two Swiss robotics engineers developed a new computer-controlled leg press, they were thinking of athletes as their main target audience. Then it turned out that their Soft Robotic Training was surprisingly effective in the rehabilitation therapy of injuries and other physical conditions. Read more
XSun designs and manufactures a drone that is both energy-independent and can make its own decisions, for fully-automated missions. The company needed reliable, high-performance sub-assemblies to design it’s SolarXOne. This is why the start-up approached maxon for the propulsion system. Read more
The world has gone through 3 industrial revolutions since 1760, and now we are on the verge of the 4th industrial revolution, Industry 4.0, also known as digital manufacturing. Let’s find out what these changes will mean for business and the workforce. Read more
The maxon wheel drive system (MW) is a modular, highly integrated, and compact drive system. The standard configuration consists of the motor, gearhead, and encoder, and can be individually supplemented with brake, controller, and wheel as desired. Read more
maxon’s precision drive systems are not only present on Mars but everywhere on Earth. To understand the different markets and our customer’s needs, the maxon Group has established four Business Units for Aerospace, Industrial Automation, Medical, and Mobility Solutions. Watch the video
At the ETH Zurich, a robot has been developed to mechanically destroy the weeds growing between crops. “Rowesys” is conveniently started via remote control – and makes herbicides unnecessary. Read more
Project Inspiration is an initiative of TU Delft which donates ventilators to lower-income countries. The ventilator is designed such that countries can decide themselves whether to order or to (partially) replicate the machine. The goal of Project Inspiration is to help countries with their shortage of breathing equipment and to provide basic healthcare worldwide. Read more
AGVs (automated guided vehicles) are essential tools in the current commercial and industrial transformation. But what challenges do they need to address? Read more
Met de MiniMACS6-AMP-4/50/10 lanceert de aandrijfspecialist maxon de volgende generatie van zijn motion controllers. De besturing wordt toegepast op plaatsen waar PLC-oplossingen te duur zijn of wanneer de klant hoge eisen stelt. Lees verder
For the first time, a helicopter will take off from the surface of Mars. Aerospace engineer Matt Keennon explains how this impossible mission became a reality. Read more
Can loads be positioned dynamically, with high precision and no oscillation, despite mechanical backlash and elastic components? Yes — using an intelligent system. Read more
All over the world, maxon is renowned for its high-precision drives. But not many people know that the company has its own injection molding department for ceramics and metals. It not only produces ceramic spindles, but also special parts for watchmakers and the music industry. Read more
Mars once had liquid water and an atmosphere—was there life too? To answer this fundamental question, NASA sends the Perseverance rover, a robot of unparalleled complexity. Read more
maxon is launching the next generation of Motion Controllers with its MiniMACS6-AMP-4/50/10. The controller is ideal for use in applications where PLC solutions may be too expensive or cannot meet customer-specific requirements. Read more
Collaborative robots (cobots) are robotic arms that can be manipulated directly by human users to allow the teaching of tasks without having to use complex programming interfaces. Commercially available cobots are based on serial architectures. They use actuators with large reduction ratios and they are therefore not mechanically backdrivable. Force/torque sensors provide the reactions to the forces applied by human users on the robot. As a consequence, such robots cannot match human agility, which makes their use rather unnatural in human-guided tasks. Read more
An exoskeleton must be lightweight, compact, powerful, reliable, and easy to use – what could be easier? Many developers around the world dabble in this discipline with different degrees of success. Christian Bermes, head of the VariLeg enhanced team explains what it all comes down to. Read more
The agricultural sector is undergoing significant changes and is modernising. Reducing difficult working conditions, optimising working time, developing the energy self-sufficiency of farms, increasing productivity, using fewer pesticides… To take the strain off farmers, many robots are being developed to automate tasks. What specific technical characteristics should agricultural machinery manufacturers take into account to assist farmers? Read more
