DS-AUG26-PG42+43_Layout 1 13/08/2026 12:54 Page 2
55thanniversary
MOTION CONTROL
FEATURE
to complete drIve systems: l precIsIon In motIon
windings. As a result, the BLDC design can achieve improved control, as well as higher efficiency, greater torque density, and improvements in reliability and lifetime. While a BLDC motor requires electronic
commutation, the proliferation of semiconductor technology and electronics production from the 1970s onwards expanded their use. Still today, particularly for compact precision applications below 1kW, BLDC motors – and often DC motors too – are preferred to AC motors thanks to advantages in size and weight, control precision, and ease of control.
complete drIve systems Advances in control technology also enabled the development of complete drive systems. Combined with a motor and a gear, a sensor such as an encoder provides precision feedback, while overseeing this system, a controller can manage torque/current, as well as speed and position. An individual controller, such as those from maxon’s MicroMACS and MiniMACS range, can also provide multi-axis control for multiple BLDC or DC motors. For original equipment manufacturers, the
primary advantage of integrating a complete drive includes optimised performance, where a pre- engineered system, designed as one, can improve both torque-density and precision. The complete drive system approach also reduces demands on in-house engineering teams in terms of design, testing, compliance, and manufacture. Developments in complete drive system
technology have been crucial in fields such as surgical robotics. maxon’s HPJ (High Precision Joint) comprises a brushless DC motor, a strain wave gear, plus a sensor and encoder, all within a protective housing. This design enhances the motion precision of robots to enable micron-level, hair’s width, controlled movement. These advances have not only been essential for patient safety during surgery, but the minimally invasive procedures are also crucial for improving recovery.
maxon motors powered the swashplate on the NASA Ingenuity Mars drone
ImprovIng torque densIty and relIabIlIty Further developments include innovation in torque density to create lighter, more compact drive systems. These attributes are particularly important in aerospace applications where
NASA’s groundbreaking Ingenuity drone that flew 72 missions on Mars, flying more than 14 times further than planned. The motors were included on the system that actuates the swash plates to manage the pitch of the drone’s rotors.
the approach to drIve system engIneerIng We continue to see design
engineers realising that by working with a dedicated drive system engineering team, they
DC motor exploded view every extra gram reduces
the payload of the aircraft. Along with ironless core BLDC motors, plus
a flat form factor that increases torque
density while reducing length, perfecting a motor’s electromagnetic design and increasing the copper fill in the windings have contributed to lighter, more powerful, designs. Drive system reliability
and durability are equally important criteria for aerospace, and these characteristics have been essential for maxon projects relating to pilot controls and landing gear actuation. Flagship projects for reliability and
HPJ High Precision Robot Joint
www.designsolutionsmag.co.uk
durability have taken place in space, and maxon motors have been used on every NASA Mars rover, including the current Curiosity and Perseverance rover missions. maxon motors were also integrated within
can reach their design objective much more quickly – and with better results.
Instead of procuring a motor or separate drive system components online and then designing in-house, talking to an engineer who can specify the right combination from outset can streamline development. Today, maxon is still privately owned by the
Braun family, and Dr. Karl-Walter Braun has recently handed over the chairmanship of the Board of Directors to his daughter, Dr. Bianca Braun. The privately-run approach means continued investment in research & development, which not only provides long-term stability for maxon’s customers, but also ensures innovation for the discoveries
of tomorrow within precision drive system technology.
maxon electronic motor controllers
maxon UK
www.maxongroup.co.uk
JULY/AUGUST 2026 DesiGn sOLUtiOns 1971-2026 43
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52 |
Page 53 |
Page 54 |
Page 55 |
Page 56 |
Page 57 |
Page 58 |
Page 59 |
Page 60 |
Page 61 |
Page 62 |
Page 63 |
Page 64 |
Page 65 |
Page 66 |
Page 67 |
Page 68
