What Planar Motor does

Planar Motor Incorporated (PMI) is a privately held Canadian industrial automation company, founded in 2016 and headquartered in Richmond, BC, that designs, manufactures, and sells magnetic levitation planar motor conveying systems. Its core technology consists of XBots (magnetic levitation movers) that glide contactlessly over Flyways (stator surfaces) using electromagnetic forces, enabling frictionless, six-axis (X, Y, Z, pitch, roll, yaw) motion with zero particulate generation and zero mechanical wear. The system is orchestrated by the PMC Controller, which manages path planning, collision avoidance, and traffic coordination across up to 200 Flyways and 140 XBots per controller, with multi-PMC configurations enabling unlimited scalability. Software stack includes the Planar Motor Tool (PMT) for layout design and emulation, the Application Designer for workflow definition, and PMLib — a unified library supporting 25+ industrial control platforms including Siemens, Rockwell, Beckhoff, Omron, Keyence, Mitsubishi, ABB, and software languages such as Python, C#, MATLAB, and LabVIEW.

PMI serves global enterprise customers across automotive components, food and beverage, pharmaceutical, medical devices, semiconductor, laboratory automation, cosmetics, and packaging verticals, with named users including TE Connectivity, IMA Life, Lila Sciences, KAO, CT Pack, M10 Solar, Coesia, and Tensentric. Revenue is generated through hardware sales (XBots, Flyways, PMC controllers, and pre-configured turnkey systems K3-2 through K3-16), software licensing, spare parts, and training programs, with quote-based enterprise pricing and multi-year contracts. Go-to-market combines direct enterprise field sales, certified integrator and OEM partner networks spanning 30+ countries, and brand-labelling through ABB/B&R's ACOPOS 6D; the company maintains regional sales offices in Canada (HQ), Germany, China, Japan, and Italy. PMI holds proprietary technology rooted in MIT (1997) and UBC research, with native integration partnerships across all four major global automation vendors (ABB/B&R, Rockwell, Siemens, Mitsubishi).

Name

Planar Motor

Legal name

Planar Motor Incorporated

Website

https://planarmotor.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

2016

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Planar Motor designs and sells magnetic levitation planar motor conveying systems that enable contactless, six-axis flexible transport for global enterprise manufacturers across automotive, pharmaceutical, food and beverage, packaging, semiconductor, and laboratory automation verticals.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Industrial Automation Motion Control

NAICS

Mechanical Power Transmission Equipment Manufacturing (333613), Other Measuring and Controlling Device Manufacturing (334519), Navigational, Measuring, Electromedical, and Control Instruments Manufacturing (33451)

SIC

Motors & Generators (3621), Industrial Instruments For Measurement, Display, And Control (3823), General Industrial Machinery & Equipment (3560)

akta.pro primary industry

Motion Control Components (Servos, Drives, Motors, Encoders) (IMAHAHAG)

akta.pro secondary industries

Motion & Machine Control (CNC, Robotics Controllers, Servo/Motion Controllers) (IMAGABAG), Industrial Controllers & Control Systems (PLCs, PACs, CNC Controllers) (IMAHAHAH), Motion Control Electronics & Controls (Controllers, Drivers, Feedback Interfaces) (IMAHAGAJ), Automated Guided Vehicles (AGVs) & Autonomous Mobile Robots (AMRs) (IMAHABAB)

Keywords

• Magnetic levitation motors
• Planar motor systems
• Industrial automation equipment
• Flexible manufacturing transport
• Motion control systems

Headquarters

HQ city

Richmond

HQ country

Canada

HQ region

North America

Offices4 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

Personnel, Technology or R&D, Supply Chain, Operations, Marketing or Sales

Revenue model

1. Hardware Sales (XBots, Flyways): Sale of magnetic levitation planar motor components including XBots (movers) and Flyways (stators). Available in 3-Series (30mm pitch) and 4-Series (40mm pitch) configurations.
2. PMC Controllers: Sale of Planar Motor Controllers (PMC) that coordinate XBot movements and handle system-level complexity. PMC C-6.2 model with specs: 179 x 136 x 29.5 mm, 1.0 kg, 18-58 VDC, 7W power consumption, IP rating for washdown.
3. Turnkey Systems: Pre-configured plug-and-play systems including K3-2 (2 Flyways, 2 XBots), K3-4 (4 Flyways, 4 XBots), K3-8 (8 Flyways, 8 XBots), and K3-16 (16 Flyways, 16 XBots) configurations for immediate deployment.
4. Software and Licensing: Software including Planar Motor Tool (PMT), Application Designer, and PMLib for integration with 25+ PLC and PC platforms. Simulation capabilities with Visual Components, iPhysics, and Emulate3D.
5. Spare Parts: Replacement parts program with 24-hour shipping for most requested items stored at regional offices.
6. Training Program: Educational pricing and special options for research institutions and universities to support next-generation automation skills development.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion3 records

