TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Foxconn and its subsidiary Pan-International Industrial Corp. will invest NT$1.18 billion (US$37 million) to acquire a 52% stake in Belgian startup Magnax, aiming to advance humanoid robot development.
Pan-International will acquire a 37.28% stake in Magnax, becoming the company’s largest shareholder. Chair Lee Kuang-yao (李光曜) said the investment will give the company access to core technologies for humanoid robots and high-performance electric motors, per CNA.
The company is expected to acquire Magnax’s patent technology for yokeless axial flux motors, a compact and lightweight type of electric motor that delivers high power and torque. Compared with conventional radial flux motors, the technology is better suited for humanoid robots where space and weight are limited.
Pan-International said the technology will help enhance its robotics power systems. Beyond robotics, the technology could also be applied to cooling systems in factories and data centers, the company noted.
Humanoid robots have around 40 to 50 joints, placing high demands on motor size and endurance. With growing demand for robotics, Pan-International said it will use Magnax’s technology to enhance applications in humanoid robot hip and upper limb joints.
Lee added that Pan-International has long focused on wiring harness and printed circuit board manufacturing. The company is also shifting to supply advanced components for AI servers and EVs to expand its market presence.
FTC, another Foxconn subsidiary, manufactures the FoxBot robotic arms used in Foxconn’s electronics production. It has expanded its supply of components for humanoid robots. With Foxconn set to deploy humanoid robots on its US AI server production line in this year’s first quarter, FTC is expected to play a key role as a supplier.
