Maxon Group :: Swiss Manufacturer Of High-Precision Electric Drive Systems

Maxon Group (maxon) is a globally recognized Swiss manufacturer of high-precision electric drive systems, founded in 1961 in Sachseln, Switzerland. With approximately 3,200 employees across more than 40 locations in 41 countries, the company specializes in compact, efficient, and reliable DC and brushless DC (BLDC) motors, gearheads, sensors, encoders, controllers, and complete mechatronic drive solutions. Maxon emphasizes uncompromising quality, innovation, and performance, making its products ideal for applications where precision, reliability, and durability are critical—no compromises allowed, whether on Earth or in extreme environments like Mars.

The company’s ironless winding technology in brushed and brushless motors delivers exceptional efficiency, low inertia, minimal electromagnetic interference, and high power density. Maxon systems are trusted in medical technology, industrial automation, aerospace, mobility (including e-bikes), and especially robotics. Its drives power everything from surgical robots and collaborative robots (cobots) to humanoid robots, quadrupeds, exoskeletons, autonomous mobile robots (AMRs), and AGVs. Notable examples include powering the Mars rovers, tendon-driven humanoids like Kenshiro with over 160 artificial muscles, and advanced surgical systems.

Maxon’s robot-based products focus on high-torque, compact, and highly integrated solutions for joint actuation and precision motion control:

• High Efficiency Joints (HEJ): Fully integrated robotic actuators that combine a torque-dense motor, planetary gear, electronics, encoders, cross-roller bearings, sealing, and structural support in one compact, IP67-rated unit. Models like the HEJ 70 (around 50-62 Nm peak torque, ~1 kg) and HEJ 90 (up to 140 Nm, ~2 kg) offer outstanding torque density, efficiency, and dynamics. They support EtherCAT communication, impedance control, and are designed for dynamic mobile robots, humanoids, and manipulators operating in unstructured environments. A larger “Hercules” variant and smaller HEJ 50 are in development.
• High Precision Joints: Configurable systems often based on strain-wave (harmonic) gearboxes with high-resolution encoders for maximum accuracy and low backlash.
• Frameless and EC Flat Motors: Ideal for direct integration into robotic joints and compact spaces. These deliver high torque in flat or frameless designs, perfect for space-constrained robotic limbs and wheels.
• IDX Integrated Servo Drives: Compact, high-performance units (e.g., IDX 70) with built-in controllers, suitable for cobots, mobile robotics, and AGVs.
• Complete Mechatronic Systems: Combinations of motors, planetary or spur gearheads, sensors, and EPOS or MiniMACS controllers with various fieldbus interfaces (including Profinet). Maxon also offers sterilizable components for medical robotics and custom engineering support from prototypes to series production.

Maxon’s solutions stand out for their efficiency (reducing energy consumption in battery-powered robots), precision (sub-micron capabilities in some setups), robustness in harsh conditions, and customizability. The company invests heavily in R&D, sustainability, and partnerships (e.g., with Synapticon for advanced motion control), continually launching innovations like new frameless motors and safety controllers.

Overall, Maxon positions itself as a partner for cutting-edge robotics, enabling lighter, more powerful, and more efficient machines that advance automation, healthcare, and exploration. Its Swiss engineering heritage ensures the highest quality standards, making it a preferred supplier for Fortune-level OEMs and innovative startups alike.