Legged robots are finding applications in construction, utilities, and infrastructure inspection. Global drive expert maxon Group and autonomous robotics supplier ANYbotics AG today announced a strategic partnership, stating that it will strengthen Switzerland's position as a leading hub for robotics technology. The two companies stated that maxon will develop and produce actuator drives for ANYbotics's ANYmal robot.

maxon has 60 years of experience in manufacturing brushed and brushless DC motors, as well as gearboxes, encoders, controllers, and complete mechatronic systems. Its drives are used in demanding applications such as NASA Mars rovers, surgical tools, and humanoid robots. The company received the 2020 RBR50 Innovation Award and has more than 3,000 employees across 9 production sites and sales offices in over 30 countries worldwide.

ANYbotics was spun off from ETH Zurich (ETH Zurich) in 2016, and its 50 employees have been developing and marketing its autonomous robots for use in multiple industries. The startup states that ANYmal is designed specifically for inspection and monitoring. According to ANYbotics, the quadruped robot can climb stairs and slopes, and can also be used to perform hazardous maintenance tasks.

ANYbotics and maxon expand production and marketing

The maxon Group stated that its global production infrastructure and proven processes will help drive the industrialization and commercialization of ANYmal. Each robot uses 12 high-performance drive systems.

"At ANYbotics, we have found the ideal drive technology partner for transitioning from small-batch to mass production," said ANYbotics CEO PéterFankhauser. "With maxon's expertise and infrastructure, we will be able to further optimize the core elements of the robot and utilize the latest production methods."

maxon Group CEO Eugen Elmiger said: "Through the collaboration with ANYbotics, we are combining proprietary technologies from different fields." "The creativity and high responsiveness of a startup are combined with the globally stable industrial environment of the maxon Group. Together, we will create an energy-efficient, intelligent robot drive unlike anything seen before."

The two companies stated that they hope to begin volume sales of ANYmal soon, and that ANYbotics's robotics experience will help maxon tap into additional markets.

Swiss collaboration includes new laboratory

ANYbotics recently received the Swiss Economic Award in 2020 and was selected as the best young entrepreneur in the Swiss High-Tech/Biotech category.

To further strengthen their partnership, the two companies are also becoming geographically closer. maxon's headquarters is in Obwalden (Obwalden), and it is opening a laboratory in the Oerlikon district of Zurich, located not far from ANYbotics's Zurich campus. Here, engineers and technicians will meet to discuss project progress.

Additionally, maxon hopes to use the laboratory to further connect with ETH Zurich and the University of Zurich, providing technical support and workspace for young engineers, and attracting talent.

Elmiger said: "We are already heavily involved in vocational education in Zurich and Lucerne and the surrounding areas." "With the new laboratory, we will be in a better position to support talent in drive technology and robotics."