Maxon’s HEJ 90 Drive System Wins Top Honors, Ushering in a New Era for Robotics
SACHSELN, Switzerland – In a significant win for Central Switzerland’s tech sector, Maxon, a leading developer of drive systems, has been awarded the prestigious 39th Innovation Prize from the Central Switzerland Chamber of Commerce and Industry (IHZ) for its groundbreaking High Efficiency Joint 90 (HEJ 90). This breaking news signals a potential revolution in mobile robotics, promising more efficient, reliable, and adaptable robots across a multitude of industries. This is a story that’s already capturing attention – and for good reason.
The HEJ 90: A Game Changer for Mobile Robotics
The HEJ 90 isn’t just an incremental improvement; it’s a fundamental shift in how robot joints are designed and powered. Traditional industrial robots thrive in controlled environments. But the future demands robots that can navigate the unpredictable realities of warehouses, hospitals, farms, and even our homes. As Prof. Dr. Marco Hutter of ETH Zurich eloquently stated in his laudatory speech, the HEJ 90 “enables a new generation of robots” specifically optimized for these challenging, “uncontrolled and confusing work areas.”
What sets the HEJ 90 apart? It’s a trifecta of benefits: exceptional energy efficiency (leading to longer operating times), remarkable robustness (minimizing downtime), and intelligent control functions that allow robots to safely overcome obstacles and navigate uneven terrain. This isn’t just about building faster robots; it’s about building smarter, more dependable robots.
The inner workings of the Maxon HEJ90 drive system. (Image: zvg)
From Pilot Programs to Series Production: A Rapid Ascent
The HEJ 90 isn’t a concept confined to the lab. Since 2024, Maxon has been delivering the system to pilot customers – including prominent robotics companies and leading research institutions. The positive feedback has paved the way for a major milestone: series production is slated to begin at Maxon’s headquarters in Sachseln in 2026. This rapid transition from development to deployment underscores the immediate demand for this innovative technology.
The potential applications are vast. While assistance systems in nursing are frequently cited, the HEJ 90’s adaptability extends to manufacturing, logistics, agriculture, and beyond. Imagine robots capable of autonomously inspecting crops, delivering supplies in hospitals, or performing complex assembly tasks with unprecedented precision. The possibilities are truly exciting.
Central Switzerland’s Innovation Ecosystem Shines
The IHZ Innovation Prize isn’t just a recognition of Maxon’s achievement; it’s a testament to the thriving innovation ecosystem in Central Switzerland. As Jury President and Nidwalden Councilor of States Hans Wicki noted, “With the HEJ 90, Maxon shows that innovation from Central Switzerland can have a global impact.” This region is quickly becoming a hotbed for cutting-edge technology, attracting talent and investment.
Beyond Maxon: Recognizing Other Central Swiss Innovators
The IHZ 2025 also honored two other companies with recognition awards. Dätwyler Schweiz AG received praise for SoftPulse Flex, a new generation of electrodes for wearable neurotechnology devices. Küchler Technik AG was recognized for KÜPS® – Küchler Permanent System, a unique self-drilling anchoring solution for foundation engineering. These awards highlight the breadth and depth of innovation occurring across Central Switzerland.
The IHZ Innovation Prize, open to companies in Lucerne, Uri, Schwyz, Obwalden, and Nidwalden (and Zug-based IHZ members), isn’t industry-specific. The key criteria are a high level of innovation and a successful market launch – qualities that Maxon, Dätwyler, and Küchler Technik have all demonstrably achieved.
The HEJ 90’s success story is a powerful reminder that innovation isn’t just about technological breakthroughs; it’s about identifying real-world problems and developing solutions that make a tangible difference. As Maxon prepares for series production, the robotics landscape is poised for a significant transformation, driven by the ingenuity of a company rooted in the heart of Central Switzerland. Keep an eye on archyde.com for continued coverage of this evolving story and the latest developments in the world of robotics and SEO-driven Google News updates.
The Maxon team accepting the IHZ Innovation Prize 2025. (Image: Christoph Arnet / zvg)