maxon has collaborated with drone startup Flybotix to develop performance-optimized brushless DC motors for a new kind of inspection drone. With the know-how gained from this and other projects, maxon is making inroads into the new UAV market, where the reliability and quality of components are becoming more important. Read more
Our fascination with Mars is stronger than ever. At this very moment, yet another robot called Perseverance is on its way to uncover the secrets of Mars. The mission will also involve the first helicopter flight in space. Read more
Drive specialist maxon, renowned for its Mars motors, is joining forces with the robotics startup ANYbotics and will in future supply the drive systems of the autonomous ANYmal inspection robot. The robot will soon be marketed in large quantities. This cooperation will also benefit maxon, since ANYbotics provides important robotics know-how and is currently the most successful young company in this field. Read more
What do wasps have to do with brain surgery? At first glance, not a whole lot. However, one species serves as the model for an innovative brain surgery needle that is being developed by a team of researchers from England. Read more
Chronic heart failure patients draw hope from a new technology. A team of life science entrepreneurs in Houston, Texas has developed the first catheter-deployed circulatory assist device intended for long-term use. Read more
NASA stuurt binnen enkele weken zijn vijfde rover naar Mars. Deze gaat bodemmonsters verzamelen die later op aarde worden geanalyseerd. De rover beschikt ook over een helikopter die voor het eerst vluchten op de rode planeet zal uitvoeren. De precisiemotoren van maxon vervullen hierbij meerdere taken die van doorslaggevend belang zijn voor de missie. Lees verder
maxon breidt het assortiment van configureerbare aandrijvingen in het voorjaar van 2020 opnieuw uit – onder andere met DC-motoren met borstels, overbrengingen en encoders uit de ECX-serie. En ook bij de positioneerbesturingen hebben wij nieuws uit het microsegment. Lees verder
When two Swiss robotics engineers developed a new computer-controlled leg press, they were thinking of athletes as their main target audience. Then it turned out that their Soft Robotic Training was surprisingly effective in the rehabilitation therapy of injuries and other physical conditions. Read more
Medical technology is a key market for maxon. Many of our drives are used in insulin pumps. What exactly do our motors do in these devices? To find out, we went to visit Ypsomed, a leading manufacturer of insulin pumps. Read more
All over the world, people suffer from chronic wounds due to diabetes and other causes. A new micro water jet technology promises improved treatment. A powerful flat motor provides the necessary water pressure. Read more
Until recently, AGVs (automated guided vehicles) were the only option for automating internal transport tasks. Today, a more sophisticated technology is competing with them: AMR (autonomous mobile robots). Although both AGVs and AMRs allow materials to be moved from point A to point B, the comparison ends there. Read more
Industry 4.0 has been a hot topic at maxon since the drive specialist introduced configurable drives. Now we’re continuing to drive digitization – but not at all costs. Read more
Under the pressure of environmental concerns, the packaging industry is reorganising. Changing lifestyles and rising raw materials prices have completed this movement. The stakes are high, given that this sector, dominated by food processing, is expected to be worth several hundred billion dollars in the coming years. What challenges will the packaging industry have to face in the next 10 years to remain competitive? Especially in the technologies it uses. Here are some answers. Read more
maxon, high precision drive specialist, launches high-torque product innovations this Spring. These include higher performance flat motors, drives with higher torque output, and new additions to the GPX gearbox family. Read more
In France’s Bordeaux region, robots ensure that the wine is organically good. They autonomously eliminate grass and weeds between the vines, making pesticides unnecessary. To enable the robots to navigate the hilly terrain, the developers took some cues from Mars rovers. Read more
maxon, worked with Open Bionics to design and produce the actuator for the fingers in the Hero Arm. Each digit uses a maxon DCX 12 L motor. The actuator consists of a DC motor driving a customised gearbox and lead screw and nut, developed for the speed of each user.
