Accelerating Medical Device Development via Collaborative Motion Control Engineering

Developing high-throughput medical instruments, such as DNA sequencers or pharmacy automation robots, requires a seamless coupling of mechanics and motion control. Engineers must account for friction, resonance, and settling time holistically to achieve the repeatability and reliability required for laboratory environments.

Schaeffler, a global automotive and industrial supplier, frequently engineers custom mechatronic sub-assemblies for medical device OEMs. For over 15 years, the company has partnered with Teknic to power these systems, combining Schaeffler’s precision linear mechanics with Teknic’s high-performance servo components.

In one high-profile application, Schaeffler was tasked with designing the mechanical system for a next-generation DNA sequencing platform. The application required precise fluidic control and positioning of semiconductor chips. Rather than sourcing components in isolation, Schaeffler sought a motion control partner to ensure the mechanics and electronics worked as a unified system.

"What worked well in those projects was the close collaboration between the two companies," says Craig Hooker, Director of R&D Industrial and Mechatronics at Schaeffler. "We were putting together a mechanical system that also needed motors."

The system utilized Teknic’s Hudson brushless servo motors, which offer high torque density in a compact frame, driven by Eclipse servo drives. The Eclipse drives utilize state-of-the-art field-oriented control (vector control) algorithms, allowing for tight, reliable control of torque and speed, critical for the delicate handling of biological samples.

The partnership extended beyond hardware selection. When integrating the sub-assembly at the OEM’s facility, engineers from both Schaeffler and Teknic worked with the client together to fine-tune the performance and optimize the configuration.

"I remember going to the customer together... [we provided] on-site tuning and worked together to get that system up and working," says Craig. "My positive impression was that always worked very well… being able to partner together, engage the customer, and solve their problem as a combined solution."

This hands-on approach allowed the teams to squeeze every last bit of performance and throughput out of the system, ensuring the DNA sequencer met its rigorous speed and accuracy targets. Craig notes that this level of "hands-on support targeted towards OEMs" is a key differentiator in the motion control market.

For medical device manufacturers, component availability is as vital as performance. Changing a motor in an FDA-approved device often triggers costly requalification processes. Teknic addresses this through a business model focused on stable long-term pricing, reliable lead times, factory-direct sales, and published, volume-based pricing.

Craig highlights this transparency as a distinct advantage for their OEM customers. By combining Schaeffler’s mechanical expertise with Teknic’s reliable servo systems and OEM-centric business model, the team successfully delivered a robust, production-ready automated solution.