Maxon Strengthens Motion Control Capabilities Through Strategic Stake in Synapticon

Summary

In July 2025, the Swiss precision drive specialist Maxon Group took a significant step toward expanding its motion control portfolio by acquiring a minority stake in Synapticon, a German company known for its innovative motion control solutions. The investment signals a strategic alignment for Maxon, one that underscores its growing focus on robotics and industrial automation.

Introduction to both companies

Maxon, headquartered in Switzerland, has long been recognized as a leader in precision motors and drive systems. Over decades, the company has built a reputation for delivering reliable, high-performance solutions across sectors ranging from industrial automation to medical technology. Today, Maxon is considered the largest player in the ultra-low voltage motors and drives market, giving it both scale and influence in a field where brand loyalty is critical.

Synapticon, in contrast, is a younger and more specialized company. Founded in Germany in 2012, Synapticon quickly carved out a niche in robotics-focused motion control. Its flagship product, the Somanet Circulo, is an integrated, compact, high-performance servo drive system that has gained traction in collaborative robotics and mobile robotics. Rather than emphasizing hardware alone, Synapticon built Circulo around a “software-first” design philosophy, enabling greater adaptability and, most importantly, integrated safety features. This focus has made the company an early mover in areas of automation where safety and intelligence are valued as highly as performance.

The growth of safety within motion control

When announcing the acquisition, it was no accident that Maxon placed particular emphasis on Synapticon’s advanced safety capabilities. As robots become more prevalent across industrial automation in a variety of applications, humans and machines are increasingly working in proximity with one another, as such, safety in motion control is becoming a necessity.

Synapticon has positioned itself at the forefront of this shift. The company was the first to release an “all-in-one” servo unit that integrates certified functional safety, drive, encoder and brake, establishing itself as a first-mover in this space. By investing in Synapticon, Maxon gains access to this expertise and can integrate it with its own hardware portfolio, enabling the creation of drive systems that can keep up with evolving safety standards.

Industry context and strategic implications

The Maxon–Synapticon partnership takes place at a time of accelerating demand for ultra-low voltage drives in robotics. As the range of robotics products becomes more diverse (mobile, cobot, industrial and humanoid), the number of applications in which robotics are integrated continues to increase. For example, according to our most recent Ultra Low Voltage (ULV) Motors & Drives 2025 report, the ULV segment in mobile robotics grew by 24% in 2024, underscoring how quickly the market has validated Synapticon’s early bet on this technology.

This acquisition also reflects a broader industry trend: partnerships between established hardware leaders and specialized innovators. As the complexity of motion control increases, performance alone is no longer sufficient; safety, intelligence and integration are now equally critical. Companies that can deliver all three are positioned to capture disproportionate growth. Synapticon exemplifies the type of specialized innovator that titans like Maxon are turning to, having secured a first-mover advantage in robotics-specific integrated products. Still, niche companies often face limits in scaling market share due to their focus on specific applications or industries. Through this partnership, Maxon gains safety-specific expertise, while Synapticon benefits from the resources and reach of a historical leader in the ULV market.

Looking ahead

The collaboration between Maxon and Synapticon has the potential to reshape motion control offerings in several industries. Synapticon has caught the attention of machine builders since its establishment due to the ability to create a unique tailored product for robotics-specific applications. By creating an integrated unit that embeds safety, encoders, braking and intelligence directly into the robotic joint, the company redefined the trade-offs traditionally associated with motion control in robotics.

In short, Maxon’s minority stake in Synapticon is less about short-term gains and more about positioning the company for the next wave of automation. For Maxon, it reinforces its dominance in precision drives by adding intelligence and safety. For Synapticon, it validates its differentiated approach and provides the scale to expand. Together, they signal how motion control is evolving: from hardware-centric systems toward integrated platforms that balance performance, safety and intelligence.