De Europese Ruimtevaartorganisatie ESA gaat naar de zon. Daarvoor wordt volgende maand de met tien instrumenten uitgeruste ruimtesonde Solar Orbiter gelanceerd. De wetenschappers hopen door de missie – die meerdere jaren gaat duren – meer over de zon te weten te komen, bijvoorbeeld over zonnewind en de complexe dynamieken die voor de zonne-uitbarstingen verantwoordelijk zijn. Meer info
De IDX-aandrijving combineert in een zeer compacte vorm een krachtige borstelloze EC-i-motor en een EPOS4-positioneerbesturing, en kan indien gewenst worden aangevuld met een planetaire overbrenging van maxon. Lees verder
The EVALKIT-ROBOT-1 is a plug-and-play solution aimed to help users easily approach the world of precise positioning and high-end motion in servo drives and robotics. A maxon 100-Watt BLDC motor with built-on 1024-pulse incremental encoder is included in the kit, embodying the company’s expertise in magnetic design in precision motors that ensures smoothness and balance to allow fine control even at low rotor speeds. More info
Paralyzed people can learn to walk again with the aid of electromechanical exoskeletons. However, it’s not easy. It takes a lot of engineering and hard training. Article
The robot itself has two small arms that unfold inside the abdomen and can be controlled by the surgeon using a control panel. The two robotic arms are directly controlled by micromotors from maxon and have up to eight degrees of freedom. Read more
Many applications would benefit from a brushless motor without a sensor. There are various options for realizing this. A method developed by maxon is now setting new standards for precision and reliability. Read more
Earthworms have a talent for movement. With their complex circumferential and longitudinal muscles, they are able to crawl forward and backward. It should be possible to apply this perfect natural movement concept in robotics—or that’s what a young Austrian engineering student thought when he started his graduate thesis in 2014. Read more
Making a legged robot walk is not as simple as it looks. Coordinating the motion of all its joints to achieve smooth motions, close to those of real animals, requires advanced engineering and careful observation of moving animals. But what if we don’t exactly know how the animal looks or moves, as it has been extinct for 300 million years? Read more
The European Space Agency (ESA) is working on a new system to enable easy docking between two spacecraft. maxon developed two special drive systems for this purpose. Read more
maxon has been selected to supply the optical filter changer system for what will soon be the largest wide field telescope in the world. The project, involving five French research laboratories, requires motors and controllers that are particularly reliable and capable of working to an accuracy of a tenth of a millimeter. Read more
Het is een stille revolutie. Maar deze is niet tegen te houden: steeds vaker gebruiken mensen elektrische energie om zich voort te bewegen of om goederen te vervoeren. Hierdoor worden ook nieuwe eisen aan de aandrijftechniek gesteld. Lees verder
Tot begin deze eeuw was maxon motor benelux vooral een verkoopkantoor. Nu is het meer en meer leverancier van hoogprecieze aandrijfsystemen die complete problemen voor zijn klanten oplost. Lees verder[Bron:linkmagazine.nl]
Tech United is het robotvoetbalteam van de Technische Universiteit Eindhoven, dit team neemt ieder jaar deel aan de RoboCup, en succesvol: in 2012, 2014, 2016 en 2018 is het team wereldkampioen geworden! Het doel van de RoboCup is het stimuleren van het onderzoek naar kunstmatige intelligentie en robotica. Lees verder
Drive technology is a basic building block for the performance of machines, robots, and hand-held devices. However, there is much more to consider than just the design and the motor selection. Interdisciplinary thinking, specific engineering knowledge, depth of experience, and a clear understanding of the requirements are critical fac-tors. Read more
To learn more about Mars and its structure, NASA sent the robotic probe InSight that landed in November 2018. Now it’s time to find out how much heat is escaping Mars’s interior. This will be done with an instrument called HP3 that will enter five meters deep into the ground. It is a bolt, lovingly dubbed “Mole” by its developers. It works like a nail that drives itself into the ground. Read more
“Electronic gearing” is het overbrengen van een beweging door middel van een extra motor en elektronische sturing. Het gaat hierbij dus om twee aandrijvingen synchroon of in een bepaalde verhouding te laten bewegen. Dit vindt plaats zonder gebruik te maken van een mechanische verbindingsas en/of (tand-) wielen. De opstelling bestaat uit een Master-as (hoofdas) en een Slave-as (volgas). Read more
Medical technology is a key market for maxon. Many of our drives are used in insulin pumps. What exactly do our motors do in these devices? To find out, we went to visit Ypsomed, a leading manufacturer of insulin pumps. Read more
Together with its long-term partner Servo Dynamics, drive specialist maxon motor has founded a new sales company for the South East Asia region – a move that also takes into account the changed global economic situation. Read more
The maxon motor group is adding another valuable new member: maxon acquired the British geared motor manufacturer Parvalux Electric Motors Ltd. The acquisition expands the maxon portfolio with powerful drives for applications in medical technology and industrial automation, among other fields. Read more
