Synapticon
Synapticon is a German motion-control company developing integrated servo drives, actuators, and certified safety platforms (including the POSITRON Safety AI platform) for humanoid robots, robotic arms, mobile robots, and industrial machine builders.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded2012
- HeadquartersSchönaich, Germany
- Headcount51–100
- GTM typeB2B
- OfferingHardware or Manufacturing
What Synapticon does
Synapticon GmbH is a German motion-control technology company founded in 2012 and headquartered in Schönaich near Stuttgart, with additional offices in Redwood City (USA), Shenzhen (China), and an engineering presence in Belgrade (Serbia). The company develops and manufactures integrated motion-control hardware and software under a software-first principle, organized around the SOMANET servo drive platform (Node, Integro, Circulo, and Core SoC), the ACTILINK family of integrated servo motors and actuators (ACTILINK-S for compact servo motors, ACTILINK-JD for dynamic humanoid and legged-robot joints, ACTILINK-JP for precision applications such as semiconductors and medical robotics, plus a modular Custom Actuator platform), and the POSITRON Safety AI platform, which is the first certifiable safety architecture (TÜV SÜd-certified SIL3/PLe) addressing both mechanical instability and non-deterministic AI behavior in humanoid robots. Software offerings include the MOTORCORTEX Motion Control Suite and OBLAC Drive Tools, complemented by Synapticon Intelligence engineering and consulting services.
Synapticon serves four primary use-case segments: humanoid robot manufacturers, robotic arms and cobots, mobile robots (AMR/AGV), and machine builders for industrial automation. Its customer base spans enterprises such as Rheinmetall (defense cobots), Lenovo (hexapod robotics), Sumitomo Drive Technologies, Sensodrive, Automationware, and Cosmopack (packaging), alongside startups like ZJ Humanoid Robots, Robco, and J NOV TECH, supported by an online catalog for standard products and direct enterprise sales for custom programs.
The business model combines hardware sales (servo drives and actuators, including custom actuator mass-production contracts), software (MOTORCORTEX, OBLAC), and engineering services (Synapticon Intelligence), with quote-based and project-based pricing rather than publicly disclosed list pricing. The company has raised approximately $35.5M across disclosed equity rounds (Series C led by Stabilus in 2022, Series C2 led by Light Ray Ventures in 2023, plus earlier rounds) and received a strategic minority investment from Swiss Maxon Group in 2025 to support expansion into humanoid mass manufacturing.
Synapticon firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Synapticon
- Legal name
- Synapticon GmbH
- Website
- https://synapticon.com
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 2012
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 51–100 employees
- Short description
- Synapticon is a German motion-control company developing integrated servo drives, actuators, and certified safety platforms (including the POSITRON Safety AI platform) for humanoid robots, robotic arms, mobile robots, and industrial machine builders.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Synapticon industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Motion Control Systems for Robotics
- NAICS
- Relay and Industrial Control Manufacturing (335314), Speed Changer, Industrial High-Speed Drive, and Gear Manufacturing (333612)
- SIC
- Misc Industrial & Commercial Machinery & Equipment (3590), Special Industry Machinery, Nec (3559)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Motion & Machine Control (CNC, Robotics Controllers, Servo/Motion Controllers) (IMAGABAG)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- Motion Control Components (Servos, Drives, Motors, Encoders) (IMAHAHAG), Robot Hardware, Actuators & Components (sensors, grippers, motors) (HDAAAIAL), Motion Control Controllers & CNC/Robot Drives (Motion Controllers, Multi-axis) (IMAGACAH), Motion Control Electronics & Controls (Controllers, Drivers, Feedback Interfaces) (IMAHAGAJ), Industrial Controllers & Control Systems (PLCs, PACs, CNC Controllers) (IMAHAHAH), Human-Robot Interaction & Teleoperation Systems (HDAAAIAM)
Keywords
Where Synapticon is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Schönaich
- HQ country
- Germany
- HQ region
- Europe
Offices4 records
Markets served
Synapticon business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B
- Offering type
- Hardware or Manufacturing
- Cost components
- Personnel, Technology or R&D, Supply Chain, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure
Revenue model
- Motion Control Hardware Sales: Sale of integrated servo drives (SOMANET Node, Integro, Circulo), actuators (ACTILINK series), and accessories. Products are sold through direct sales, online catalog, and distribution. Revenue is primarily one-time hardware purchase with optional software components.
