Three Big Ultra-Low Voltage Plays by Major Automation Vendors

Summary

The ultra-low voltage (ULV) motor and drive market is undergoing rapid transformation, with major players making bold moves to secure their foothold in this high-growth market. Recent announcements from Siemens, Bosch Rexroth and Lenze highlight the three biggest trends shaping the industry today: legacy motion control suppliers entering the market, the rise of modular solutions, and intensified competition driving innovation.

These developments underscore the growing importance of ULV technologies in sectors such as mobile robotics, packaging and intralogistics.

Siemens finalizes acquisition of ebm-papst’s IDT division

On July 1, 2025, Siemens announced its acquisition of ebm-papst’s industrial drive technology (IDT) business, marking a pivotal step into the ultra-low voltage motors and drives market. This acquisition brings together Siemens, a legacy motion control leader, with ebm-papst’s expertise in motors to create a portfolio that better serves fast-growing ULV applications, particularly mobile robotics.

Siemens’ limited presence in the <60 V motor segment makes this move both strategic and necessary. By combining its robust drives business with ebm-papst’s motor technologies, Siemens can now offer a turnkey ULV motion solution. This is an offering increasingly demanded by industries experiencing rapid automation growth. Mobile robotics has emerged as a key driver of this strategy, with Siemens recognizing the critical importance of securing a competitive foothold in the market.

The rise of ULV technology is reshaping the industrial motors and drives landscape, forcing legacy suppliers to adapt or risk missing the boat. Acquisitions such as this reflect a broader trend – as seen with recent moves by companies like Regal Rexnord and Bosch Rexroth–where established players are consolidating expertise to capture a share of this fast-growing market.

We believe Siemens’ acquisition not only validates forecasts projecting strong growth for ULV technologies but also highlights the accelerating growth of mobile robotics. It signals that major players view ULV as a core driver of the future of industrial motion control; like Bosch Rexroth’s push with the Rokit platform.

Bosch Rexroth develops highly flexible Rokit mobile robot offering

Flexibility has become a defining theme in the ultra-low voltage motors and drives market, especially among mobile robot suppliers. Suppliers are increasingly asking component vendors for more semi-custom solutions that fit the specifics of their robot designs. They don’t want to be forced into a choice between an integrated or non-integrated solution. Bosch Rexroth’s Rokit speaks directly to that need.

From a hardware-first perspective, the wheel-drive module can be dropped into multiple mechanical and performance configurations, giving engineers the ability to create a semi-custom solution. Bosch allows customers to select only the components they require (such as the wheel drive) or opt for a complete mobile robotics package. This flexible approach positions Rokit as a particularly compelling solution for OEMs.

As mobile robot fleets grow and innovate, there is greater diversity within the sector. OEMs will increasingly favour vendors that offer configurable and flexible components. Rokit is an early example of that trend, and we expect more ULV component suppliers to begin meeting engineers where they are, rather than forcing them into rigid product ecosystems.

As motor drum rollers (MDR) grow in importance, Lenze announces its own product

MDR platforms are expanding at a rate that exceeds the broader intralogistics markets, increasingly serving as replacements for traditional conveyor systems. The MDR market has been historically dominated by three companies: Interroll, Itoh Denki, and Pulseroller. For established motion control suppliers with significant installed bases in intralogistics applications, the rise of MDR poses a risk. Without an MDR offering, vendors risk losing customers that transition to roller-based conveying solutions.

Lenze, a long-standing player in intralogistics with a portfolio encompassing controls, drives, and motion hardware, has addressed this challenge through the introduction of its o450 MDR. This product provides Lenze with a strategic safeguard, ensuring it can retain existing customers and compete effectively as MDR adoption accelerates.

The o450 serves as a complementary addition to Lenze’s portfolio, enabling the company to participate in a fast-growing product category and reduce the risk of customer attrition. Similar strategies are likely to be pursued by close competitors, including SEW-Eurodrive and NORD Drivesystems, as the MDR segment continues to expand and attract greater R&D investment.

Looking forward

Together, the actions of Siemens, Bosch Rexroth and Lenze paint a clear picture of where ULV is headed: a future defined by market consolidation and a relentless push for innovation. With legacy players entering the space and pushing boundaries, the ULV market is firmly positioned in its growth phase.