What is driving demand for ultra-low voltage motors and drives?

The proliferation of mobile robotics, automated storage and retrieval systems (AS/RS), automated sortation, surgical robotics, and early-stage humanoid platforms has pushed ultra-low voltage (ULV) motors and drives into the spotlight. These components now demonstrate the precision, energy efficiency, and compact form factors required by next-generation automation systems. Rather than isolated technology swaps, these shifts signal a broader transformation across the motion control industry. As we look ahead, structural market trends and technical advancements are converging, setting the stage for new growth.

Our analysis indicates the next phase of market expansion will be driven by five factors:

• Growth of mobile robotics
• Warehouse automation recovery
• Semiconductor manufacturing expansion
• Increasing automation of small axes
• Continued replacement of pneumatic systems

The rest of this insight explores each driver and its implications for ULV motors and drives suppliers, OEMs, and integrators.

1. Growth of mobile robotics

The proliferation of AGVs and AMRs across logistics, warehousing, and industrial environments is driving increased demand for ULV motors and drives. These robots rely on compact, battery-powered motion systems that balance efficiency, torque, and safety in human-centric settings. Suppliers that focus on providing integrated safety functionality within compact integrated designs are likely to capture a share of this expanding mobile robotics segment.

2. Warehouse automation recovery

After a short-term downturn caused by macroeconomic headwinds and investment delays, warehouse automation is expected to rebound sharply from 2026. This recovery will be driven by the need for flexible, scalable solutions, including AS/RS, automated sortation systems, and mobile robotics. These next-generation systems increasingly rely on ultra-low voltage motion components to meet requirements for safety compliance, energy efficiency, and compact integration. The resurgence will be particularly strong in sectors such as e-commerce and retail logistics, where adaptability and operation time are critical. Vendors offering scalable ULV solutions and simplified safety integration will be well-positioned to capture market share as facilities modernize, and new greenfield projects accelerate.

3. Semiconductor manufacturing expansion

With governments and private sector stakeholders investing heavily in the development of semiconductor fabrication plants (fabs), the semiconductor electronics and machinery industry is emerging as a key growth sector for ULV products. Motion control solutions used in wafer handling and photolithography require the precision, reliability, and compact footprint that ULV motors and drives are well-suited to deliver. To capture opportunities in semiconductor manufacturing, suppliers must deliver ULV solutions that combine compact design with extreme precision and reliability. Products optimized for cleanroom compliance, ultra-low vibration, and that include absolute encoders will be critical to meet the stringent performance requirements of semiconductor electronics and machinery applications.

4. Increasing automation of small axes

As automation becomes more affordable and scalable, OEMs are increasingly automating small subsystems that have traditionally been left manual. ULV motors and drives make this transition viable by offering a modular, lower-cost, and compact solution. This trend is evident in packaging and electronics assembly, where adding automated secondary axes improves adaptability and throughput. This will result in a greater number of ULV motion systems emerging, spurring demand for these components over the long term. Vendors that develop modular product families and user-friendly personalization tools will benefit as machine builders seek cost-effective, quick-to-implement solutions.

5. Continued replacement of pneumatic systems

Pneumatics has long been a staple in automation, but its limitations, poor energy efficiency, lack of precision, and higher maintenance demands are increasingly untenable. Falling costs and enhanced performance of ULV technology have strengthened the business case for ULV systems. The result is a continued migration away from pneumatic actuation in industries where electric automation is viable. Suppliers that can demonstrate lifetime cost savings and simplified installation for ULV alternatives will accelerate pneumatic displacement in both new installations and retrofit scenarios.

Looking ahead: The next wave of motion control innovation

The forecast period will be defined less by a single breakthrough and more by the convergence of multiple trends. Electrification is fuelling smarter automation, while the proliferation of mobile robots and the continued growth in warehouse automation provide new opportunities for ultra-low voltage vendors.

Stay tuned as we unpack data from the new ULV report and analyse the strategic implications for suppliers, OEMs, and end-users navigating an industry in transition.

Clara Sipes is a market analyst at 

interactanalysis.com