Every now and then, I’m asked about the suitability of maxon DC motors for the use as a generator. Since our motors are very efficient, this is also true when operated as generators. The basic calculations between speed and voltage as well as current and torque are very simple. In the following, a few rules for a successful selection. Read more
Vandaag, 26 november landt de InSight-sonde op de planeet Mars om onderzoek te doen naar het ontstaan van terrestrische planeten. Daarvoor wordt een meetsonde vijf meter diep in de bodem van Mars geslagen. De ingenieurs van maxon moesten alles uit de kast halen om hun motor voor te bereiden op deze taak. Lees verder
Meet the new colleague for the crew of the International Space Station (ISS): an autonomous camera drone. The small sphere films the astronauts at work and this drone could potentially save about ten percent of their valuable working time. Read more [source: drive.tech]
NASA is again working with maxon motor. Two years from now, the US space agency NASA will send a new rover to the Red Planet. Included: a small helicopter, which will take the first aerial photos of Mars. The rotors will be controlled by robust DC motors from Switzerland. Lees verder
maxon motor evolves more and more from a supplier of components to a provider of system solutions. Components to be understood as motors, gearheads, encoders, as well as speed and position controllers. As a system, we consider complete drive solutions in the sense of mechatronic units and subsystems, which are integrated into a larger context. The focus shifts from the individual components used towards the main functionality to be fulfilled. Read more [source: drive.tech]
In millions of years of evolution, nature has produced many sophisticated locomotor systems that engineers use as inspiration for creating better robots. We show some current technical developments that are highly advanced. Read more
Traditionally, motion control suppliers create and produce components that their customers use to cobble together when they create drive solutions. Now, some suppliers are instead creating custom assemblies for their customers. For example, maxon precision motors is providing custom-built drive systems. The drive system is a mechatronics subassembly that can include a motor, gearhead, encoder, position controller, custom firmware, an application-specific enclosure, connectivity, and/or cabling. Read more [Source: designnews.com]
The EPOS4 Compact positioning controllers from maxon are ready for effortless, industrial Ethernet connectivity.
The devices from the successful EPOS4 Compact series can now also be incorporated into EtherCAT networks, thereby creating new opportunities for a huge range of applications. Lees verder
The Taiwanese company FREE Bionics is committed to developing the best exoskeleton solutions and helping people all over the world. However, they need suitable drives. Read more
The ECX SPEED series of brushless motors has been optimized for high speeds (up to 120,000 rpm). Several different performance classes are available to fit your application: Standard, High Power, sterilizable (up to 2000 cycles) or with ceramic bearings for high speeds.
Select the mechanical and electrical interface online. The ECX program is fully configurable and is ready to ship in just 11 days. Read more
maxon motor has developed a sensorless speed and torque control solution called High-Performance Sensorless Control (HPSC). This new technology allows FOC (field oriented control) for brushless motors without sensors from full stop to full speed under load. Read more[source:therobotreport.com]
On July 7, 2003, the NASA twin robot Opportunity embarked on its journey to the Red Planet from Cape Canaveral, Florida. Today, 15 years later, it is still sending life signs back to Earth – despite a heavy sand storm. Read more
In millions of years of evolution, nature has produced many sophisticated locomotor systems that engineers use as inspiration for creating better robots. We show some current technical developments that are highly advanced. Read more
Standard cables in use by motors and sensors might just have a length of 30 cm up to 3 m. Sometimes this is not long enough especially if controllers are installed in a cabinet of a machine which might be placed some meters away or even in another room.
All over the world, people suffer from chronic wounds due to diabetes and other causes. A new micro water jet technology promises impro-ved treatment. A powerful flat motor provides the necessary water pressure.
maxon’s new brushless EC 90 flat motor features maximum torque in a compact design. This and all other drives in this series of motors are now also available with cables.
Deep-sea drilling. Mars rovers. Insulin pumps. Formula 1 cars. Surgical robots. Hand prosthetics. This is only a small selection from the thousands of applications in which maxon’s drive systems provide their power, precision, and robustness. However, before our DC motors, gearheads, sensors, and controllers are supplied to the customer, they have to withstand an array of abuse. During the development phase, we push our products to the maximum limits.
2017 was an incredible year for race car engine specialist, Gibson Technology. The Repton based company designed, developed and manufactured a new 4.2 litre V8 engine, supplied to all LMP2 racing teams in the most prestigious endurance competitions. Every engine depends on the performance and reliability of a maxon DC motor and gearhead assembly.
Philip Norman used to be an architect and a painter. Then he made an invention that could prove to be a game-changer for the way robots are built in the future.
Globally the number of wind turbines producing sustainable energy keeps growing. But there is also another, newer method to make use of wind energy. A Dutch team is currently changing an entire industry.
