Maxon Expands Motion Control Leadership with Strategic Investment in Synapticon
Maxon Strengthens Motion Control Capabilities Through Strategic Stake in Synapticon
Maxon’s Strategic Move in the Motion Control Landscape
In July 2025, Maxon Group, a global leader in precision drives and motion control systems, announced a strategic minority investment in Synapticon, a German motion control specialist.
This move strengthens Maxon’s position in industrial automation and robotics, signaling a clear focus on integrating intelligent drive systems into next-generation control platforms.
According to MarketsandMarkets, the global motion control market is projected to exceed $21 billion by 2028, underscoring the strategic importance of this partnership.
Company Profiles: Precision Meets Innovation
Maxon, based in Switzerland, has long been recognized for delivering high-precision motors used in factory automation, robotics, and medical devices.
Its leadership in ultra-low voltage (ULV) drives has allowed it to dominate applications requiring compact and efficient servo systems.
Meanwhile, Synapticon, founded in 2012, brings software-driven innovation to motion control.
Its flagship product, the Somanet Circulo, is a compact, integrated servo drive system that combines drive, encoder, brake, and safety in one unit — redefining how motion systems perform in robotics.
Safety and Intelligence: Redefining Modern Motion Control
As automation technologies evolve, safety and intelligence are becoming as vital as precision.
Synapticon pioneered the world’s first integrated servo drive with functional safety certification, allowing robots to operate securely alongside humans.
This aligns with new ISO 10218-2 and IEC 61508 safety standards for industrial robots.
Maxon’s investment ensures that its drive systems will meet these emerging standards while expanding their use in PLC-controlled and DCS-based automation environments.
Moreover, the integration of safety into hardware design enhances factory automation reliability and reduces risk in collaborative operations.
Market Implications and Industry Shifts
The collaboration comes amid rapid growth in robotic control systems and intelligent actuators.
According to Statista, global robotics shipments grew by 17% in 2024, with a large portion coming from mobile and collaborative robots.
Synapticon’s “software-first” design philosophy aligns with this trend, allowing drive systems to adapt to complex, data-driven control environments.
Maxon, through this partnership, can integrate AI-based motion algorithms and real-time feedback loops, ensuring smoother control and predictive maintenance in factory automation systems.
As a result, both companies are positioned to capture significant market share in the evolving motion control ecosystem.
Expert Insights from World of PLC
According to World of PLC, this partnership demonstrates how traditional motor manufacturers are embracing software-defined automation.
The integration of intelligent motion modules into industrial control systems allows engineers to achieve high-speed precision without sacrificing safety.
From experience, many system integrators now seek drive systems that merge functional safety with compact form factors.
This collaboration between Maxon and Synapticon reflects the next step in mechatronic innovation — transforming hardware-centric systems into smart, adaptive control platforms.
Application Scenarios and Future Outlook
The combined expertise of Maxon and Synapticon offers significant benefits for real-world applications:
- ✅ Collaborative Robots (Cobots): Enhanced joint safety and torque feedback for human-robot interaction.
- ⚙️ Mobile Robotics: Efficient ULV drives optimized for energy efficiency and compact integration.
- 🔧 Factory Automation: Intelligent motion modules supporting high-speed positioning and predictive maintenance.
Looking ahead, the partnership will likely accelerate the convergence of motion control and industrial AI, shaping how machines perceive, react, and collaborate in production environments.
To explore advanced motion control solutions and automation technologies, visit
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Why did Maxon invest in Synapticon?
Maxon aims to combine its precision drive expertise with Synapticon’s advanced motion control software and safety integration capabilities.
2. How does this partnership impact industrial automation?
It enables smarter, safer, and more compact motion control solutions for use in PLC-based and DCS automation systems.
3. What industries will benefit most from this collaboration?
Robotics, factory automation, and medical device sectors will benefit from integrated safety, precision, and intelligence in motion control.
Conclusion: A New Era for Intelligent Motion Systems
The Maxon–Synapticon partnership represents a forward-looking investment in the future of motion control.
By merging precision hardware with intelligent software, both companies are paving the way for safer and more adaptive industrial automation systems.
This collaboration not only strengthens Maxon’s leadership but also highlights how innovation and strategic investment are reshaping the automation landscape.
