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maxon’s IDX integrated servo motor. | Credit: maxon

maxon’s new IDX compact integrated servo gearmotor + drive combines a powerful, brushless EC-i motor and an EPOS4 positioning controller, which can be complemented with a maxon planetary gearhead when required. This integrated motor features high torque density, high efficiency, maintenance-free components, and a high-quality industrial housing providing IP65 protection. The IDX also features configurable digital and analog inputs and outputs, and intuitive software enabling easy commissioning and integration into master systems.

maxon IDX integrated servo motors are suitable for use across the entire speed range (from standstill to maximum speed) and have an extremely high overload capability. Together with its internal positioning controller and integrated single turn absolute encoder, absolute positioning is standard.

The IDX motors have a large functional scope for systems with an operating voltage from 12 to 48 Vdc. They’re flexible for use in industrial applications, robotics, AGVs and logistics applications with the most stringent of requirements, such as autonomous transport systems.

maxon also recently announced a partnership with Switzerland-based legged robotics developed ANYbotics. maxon will develop and produce actuators for ANYbotics’ ANYmal quadruped robot that is designed for inspection and monitoring. The robot can climb stairs and inclines, and it could also be used to take on dangerous maintenance tasks.

maxon has 60 years of experience making brushed and brushless DC motors, as well as gearheads, encoders, controllers, and entire mechatronic systems. Its drives are used in highly demanding applications such as NASA’s Mars rovers, surgical tools, and humanoid robots. The company, which won a 2020 RBR50 innovation award, has more than 3,000 employees at nine production sites and sales representation in more than 30 countries.

Robin Phillips, head of the maxon SpaceLab, was a guest recently on The Robot Report Podcast. maxon produced 10 drives for NASA’s Perseverance Rover, which is scheduled to land on Mars on February 18. The discussion, which you can listen to below starting at the 42:32 mark, hits on building and testing components for space, mistaking life on Mars for human skin cells, sending humans to Mars, and how maxon has adapted to COVID-19.