High-tech machines analyze human blood samples, detect coagulation disorders and thus help to save lives. The maxon sales company in France does not only supply the appropriate drives – in fact, it builds entire conveyor modules. A peek inside.
maxon technology is widely used in robotics, where high power density and precision are prerequisites. This article explains which products are most suited to robot applications and why.
Your drive specialist, maxon motor, is equipping its EPOS4 positioning controllers with additional connectivity options. They can now be integrated into any EtherCAT network as a slave by using an expansion board
EPOS4 positioning controllers by maxon motor are now able to communicate via EtherCAT using the CoE standard (CAN application layer over EtherCAT). The EtherCAT card can be combined with the EPOS4 controllers in a housing, as well as with all EPOS4 modules. EPOS4 Compact designs with EtherCAT versions will follow at a later date.
Our Earth is alive, active, and constantly changing. Its surface has been in motion since the planet’s formation. Continental plates drift apart and collide, forming mountains, oceans, and plains. Literally no stone is left unturned – only change is permanent.
Helicopters are amazingly agile and free in the air, yet this flexibility practically vanishes when they land. They don’t require a lot of space to touch down, but the ground must be even. Otherwise, there is a risk that the helicopter, with its rigid landing structure, will tip.
Windenergie gaat hogerop met een vlieger-aan-een-kabel die elektriciteit kan opwekken. Twee jaar geleden startte Kitepowerals spin-off vanuit de TU Delft; met zijn ‘laddermolen’ legde voormalig astronaut Wubbo Ockels ooit de basis. Maxon motor levert robuuste aandrijvingen voor de control unit die de vlieger hoog in de lucht zijn kenmerkende ‘achten’ laat draaien. ‘Zij hebben geleerd van onze agile werkwijze als start-up, wij van hun manier om kwaliteit in het product en de productie te brengen.’ Lees meer Bron [linkmagazine.nl]
When people look up at the sky, they see more and more drones. Yet the breakthrough for delivery robots will take place on the ground – if the lawmakers give the green light.
Several different versions of the high-torque, brushless EC-i motors from maxon motor are now also available in small diameters. They are perfect for hand-held devices and applications in robotics.
The tendon-controlled humanoid robot created by the University of Tokyo has more than 160 artificial muscles and is the result of many years of experience. Around 100 brushless maxon motors ensures that the only 1.58 m tall robot has humanlike movements.
It started as a project by two engineers who were close to retirement. Today, the modular inspection robots by Canadian company Inuktun are successfully in use all over the world – defying even the most adverse conditions.
BLDC motor, gearhead, and encoder from a single source
maxon motor introduces the world’s first steam sterilizable encoder ENX EASY. It is available in an incremental (1024 counts) and an absolute version (4096 steps) for diameters of 13 and 16 mm and is designed for 1000 autoclave cycles.
The encoder can be integrated into the brushless drives ECX 13 and ECX 16 SPEED without increasing the length. When the gearheads GPX 13 and GPX 16 SPEED are added to the combination, our customers receive a fully sterilizable positioning system.
Although we rarely notice them, electrical drives are everywhere around us – at home, on our commute, at work, and even when we grab a kebab for lunch.
NASA’s next Mars rover will collect soil samples, seal them and deposit them on the Martian surface for future collection and transport back to Earth. maxon motor supplies several drives specifically developed for mission critical tasks.
Robotics and automation call for increasingly precise control engineering. Daniel Hug, Product Manager for Electronics and Systems Technology at maxon, explains what a good motor controller has to be able to achieve today.
NASA’s next Mars rover will collect soil samples, seal them and deposit them on the Martian surface for future collection and transport back to Earth. Swiss manufacturer maxon motor supplies several drives specifically developed for the task.
Today, a world without robots to penetrate dangerous environments is virtually inconceivable.
Felix: Natural disasters are impossible to prevent and can come up at any time without warning. Specialized robot systems can help to restore order, rein in the damage and prevent additional hazards to humans. Today, I can’t imagine a world without robots to bravely enter danger zones in place of humans. Take underwater robots, for instance: Without them, construction or maintenance of underwater pipelines would be impossible.
A rugged, compact powerhouse: The new ESCON Module 50/8 HE servo controller from maxon motor controls DC motors of up to 750 W, even in the harshest ambient conditions.
Although we rarely notice them, electrical drives are everywhere around us – at home, on our commute, at work, and even when we grab a kebab for lunch.