- Custom Actuator Development and Production: Development and manufacturing of custom actuators for specific robot applications, including engineering services through Synapticon Intelligence. Covers prototyping through mass production.
- Synapticon Intelligence Services: Engineering, consulting, and integration services including system architecture, control and safety concepts, customer-specific designs, and complete robot solutions.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | Standard Products - SOMANET Servo Drives and ACTILINK Actuators |
| Other | Multi-year contract | Custom Actuator Solutions |
| Other | Multi-year contract | Engineering and Consulting Services |
Go-to-market motion1 record
Distribution channels3 records
Marketing channels6 records
Synapticon product offering
Product offeringCore offering
Synapticon develops, manufactures, and sells integrated motion control hardware and software for robotics and industrial automation. Its core offerings include the SOMANET family of servo drives (Node, Integro, Circulo, Core SoC), the ACTILINK family of integrated servo motors and robot joint actuators (ACTILINK-S, ACTILINK-JD, ACTILINK-JP, and Custom Actuators), the SIL3/PLe-certified SOMANET Safe Motion functional safety extension, and the POSITRON Safety AI platform for humanoid robots, complemented by the MOTORCORTEX motion control software suite, OBLAC drive tools, and Synapticon Intelligence engineering services.
Product overview
Synapticon is a German motion control solutions provider that develops and manufactures integrated motion control hardware and software for robotics and industrial automation, with a strong focus on humanoid robotics and embodied AI. The product portfolio is organized as a platform-plus-modules architecture centered on the SOMANET servo drive family. The core hardware includes ACTILINK integrated servo motors and actuators (ACTILINK-S, ACTILINK-JD for dynamic/humanoid applications, ACTILINK-JP for precision applications) combined with SOMANET servo drives (Node, Integro, Circulo). Functional safety is delivered through SOMANET Safe Motion (SIL3 PLe-certified safety extension) and the POSITRON Safety AI platform (AI-based safety architecture for humanoid robots). Software offerings include MOTORCORTEX Motion Control Suite and OBLAC Drive Tools. Custom Actuators provide application-specific solutions, while Synapticon Intelligence delivers engineering and consultancy services. The company operates from a 'software-first' principle, developing servo drives with certified safety functions.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Brands
- SOMANET: Highly integrated high-performance servo drives for robot arms, mobile robots, and machines; includes SOMANET Node, SOMANET Integro, SOMANET Circulo, and SOMANET Core system-on-chip.
- ACTILINK
- POSITRON
- MOTORCORTEX
- OBLAC Drive Tools
- Synapticon Intelligence
Products and services
- ACTILINK-S World's most compact and efficient integrated servo motor with continuous power from 200 W to 1000 W and maximum torque up to 13 Nm, fully equipped with a SOMANET servo drive. Targeted at flexible packaging machines and industrial automation applications requiring compact integration of servo motors directly into machine parts.
- ACTILINK-JD High-dynamic robot joint actuators for humanoid robots, robot dogs, and exoskeletons, with peak torque densities up to 69.6 Nm/kg. Built on compact single-stage planetary gearboxes with high-resolution encoders (up to 20-bit) and integrated SOMANET Circulo servo drive; available in sizes 8, 9, 10, and 12 with rated torques from 6 Nm to 40 Nm and STO-SBC/Safe Motion safety functions.
- ACTILINK-JP Precision robot joint actuators using strain wave gearboxes for high-precision applications such as semiconductor manufacturing, medical technology, and industrial robotics. Features torque densities up to 63.2 Nm/kg, rated torques from 9.6 Nm to 137 Nm, and integrated SOMANET Circulo servo drive for precision-critical positioning.
- Custom Actuators Customizable actuator modules assembled from six configurable modules (bearing, motor 50W–2kW PMSM/BLDC, transmission, brake, encoder up to 24-bit, and housing), supporting dual-channel torque sensors with functional safety for mass production. Developed specifically for customer applications such as humanoid robots, with engineering services from prototype through mass production.
