Cars, drones, robots, and much more will be on display at this year’s Consumer Electronics Show (CES) — a show that’s come to be known as the place to see the latest technological machines, parts, and gadgets. Cutting-edge drones and the latest robots are joined by autonomous-driving technologies … all which rely on electric motors.

Nidec — the world’s largest manufacturer of motors, making three billion electric motors annually — will show its offerings for these disparate applications at the upcoming CES 2018 January 9 to 12 at the Las Vegas Convention Center — South Hall 2 Booth #25835.

Burgeoning drone and robotics industries will cause skyrocketing demand for motors.

“By the year 2050, the global population will reach nine billion — with three service robots for every human on earth. What’s more, the average robot will contain over 100 motors … so indeed, the market potential for motors in the field of robotics is nothing short of astronomical,” said Shigenobu Nagamori, CEO of Nidec.

Similar statistics apply to drones, electric cars, and IoT-ready household electronics, which is why Nidec is exhibiting at CES 2018.

Technology enthusiasts of all walks will find something new at this CES, as the show relates to innovations relevant to both B2C and B2B markets. Automation and connectivity as well as themes related to smart cities and digital healthcare will dominate; manufacturers will also showcase the latest advancements in mobility. All such technologies rely on advancements in semiconductors, sensors, and electric motors in every size and shape. For the latter, Nidec’s aim is to satisfy sustained demand for efficiency optimization, miniaturization, and customization.

CES 2018 Nidec demonstration: Haptic sensor experience — Visitors to Nidec in Las Vegas will experience (through a haptic sensor and actuator) a driving simulator in which the driver’s seat rumbles when the driver is drifting out of lane due to drowsiness. The technology drives Nidec’s own Wonder Sense that imparts a sense of touch that feels exceptionally realistic. Besides this advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) application, Wonder Sense works in simulated smartphone buttons — as well as in gaming and other home electronics.

CES 2018 Nidec demonstration: Drones — Here, CES 2018 attendees will see two drones … one equipped with a Nidec motor and one that’s not. The one equipped with Nidec technology gets better efficiency.

More motor technologies (and engineers) needed to support innovation

At CES 2018, we will be able to feel more than ever that the society will include a ever-increasing machines equipped with technology that allows ever-increasing autonomy. Deliveries by drone, helper-robots in home, autonomous busses and the like are drawing closer and closer to changing the everyday lives.

“Technological advancement will make the Society of the Future possible … and that will be driven by advancement in motors; after all, it’s motors that give machines the power to move,” added Nagamori.

But there aren’t enough motor engineers to support this demand for motors — which is why Nidec is expanding its research facility (the Nidec Research and Development Center) to a multi-national operation.

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Nidec was established in Kyoto, Japan in 1973 by Shigenobu Nagamori. In 1979, Nidec became the first company in the world to successfully commercialize a direct-drive spindle motor for HDDs based on a brushless dc motor. Since then, the company has grown into a comprehensive motor manufacturer encompassing about 300 subsidiaries employing more than 100,000 people throughout the world and with annual sales exceeding $10B. Nidec’s motors, drives, generators and related products work in a diverse range of applications — including computers, smartphones, home appliances, automobiles, manufacturing plants, and robots.