Nidec Drive Technology Corporation :: High-Precision Gear Reduction Technologies & Motion Control Solutions

Nidec Drive Technology Corporation, formerly known as Nidec-Shimpo, is a global leader in high-precision gear reduction technologies and motion control solutions. As a core subsidiary of the Nidec Group — the world’s largest manufacturer of brushless DC motors with annual sales exceeding $11 billion — the company has over 70 years of engineering expertise dating back to 1952. Nidec Drive Technology Corporation specializes in developing and manufacturing compact, high-torque, and highly accurate gear systems that power advanced automation equipment. With manufacturing facilities in Japan, the Philippines, China, and a major 50,000 sq. ft. assembly and support center in Glendale Heights, Illinois, the company ships over 155,000 gearheads per month and maintains a strong focus on quality, rapid delivery, and customization. It holds a dominant position in the industrial automation market, supplying components that deliver legendary innovation, quality, and reliability across demanding applications. The company invests heavily in next-generation technologies such as strain wave (Flexwave) gears, advanced planetary designs, and specialized drives for robotics and mobile automation. Its products are engineered for exceptional repeatability, positional accuracy, energy efficiency, and long-term durability, with a standard 5-year warranty and 100% exit testing on every unit. Nidec Drive Technology Corporation serves a wide range of industries including robotics, machine tools, assembly and test automation, packaging, printing, medical devices, semiconductor manufacturing, and material handling.

The company’s robot-based products are centered on precision gear reducers and integrated drive systems specifically optimized for robotic applications. In the robotics sector, Nidec Drive Technology Corporation provides high-performance components for collaborative robots (cobots), industrial robotic arms, humanoid robots, arc/spot welding robots, plasma cutting robots, and autonomous mobile robots (AMRs/AGVs). Key product lines include:

• Strain Wave Gear Reducers (Flexwave series) — offering zero-backlash, high torque density, and compact size ideal for robotic joints and precise positioning.
• Planetary Gear Reducers — delivering high efficiency, low noise, and excellent power density for servo-driven robotic axes.
• Cycloidal Reducers — known for shock resistance, high reduction ratios, and superior rigidity in heavy payload applications.
• AGV Drive Systems — compact, modular wheel drives that combine motors, gearboxes, and wheels into integrated units for mobile robots, providing smooth traction, precise speed control, and high load capacity.

These components enable critical robotic functions such as smooth joint motion in humanoids, rapid and accurate pick-and-place movements, reliable material transport in warehouses, and consistent performance in welding and cutting operations. The company also offers rotary index tables, rack and pinion systems, hypoid and worm gear reducers, and custom integrated assemblies that allow robot builders to achieve higher speeds, better energy efficiency, reduced size and weight, and improved repeatability. Nidec Drive Technology Corporation works closely with robot OEMs and system integrators to develop tailored solutions that meet the evolving demands of Industry 4.0, collaborative automation, and flexible manufacturing. Its products help reduce downtime, lower total cost of ownership, and improve overall robotic system performance and safety.

With a global footprint, unmatched manufacturing scale, and deep application knowledge, Nidec Drive Technology Corporation continues to drive innovation in the robotics industry by delivering precision gearing and drive technologies that enable the next generation of intelligent machines.