Distribution channels3 records

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

Planar Motor designs, manufactures, and sells magnetic levitation planar motor systems for industrial automation. Its products include XBots (contactless magnetic levitation movers), Flyways (modular stator surfaces), the PMC Controller, and supporting software (PMLib, Planar Motor Tool, Application Designer), sold individually or as pre-configured turnkey systems. The technology enables flexible, scalable, software-defined transport for manufacturing lines across industries such as automotive, pharmaceutical, food and beverage, semiconductor, and laboratory automation.

Product overview

Planar Motor offers a modular magnetic levitation planar motor system for flexible, scalable manufacturing transport. The portfolio comprises two product series: the 3-Series (30mm pitch) with M3 XBots and S3 Flyways for compact applications, and the 4-Series (40mm pitch) with M4 XBots and S4 Flyways for larger-scale industrial use. These movers levitate non-contact over stators, eliminating wear and particulate generation. The system is orchestrated by the PMC Controller (Planar Motor Controller) which handles all XBot coordination, path planning, and collision avoidance. Software tools include the Planar Motor Tool (PMT) for design/simulation, Application Designer for workflow definition, and PMLib for integration across 25+ PLC and PC platforms. Turnkey Systems (K3-2, K3-4, K3-8, K3-16) provide pre-configured plug-and-play setups for demonstration and development. The system enables dynamic routing, software-defined layouts, zero maintenance, and precise 6-axis motion control across diverse industries including automotive, food & beverage, pharmaceuticals, semiconductors, and laboratory automation.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• M3 XBot 30mm-pitch magnetic levitation mover that glides over S3 Flyways using non-contact electromagnetic forces. Provides precise 6-axis control (X, Y, Z, roll, pitch, yaw) with zero wear and zero particulate generation, designed for flexible manufacturing transport.
• S3 Flyway 30mm-pitch stator surface with linear coil array over which M3 XBots levitate. Modular construction enables infinite expandability and software-defined reconfiguration of layout, eliminating fixed-path constraints.
• M4 XBot 40mm-pitch magnetic levitation mover designed for heavier payloads and larger workspaces. Offers 6-axis control including Rz (full rotation) capabilities for industrial-scale flexible manufacturing applications. 40mm-pitch stator surface compatible with M4 XBots, designed for industrial applications requiring larger pitch spacing and heavier payloads.
• PMC Controller Planar Motor Controller that acts as the brain of the system, coordinating all XBot movements, path planning, collision avoidance, and traffic management. One PMC controls up to 200 Flyways and 140 XBots, with multiple PMCs enabling unlimited scalability. Compact PMC controller model (179 x 136 x 29.5 mm, 1.0 kg) supporting 18-58 VDC power input, 7W consumption, natural convection cooling, washable design, and industrial protocols including EtherCAT, Profinet IRT, Powerlink, EtherNet/IP, CC-Link IE Field, and CC-Link IE TSN.
• Planar Motor Tool (PMT) Graphical design and simulation tool for all Planar Motor projects. Enables building Flyway layouts, running full emulation without hardware, and testing PMLib commands interactively before deploying to real systems without code changes. Visual workflow tool for defining stations and paths. Allows PLC/PC to simply command XBots to move to stations without managing low-level motion details, simplifying application development.
• PMLib Unified software library available across 25+ PLC and PC platforms including Siemens, Rockwell, Beckhoff, Omron, Keyence, Mitsubishi, ABB/B&R, Schneider Electric, Phoenix Contact, WAGO, CODESYS, INOVANCE, Python, C#, MATLAB, and LabVIEW. Enables developers to integrate Planar Motor control into existing automation environments. Pre-configured plug-and-play turnkey system with 2 S3-AS Flyways and 2 M3-06 XBots. Ready-to-use demonstration and development platform controllable via PC or PLC for immediate evaluation.
• K3-4 Turnkey System Pre-configured plug-and-play turnkey system with 4 S3-AS Flyways and 4 M3-06 XBots for larger scale demonstration and development of production applications. Pre-configured plug-and-play turnkey system with 8 S3-AS Flyways and 8 M3-06 XBots for extended production simulation and full-line testing.
• K3-16 Turnkey System Pre-configured plug-and-play turnkey system with 16 S3-AS Flyways and 16 M3-06 XBots for full-scale production-line simulation and integration testing. 40mm-pitch stator surface compatible with M4 XBots, designed for industrial applications requiring larger pitch spacing and heavier payloads.