What do wasps have to do with brain surgery? At first glance, not a whole lot. However, one species serves as the model for an innovative brain surgery needle that is being developed by a team of researchers from England.
At maxon motor, we often hear experienced engineers’ talk of developing their own controller for their application, as it’s perceived as being an easy thing to do and, therefore, a cheaper option. But is it?
Often the entire cost of developing a motor controller is not realized, customers tend to be attracted by the initially cheap overheads of buying the separate components and making a customized drive, in comparison to the seemingly expensive off-the-shelf solution motor-controller. If you have a closer look, you will realize that an off-the-shelf solution offers a lot of hidden “built-in” advantages.
Van oudsher was maxon motor benelux een leverancier van aandrijfcomponenten. De dochter van de Zwitserse specialist in gelijkstroommotoren en aandrijfsystemen groeide door tot ontwikkelbedrijf en zette drie jaar geleden een volgende stap met nieuwbouw in Enschede. Daar kon het bedrijf meer inzetten op productie. Lees meer [Bron: linkmagazine.nl]
The Radiology department at the University Hospital of Basel has state-of-the-art equipment. In addition to the world’s first 3D X-ray device, the hospital also relies on a new laser navigation system for CT scanning – guided minimally invasive surgery. “It offers a lot of advantages for image-guided operations,” explains Dr. Christoph Zech, head of the Interventional Radiology department at the University Hospital of Basel.
De Zwitserse aandrijvingsspecialist maxon motor breidt zijn hoofdkantoor in Zwitserland uit. In februari beginnen de bouwwerkzaamheden voor het nieuwe Innovation Center, voornamelijk ingericht voor onderzoek, ontwikkeling en de productie van medische aandrijvingen. Het gebouw moet in de zomer van 2018 klaar zijn.
While robotic assistance systems are available for most types of surgery today, eye surgery used to be an exception. A Dutch company has changed that. The first operation using the system was successful.
The tendon-controlled humanoid robot created by the University of Tokyo has more than 160 artificial muscles and is the result of many years of experience. Around 100 brushless maxon motors ensures that the only 1.58 m tall robot has humanlike movements.
When talking about resolution: Keep in mind the difference between the number of pulses per channel (counts per turn, cpt) and the number of states (the quadcounts)!
Positioning: Resolution and accuracy.
The required positioning resolution of the application dictates the encoder resolution to be selected. A well-tuned system can maintain the position within 1 encoder state (quadcount).
Use of electric bikes or e-bikes — those with power-assist and full drive capabilities — is exploding in Europe and now the Americas as more people than ever look for green modes of transportation in increasingly dense urban centers. Recently introduced to the world market, maxon motor makes an integrated drive (sometimes called a hub motor) consisting of motor, gearbox, and controller designed to convert any bike into an e-bike. Read more [source: motioncontroltips.com]
maxon motor introduces additional brushless DC motors in its ECX series. They are fast, powerful, and easily configured on a computer. These motors are complemented with new modules for the compact EPOS4 positioning controller, which has a high power density and easy handling. Drive technology is becoming even better and more intuitive.
Ascites is a term that describes an accumulation of large quantities of fluid in the peritoneal cavity. In the vernacular, this symptom is also called “abdominal dropsy”. In approx. eight out of ten cases, the cause of ascites is decreased liver function, for example caused by cirrhosis of the liver. But ascites can also be caused by reduced myocardial function, kidney diseases or cancer.
Motors operated at the rated torque limit can get very hot. In continuous operation the winding can reach 155° resulting in a housing temperature of some 120°C. No surgeon would like to operate with a hand-held tool not even at half of that temperature. Neglecting friction, there are two main sources of power losses – and hence heating – in motors.
Never before has it been this simple to put together a customized, high-end drive, at work or at home, using maxon motor’s online configurator. A variety of brushless, high-speed motors and gearheads are now available.
When constructing a prototype, or if a product is scheduled for a rapid market launch, it is often necessary to choose the right DC motor for the project very quickly. In such cases, engineers go to maxon motor’s online configurator. The platform has tens of thousands of drive options to choose from, all of which are available quickly and easily.
At the first Cybathlon in Zürich, researchers are presenting the world’s best exoskeletons – devices that enable paraplegics to walk again. Motors from Switzerland play a central part in this development.
maxon flat motors are especially suitable for installation in confined spaces. The brushless motors are designed as internal and external rotors and can reach speeds of up to 20,000 rpm. The simple design made it possible to largely automate the manufacturing – this is reflected by the economical price. Choose from EC flat motors with hall sensors, sensorless motors, or EC motors with integrated electronics. These motors can also be combined with gearheads and encoders.
