What role do platforms and custo mization play in this combination? Platforms provide the foundation for im- plementing customer-specific solutions efficiently and with manageable risk. Once the core technology and produc- tion processes have been established, we can respond more quickly and make targeted adaptations. Not every project can be based entirely on existing plat- forms. In such cases, it is important to communicate development risks openly – particularly with highly inte- grated systems. How do you balance innovation and stability in development? It is a classic trade-off. That is why we have dedicated advanced development teams that focus on new technologies while working closely with customers, universities, and partners. For us, inno- vation does not mean immediately pur- suing every new idea. It means deliber- ately deciding which technologies offer genuine added value and are mature enough to be integrated into products and platforms for the long term. Many current trends revolve around AI, robotics and automation. What role does motion control play here? These topics are closely connected. AI is fundamentally changing robotics. Ro- bots are leaving protected areas and moving into unstructured environments. They are also interacting increasingly with people, for example in logistics or industrial applications. In these appli- cations, motion control becomes a key technology because systems are becom- ing more complex, more connected, and more dependent on context. This re- quires functional safety, as humans and machines work in increasingly close proximity. This development is not a short-term hype. It will remain with us for many years. Alongside these visible
What personally excites you about technology and development at maxon? My background is in electrical engineer- ing, and I have worked with electric drives for many years. What particularly fascinates me is the interaction between the motor, electronics, gearhead and control system. Truly optimal solutions can only be created when these disci- plines are considered together – and that is something we place great importance on at maxon. maxon has a very broad portfolio. From a developer’s perspective, what is the real strength of that breadth? The strength lies in our strong technol- ogy base. Depending on the application, we can select precisely the right technol- ogy – from different motor concepts and gearheads to electronics. This breadth allows us to think freely and choose the solution that makes the most sense, both technically and commercially. It also en- ables us to develop system solutions without being constrained by a particu- lar technology from the outset. Where does a component end and motion control begin? That depends very much on the customer and the application. Some customers de- liberately want components only, while others are looking for integrated solu- tions. Both approaches have their place. The important point is that systems only perform well when the underlying com- ponents are first-class. Motion control becomes the central element precisely at this interface – where individual com- ponents become a functioning system. That is why we continue to invest heav- ily in the development of key technolo- gies and develop systems wherever they provide clear added value for the cus- tomer. It is not an either-or choice, but a deliberate balance.
trends, there are also topics that may seem less exciting, such as new regula- tory requirements and ensuring robust production processes and supply chains. However, these are crucial if innovative technologies are to be used reliably in practice. What advice would you give young engineers starting at maxon today? Find what genuinely interests you and become good at it – without allowing yourself to be guided too much by short- term trends. I have seen for myself how hypes change. Ultimately, what matters is doing something that continues to give you satisfaction over the long term. What distinguishes a good technical solution from a truly compelling one? A truly compelling solution does not only work under ideal conditions. It is well thought out, stable, and reliable in everyday use. That is where genuine technological depth and systems under- standing become apparent.
Profile Dr Stefan Müller has been Chief Technology Officer of the maxon Group since 2022 and is responsible for the company’s techno- logical strategy. He joined maxon in 2017 and holds a doctorate in electrical engineering from the Uni- versity of Stuttgart.
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Motion Control
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