- SOMANET Circulo Highly integrated servo drive solution designed for robot joints, precision robotics, and humanoid applications. Available in sizes 7 and 9 with power ratings up to 48 V 60 A_rms, integrated encoder options, and STO+SBC safety via IO. Used by customers such as ZJ Humanoid Robots, Lenovo hexapod platform, and Sensodrive SensoJoints.
- SOMANET Integro All-in-one servo drives with integrated encoder, brake control, and multiple I/O options. Available in sizes 6 and 8 with power ratings from 20/60 to 40/120 A_rms continuous/peak, and support for EtherCAT, PROFINET, and EtherNet/IP communication protocols.
- SOMANET Node Highly integrated high-performance servo drives for robot arms, mobile robots, and machines. Supports multiple communication protocols (EtherCAT, PROFINET, EtherNet/IP, CANOpen, CANFD/RS485, Generic Ethernet) with optional Wi-Fi and functional safety configurations (STO+SBC, Safe Motion).
- SOMANET Core System-on-chip solution for the SOMANET platform, providing the core processing and control capabilities for integrated motion control applications across the SOMANET servo drive product family.
- POSITRON Safety AI AI-based safety architecture for humanoid robots and advanced robotics, providing Safe Motion, Safe Human Detection, and AI Behavioral Safety. First certifiable solution simultaneously addressing mechanical instability and non-deterministic AI behavior in humanoid robots; certified to SIL3/PLe by TÜV SÜd and integrated into the NVIDIA Halos robotics safety ecosystem.
- MOTORCORTEX Motion Control Suite Motion control software suite for multi-axis robot applications and machines, enabling coordinated control of complex robotic systems built on SOMANET servo drives and ACTILINK actuators.
- OBLAC Drive Tools Engineering and development tools for configuring, programming, and debugging Synapticon servo drives and motion control systems.
- Synapticon Intelligence Engineering, consulting, and integration services including system architecture, control and safety concepts, customer-specific designs, and complete robot solutions. Delivers turnkey safety and motion control infrastructure for machine builders, robotics manufacturers, and automation companies.
Quantifiable outcome
- 60-90% space savings with SOMANET Integrated Brake System compared to conventional solutions
- +4 more outcomes
Companies that use Synapticon
Customer profileNamed customers9 records
Segments4 records
Ideal customer profiles5 records
Synapticon technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed Yes
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Integration4 records
AI capability2 records
Feature10 records
Synapticon partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
Four partnerships are on record, tiered core and strategic.
- NVIDIAcoreSynapticon is a member of NVIDIA's robotics safety ecosystem (Halos). POSITRON Safety AI platform integrates directly with NVIDIA Halos, providing humanoid developers with an all-in-one safety solution. NVIDIA provides compute platform and ecosystem foundation; Synapticon provides certified safety software and engineering services for humanoid certification. NVIDIA expanded Halos into robotics at GTC Paris June 2025.
- Reynolds & MoorecoreSafety engineering partnership combining Reynolds & Moore's engineering expertise with Synapticon's certified drive and safety platform (POSITRON). Reynolds & Moore serves as on-site consulting and integration partner for safety engineering in humanoid robotics applications. Partnership formed for Automate 2026 humanoid safety panel.
- Generative BionicsstrategicGerman-Italian strategic partnership for European humanoid actuator technology. Goals include establishing resilient EU supply chain for humanoid robot drive systems, from development through manufacturing, certification, and integration. Three pillars: EU-secured supply chain for Generative Bionics' humanoid platform, joint development of custom drive units, and integrated safety architecture design using POSITRON platform.
- Maxon GroupstrategicSwiss Maxon Group acquired a strategic minority stake in Synapticon as part of a partnership to develop high-performance drive solutions with integrated safety features. Collaboration aims to expand combined portfolio of motion control systems for robotics and industrial machines. Synapticon is described as a 'strategic partner of the maxon Group' in company materials.
