Maxon's New Drive Systems Set to Transform Robotics

"Three hundred watts—nearly double the power of previous models."

Maxon's latest advancements in drive systems promise to reshape the landscape of robotics, particularly in humanoid and autonomous systems. Mario Mauerer, the newly appointed global robotics business manager at Maxon, recently shared insights on the company's ambitious plans during a podcast interview. The focus on enhanced power and efficiency is not just about numbers; it signifies a pivotal shift in robotic capabilities that could redefine what’s possible in the industry.

Mauerer, who previously played a key role at ANYbotics, highlighted how increased power output coupled with refined control algorithms can enhance the performance of humanoid robots. The technical specifications reveal that the new drive systems feature a torque output of up to 3 Nm, allowing for improved manipulation tasks that require precise force application. This is particularly crucial for applications like assembly lines or healthcare, where robots interact closely with human operators.

One of the significant advancements is the introduction of higher degrees of freedom (DOF) in robotic joints. This enhancement allows for more fluid and natural movements, a critical factor in humanoid robots that need to navigate complex environments. Historically, many humanoid systems struggled with balance and dexterity due to mechanical constraints. However, with these new drive systems, robots can achieve closer to 20 DOF, offering a substantial leap over earlier models that capped at 12-15 DOF.

Despite the promising capabilities, Mauerer was candid about the limitations that still exist in the current technology. The question of runtime and energy efficiency remains paramount. The new systems are designed to work with high-capacity lithium-ion batteries, yielding a runtime of around four hours per charge under ideal conditions. However, real-world applications often present challenges that can significantly reduce this duration, particularly in dynamic environments where power-hungry tasks like rapid movement or heavy lifting are required.

Moreover, the industry is grappling with the challenge of integrating these advanced systems into existing frameworks. As Mauerer noted, "The difficulty is not just creating powerful actuators; it’s about how they work together seamlessly." This speaks to the broader challenge of achieving Technology Readiness Levels (TRL) that move beyond lab prototypes into field-ready applications. While current prototypes show promising results in controlled environments, the transition to real-world operations remains fraught with uncertainties.

The comparison to previous generations highlights the incremental yet impactful improvements in robotic technology. The latest drive systems mark a significant upgrade from earlier iterations, which often relied on less efficient motors that generated heat and reduced effective operational time. By contrast, Maxon's new solutions leverage advanced power electronics, allowing for better thermal management and energy recovery during braking, thereby enhancing overall efficiency.

As humanoid robots become more integrated into workplaces and public spaces, the pressure to deliver reliable, capable systems intensifies. The implications are wide-ranging—from automating mundane tasks to potentially supporting human labor in hazardous environments. However, the industry must navigate the trade-offs between cost, complexity, and performance to ensure these robots can be deployed effectively.

Mauerer’s insights underscore the cautious optimism that permeates the robotics field. While advancements like those from Maxon are exciting, they also serve as a reminder of the hurdles that remain. Incremental progress is hard-won, and for every new capability, there are still fundamental engineering challenges to address.

As we look to the future, the real question remains: will these innovations translate into tangible improvements in real-world applications, or will they remain confined to the realm of demo reels?

Sources

Robot development, from actuators to AI