3d rendering robotic assisted surgery machine with surgery lights
By Antonio Herrera, Portescap
It’s no exaggeration to say that advances in robotics are reshaping modern medicine. From high-precision surgical platforms to automated drug delivery systems, robotic technologies are driving new standards in patient care, surgical performance, and procedural efficiency. As designs become more compact, mobile, and capable, they also place new demands on the components that drive them, particularly the motion systems at their core.
In this setting, motion precision is vital. Whether a robot is navigating the fine structure of the inner ear or threading a catheter through an artery, even the smallest deviation in motor behavior can alter outcomes. That’s why OEMs building the next generation of medical devices are increasingly turning to motion specialists who understand the real-world conditions of surgical theaters and treatment environments.
Portescap, a global leader in precision motor solutions, has long focused on this intersection of advanced motion and medical need. With decades of experience in motors, gearheads, encoders, and assemblies, the company develops systems that are purpose-built for healthcare applications.
Motion precision enables better surgical outcomes
In robotic-assisted surgery, control precision is directly tied to patient outcomes. Reducing invasiveness, improving accuracy, and shortening recovery time all depend on how reliably a motion system can translate surgical input into mechanical action. The smoother and more responsive the motor, the better the control over the end effector, and therefore the better the result for the patient.
One of the main technical barriers is cogging torque, which causes uneven or jerky motor rotation. Portescap addresses this with brushless DC (BLDC) motors featuring a slotless design, which helps eliminate cogging while maintaining high torque density.
These motors support the kind of sub-millimeter precision needed in microsurgery and advanced endoscopy, combining smooth motion with high speed and torque performance. Paired with high-resolution magnetic encoders, they deliver the real-time feedback required for advanced robotic control.
Designed for sterility and built to last
In many medical applications, device components must withstand repeated sterilization. Surgical power tools and robotic systems that come into direct contact with patients must be cleaned in ways that are both thorough and unforgiving, with steam sterilization as one of the most common methods.
For this reason, Portescap has developed a range of autoclavable motors, encoders, and gearheads that are designed to survive these conditions. Their slotted BLDC motors are designed to withstand more than 1,000 autoclave cycles, though can be customized to exceed 3,000 cycles. Encoders and gearheads are also validated for thousands of sterilization cycles. These capabilities not only ensure safety but also help hospitals manage costs and reduce waste by enabling reuse rather than relying on disposables.
Miniaturization without compromise
One of the biggest trends in medical robotics is the move toward smaller, lighter, and more ergonomic devices. This improves portability and usability, but it also places very heavy demands on motion systems.
Miniaturization introduces challenges such as heat management, reduced space for bearings and sensors, and tighter tolerances for assembly. At the same time, the motor must deliver enough torque and speed to perform demanding procedures, often within battery-powered systems where efficiency is critical.
Portescap meets these needs with compact motors that balance size with performance. Their Ultra EC™ brushless motors, for example, offer high torque in small diameters, making them suitable for portable infusion pumps, surgical handpieces, and robot joints. With diameters starting at 8 mm, these motors can integrate into tight spaces while still managing heat and maintaining dynamic response.
For disposable applications such as single-use injectors, Portescap provides brushed DC and stepper motor options. These designs are cost-effective but still deliver the torque and reliability required for safe dosing.
Customization for complex demands
Every application brings its own constraints. Speed, torque, footprint, sterilization method, and control interface all need to be balanced carefully. Off-the-shelf motors often fall short when multiple requirements converge.
That is why the majority of Portescap’s medical projects involve custom or semi-custom designs. Working closely with OEM design engineering teams, Portescap tailors motion solutions to meet precise technical and regulatory requirements. This might involve selecting materials for corrosion resistance, designing unique mechanical interfaces, or optimizing a motor’s response profile for a specific surgical need.
Engaging with motion experts early in the design phase makes it easier to achieve the right balance between performance and integration. It also helps avoid costly redesigns later in the development cycle.
Enabling the future of medical robotics
Medical robotics continues to advance rapidly. From AI-assisted surgery to automated diagnostics, the sector is full of innovation. But no matter how advanced the software becomes, hardware still determines what is possible. The physical systems at the heart of these tools must deliver consistent, precise, and reliable performance in demanding environments.
For engineers building these systems, motion design lies at the foundation of the device. Companies like Portescap bring not only a wide range of miniature motor technologies but also the application knowledge and customization experience needed to turn ambitious ideas into safe, effective medical solutions. As healthcare technology continues to evolve, the role of trusted motion partners will only grow more important.
Discover how Portescap’s precision motor solutions can bring unmatched accuracy, reliability, and customization to your next-generation medical devices: Learn More
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