Scale indicators5 records
Recent moves6 records
Expansion highlights6 records
Synapticon competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- Maxon Group: Swiss precision motor and drive manufacturer; directly comparable in brushed/brushless DC motors, gearheads, and servo drives for robotics and medical. Maxon is now also a strategic investor in Synapticon, making it both a competitor and partner.
- Harmonic Drive: Manufacturer of precision strain wave gearboxes and servo actuators; directly comparable to Synapticon's ACTILINK-JP precision actuator line for semiconductor, medical, and robotics applications.
- Wittenstein: German manufacturer of precision gearboxes, servo actuators, and mechatronic drive systems; competes head-to-head with Synapticon's ACTILINK and SOMANET portfolio in robotics and machine-building applications.
- Faulhaber: German manufacturer of miniature and micro-precision drive systems; comparable in compact servo motors and integrated drives for robotics, medical, and automation — a direct overlap with Synapticon's compact ACTILINK-S line.
- Dunkermotoren: Manufacturer of integrated brushless DC servo motors and drive systems; comparable to Synapticon's ACTILINK-S and SOMANET integrated motor-drive products in industrial automation and robotics.
- TQ-RoboDrive: Manufacturer of frameless motors and integrated servo drives optimized for humanoid and collaborative robots; directly competes with Synapticon's ACTILINK-JD line in dynamic humanoid actuator applications.
- Allied Motion: US-based precision motion control company offering motors, drives, and integrated motion solutions; comparable product breadth to Synapticon across industrial, robotics, and vehicle applications.
- Elmo Motion Control: Israeli manufacturer of high-performance servo drives and motion controllers; directly comparable in compact, networked servo drives for robotics, AGVs, and harsh-environment applications.
Broad incumbents
- Bosch Rexroth: Large incumbent in industrial automation with broad motion control, drives, and robotics portfolios; competes with Synapticon in factory automation while offering wider end-to-end solutions.
- Pilz: Functional safety specialist offering safety controllers, sensors, and certification services; comparable to Synapticon's POSITRON safety platform in the functional safety layer for collaborative and humanoid robotics.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat5 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
Synapticon social profiles
Digital presenceSynapticon compliance and trust
Trust signalCompliance4 records
Synapticon financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Synapticon leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles7 records
Synapticon funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds8 records
Investors12 records
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Synapticon M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about Synapticon
What does Synapticon do?
Synapticon develops, manufactures, and sells integrated motion control hardware and software for robotics and industrial automation. Its core offerings include the SOMANET family of servo drives (Node, Integro, Circulo, Core SoC), the ACTILINK family of integrated servo motors and robot joint actuators (ACTILINK-S, ACTILINK-JD, ACTILINK-JP, and Custom Actuators), the SIL3/PLe-certified SOMANET Safe Motion functional safety extension, and the POSITRON Safety AI platform for humanoid robots, complemented by the MOTORCORTEX motion control software suite, OBLAC drive tools, and Synapticon Intelligence engineering services.
Is Synapticon a public or private company?
Synapticon is a private company. It is classified as venture growth investor backed and is currently operating.
When was Synapticon founded?
Synapticon was founded in 2012. It employs 51 to 100 people.
Where is Synapticon based?
Synapticon is headquartered in Schönaich, Germany, in the Europe region.
How does Synapticon make money?
Three revenue lines are on record. Motion Control Hardware Sales are the primary driver. The others are custom Actuator Development and Production and synapticon Intelligence Services.
Who are Synapticon's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are Maxon Group, Harmonic Drive, Wittenstein, Faulhaber, Dunkermotoren, TQ-RoboDrive, Allied Motion and Elmo Motion Control. Broad incumbents are Bosch Rexroth and Pilz.
Does Synapticon have an API?
No public API is recorded for Synapticon.
What industry is Synapticon in?
Synapticon's product category is Motion Control Systems for Robotics. Its primary akta.pro industry code is IMAGABAG, Motion & Machine Control (CNC, Robotics Controllers, Servo/Motion Controllers), with a secondary code of IMAHAHAG, Motion Control Components (Servos, Drives, Motors, Encoders). Its NAICS code is 335314 and its SIC code is 3590.