Selecting the right DC motor is an important aspect of optimizing medical machine performance. There are so many motors on the market today, from heavy-duty AC motors to tiny DC brushless and stepper motors. To use any of the motors users must have a full understanding of the application parameters, including power, speed, torque, physical size, efficiency, lifetime expectations, and other requirements.
The drive specialist maxon motor has created the Young Engineers Program to work more closely with schools and start-ups. Their innovative projects benefit from discounted drives and expert consulting.
Starting something new is always difficult. This is particularly true for engineers who are trying to get a project off the ground. Often they have creative ideas, but not the necessary equipment or funding. This is why the Swiss drive specialist maxon motor has launched its Young Engineers Program (YEP), which supports innovative projects that use electric drive systems.
A question of torque – Inspection robots for pipes and ducts, rescue robots in disaster areas, or humanoid robots – they all have one thing in common: They are mobile robots that aid humans. We explain some of their requirements for drive technology in detail.
The age of rockers and sailors is over. The tattoo scene has developed, away from ill-lit chambers with burly, bearded men scratching hearts onto biceps, to well-illuminated studios where young and talented artists do their work. The Swiss tattoo artist Alena Lizier, age 24, already has her own tattoo studio in St. Gallen, Switzerland. “Please take off your shoes when you come in”, she says. Hygiene is a must. Welcome to the new tattoo world.
There is often the questions about which motor shows the highest efficiency. In particular when talking about applications with limited power supply, such as a battery driven tool or a solar panel powered satellite. I believe it’s worth expanding the question to the full drive system consisting of controller, motor, gearhead and other mechanics. Table 1 gives a rough guess about typical efficiencies of different energy converting devices.
Triathlon and time trial racing are gaining more and more fans every day. Technological innovations, such as an electronic drivetrain, are highly sought-after components when every second counts on the way to the finish line. The EPS (electronic power shift) system of bicycle component manufacturer Campagnolo from Italy took many years to develop. maxon motors are responsible for executing shifting processes within tenths of a second.
There is still a long way to go before we can make our own stars. However, in scientific applications, the technology is already in use today. The Netherlands Organization for Applied Scientific Research TNO has developed a projection system for the Very Large Telescope (VLT) of the European Southern Observatory (ESO).
Physcient, een Amerikaans high-tech bedrijf, ontwikkelde een automatische ribbenspreider waardoor postoperatieve pijn van patiënten tot een minimum wordt gereduceerd en de genezing wordt versneld.
Positioning made easy.
EPOS is a modular, digital positioning controller by maxon motor. It is suitable for permanent magnet-activated motors plus encoders with a range of 1 to 750 W continuous output power. The wide range of operating modes, as well as various command interfaces, make it versatile for use in many different drive systems in the fields of automation technology and mechatronics.
Test driver Raffael is the first person with a walking disability that gets to drive up a flight of stairs with the Scalevo wheelchair – in reverse on two caterpillars.
The ECX SPEED series of brushless motors has been optimized for high speeds (up to 120,000 rpm). Several different performance classes are available to fit your application: Standard, High Power, sterilizable (up to 2000 cycles) or with ceramic bearings for high speeds.
TB Saftey, a small Swiss company specializes in high-quality protective suits with ventilation. The wearers enjoy a maximum degree of safety with freedom of movement. For ventilation, the blower units use maxon’s fast brushless DC motors.
At first glance, the yellow protection suits by TB Safety look a little strange and slightly bloated. The bloating effect is caused by the blower unit filling the entire suit with clean air.
maxon ontwikkelde afgelopen jaar de BIKEDRIVE, een sterke motor voor e-bikes. Een nieuwe business unit ‘MARS′ (Maxon Advanced Robotics & Systems) richt zich binnen maxon volledig op mechatronische aandrijfsystemen. Meer innovatieve producten voor de robotica volgen.
Mensen en robots zullen de komende jaren steeds dichter tot elkaar komen. In het huishouden en bij het werk. Maar hoe zal dit samenleven er concreet uitzien? En wat zijn daarbij de technische uitdagingen? Het nieuwe driven magazine van maxon motor geeft daarop antwoord.
