【For AGVs, AMRs, Collaborative Robots, and Medical Devices】End-to-End Support from Motor Selection and Prototype Evaluation to Mass Production

When developing AGVs (Automated Guided Vehicles), AMRs (Autonomous Mobile Robots), collaborative robots, and medical devices, it is important to select the most suitable drive system according to the required performance and operating environment. At the same time, various challenges can arise during development, including motor selection, compatibility with peripheral equipment, installation space constraints, durability requirements, and the supply structure needed for mass production.

For example, issues such as “the required torque or rotational speed cannot be achieved,” “connection or control with the driver or upper-level controller does not work properly,” “the prototype generates excessive heat or operates unstably,” and “there are concerns about the supply structure for mass production” are commonly encountered in many development projects.

MABUCHI MOTOR (THAILAND) CO., LTD. (hereinafter “Mabuchi Thailand”) leverages the expertise it has accumulated as a small motor manufacturer, together with its global development, production, and supply network, to support customers from motor selection and prototype evaluation through issue identification and technical support for mass production.
By working with customers from the early stages of development to identify issues and consider appropriate solutions, we help reduce design rework and support smoother product development.

1．Common Challenges When Selecting and Introducing Motors
Manufacturers and equipment makers in Thailand and other ASEAN countries often encounter the following challenges when selecting and introducing motors.

Communication standards do not match, preventing proper operation
If the communication interfaces between the driver and controller, such as CAN, EtherCAT, or Ethernet, are not compatible, commands for rotational speed or torque may not be transmitted correctly, making it difficult to achieve the intended operation.
In particular, when combining equipment that uses communication interfaces such as CANopen or EtherCAT, it is important to confirm compatibility and verify operation in advance.

Installation space and structural constraints
In applications such as the joints of collaborative robots, motors must often be installed within very limited spaces.
In addition to being compact and lightweight while still providing the required torque, the motor may also need to match the overall machine design, for example through a hollow structure that allows internal wiring to pass through.

Durability suited to the operating environment is required
The durability required of a motor varies significantly depending on the application.
Medical devices may require heat resistance to withstand high-temperature sterilization as well as waterproof performance to prevent moisture ingress. Automatic doors in commercial facilities repeatedly open and close whenever people pass through, requiring motors that can provide long service life and stable operation.

Concerns about procurement and after-sales support
When overseas products are used, issues may arise such as longer lead times, shortages of spare parts, or insufficient technical support after installation.
In addition, in consideration of geopolitical risks and tariff impacts, an increasing number of companies are diversifying procurement sources and stabilizing their supply chains so that they can continue operations even if unexpected disruptions occur.

2．Initiatives in the Three Growth Areas of Mobility, Machinery, and Medical
Mabuchi Thailand identifies Mobility, Machinery, and Medical as three growth areas and provides motors suited to each application together with technical support.

2.1 Mobility: Motors for AGVs, AMRs, and Other Mobile Platforms
The drive systems of AGVs and AMRs require wheel-drive motors selected according to payload, travel speed, and operating environment.
Mabuchi Thailand reviews customer requirements and specifications and proposes motors suited to the intended application. When necessary, we also work with partner companies to consider configurations that include peripheral components such as wheels and controllers.
Evaluation samples can also be provided, allowing customers to verify performance and operation on actual equipment from the early stages of development. This also supports customers such as startups that first want to validate their concepts using prototypes.
If the communication standards of the motor and controller are incompatible, we investigate the cause and work with the customer to consider improvements required for normal operation.

2.2 Machinery: Motors for Collaborative Robots and Automation Equipment
For collaborative robots and automation equipment, we propose high-efficiency, long-life brushless motors.

Hollow Frameless Motors
Hollow frameless motors are used in applications such as the joints of collaborative robots.
Their hollow structure makes it easier to secure wiring space inside the joint, helping to reduce the size of the robot arm while providing greater design flexibility.

Brushless Motors for Equipment with High-Frequency Operation
For equipment that repeatedly opens and closes at high frequency, such as automatic doors in commercial facilities and factories, long-life, low-noise brushless motors are well suited.
Because there is no brush wear, performance can be maintained more easily over long periods of use, and the motors also offer strong resistance to electrical noise.

2.3 Medical: Motors and Pumps for Medical Devices
Medical devices require stable performance together with heat resistance and waterproof characteristics suited to the application.
Within the Mabuchi Group, Switzerland-based Mabuchi Electromag provides motors for applications such as surgical drills and powered staplers. These products are characterized by their ability to maintain stable performance even at high rotational speeds.
For reusable surgical instruments, products with autoclave sterilization compatibility and waterproof performance can also be proposed according to the application.

We also offer medical pumps used in products such as blood pressure monitors and medical massage equipment.

For standards and certifications required in the medical field, we work in coordination with other Group companies.

3．Technical Support from the Development Stage
One of Mabuchi Thailand’s strengths is that we do more than simply supply motors; we can also support customers in addressing technical issues from the development stage onward.

3.1 Organizing Requirements and Selecting Products
We confirm requirements such as torque, rotational speed, operating voltage, external dimensions, and operating environment, and then propose standard products suited to the application.
If standard products cannot meet the requirements, we also consider the possibility of specification changes or customization.

3.2 Confirming Compatibility Between Motors and Controllers
We review the communication interfaces among the motor, driver, and upper-level controller, and organize connection requirements for systems such as CANopen and EtherCAT.
If the expected operation cannot be achieved during prototype testing, we review the operating status of the overall system, identify causes related to the motor and drive system, and then propose improvement measures.

3.3 Operational Verification Using Prototypes
The motor is operated under actual load conditions to check factors such as heat generation, rotational behavior, and stability during continuous operation.
By identifying the causes of problems during the prototype stage and making improvements, issues after the start of mass production can be reduced.

3.4 Development and Supply Structure Supporting the ASEAN Region
The Thailand entity provides sales and technical support in cooperation with the research and development base in Vietnam to support customers throughout the ASEAN region.
The Vietnam research and development base can also handle specification changes to existing products. By utilizing locations and Group companies in Japan, China, Vietnam, Switzerland, and other countries, a multi-location development and supply structure has been established.

4．Summary: Consistent Support from Motor Selection and Prototype Evaluation through Mass Production
When developing AGVs, AMRs, collaborative robots, and medical devices, it is necessary to consider not only the performance of the motor itself, but also compatibility with controllers and peripheral equipment, durability under the intended operating environment, and stable supply during mass production.
Mabuchi Thailand has manufacturing know-how and quality control systems developed through its experience in motors for automotive electrical equipment. We apply this knowledge to industrial equipment, robotics, and medical devices and provide continuous support from motor selection and prototype evaluation through mass production.
If you are considering replacing an existing motor, stabilizing your supply chain or diversifying procurement sources, addressing heat generation or operational problems during prototyping, or checking compatibility with peripheral equipment, please contact us.

※For more details, please download the attached materials or contact us via the form below.