Quantifiable outcome

• Line length shortened by 6 times
• +4 more outcomes

Named customers13 records

Segments10 records

Ideal customer profiles6 records

Technology focussed Yes

API detail

Has API

Yes

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration28 records

Feature9 records

Partnerships

21 partnerships are on record, tiered core, featured and minor.

• Mitsubishi Electric (e-F@ctory Alliance)coreTechnology or Integration · 1 January 2024Member of Mitsubishi e-F@ctory Alliance, enabling integration with Mitsubishi's automation ecosystem including MELSEC controllers and iQ Platform.
• SiemenscoreTechnology or Integration · 1 January 2023Worldwide collaboration with Siemens for integration with their automation and control platforms. Enables customers using Siemens PLCs and automation systems to easily integrate Planar Motor technology.
• Rockwell AutomationcoreTechnology or Integration · 1 January 2022Rockwell Technology Partner designation. Integration with Rockwell's automation platform including Allen-Bradley PLCs and related control systems. Joint presence at Automation Fair events.
• ABB/B&R (ACOPOS 6D)coreOEM/ Whitelabel/ Licensing Partner · 1 January 2020Brand-labelling partnership where Planar Motor technology is sold under ABB/B&R's ACOPOS 6D brand. This partnership extends market reach through ABB's global distribution network and automation ecosystem.
• HumardfeaturedImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerSwiss automation specialist with micron-level tolerances for watchmaking, MedTech, electronics, and aerospace. Dedicated team in Montreal supports North American manufacturers. Located in Delémont, Switzerland.
• Universal PackfeaturedImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerItalian global leader in multilane packaging machines for sachets, stick packs, and cartons. Over 8,000 machines in 160+ countries. Founded 1965. Located in San Giovanni in Marignano, Italy.
• CT PackfeaturedImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerItalian world leader in complete packaging lines for food industry. Founded 1995 with sites in USA, Mexico, and China. Planar Motor integration makes machines more flexible, compact, and hygienic. Located in Ferrara, Italy.
• KC IndustrialfeaturedImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerKorean industrial automation solution provider and Rockwell Automation partner. Provides automation equipment and engineering services with expertise in motion control, Planar Motor applications, and Smart Factory solutions. Serves semiconductor and secondary battery customers in Korea.
• M10 Solar EquipmentfeaturedImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerGerman developer of advanced interconnection technology for next-generation solar modules. 30+ years of expertise with collaboration with Fraunhofer ISE. Shingle Matrix Technology without lead improves performance and enables flexible designs. Located in Freiburg, Germany.
• Intelligent RoboticsfeaturedImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerAustralian provider of advanced automation and robotics systems across meat processing, mining, MedTech, and logistics. Key solutions include IR-CONVEY planar motor transport and IR-SCRIBE AI-driven beef scribing. Located in Sydney, Australia.
• EPF (Elettrotecnica)featuredImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerItalian industrial automation leader founded 1961 with full in-house engineering expertise. Specializes in turnkey robotic cells with machine-integrated vision systems. Light Automation principles: flexibility, modularity, scalability. Located in Carrù, Italy.
• Ultimate SolutionsfeaturedImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerPuerto Rico-based 360-degree solutions provider for pharmaceutical, biotech, and medical device projects. Seven specialized business units with presence in Puerto Rico, USA, and Spain. Regulatory expertise combined with automation and end-to-end operational support.
• RonsteinfeaturedImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerTurnkey automation integrator with facilities in China, Netherlands, and Mexico serving Tier 1 automotive and industrial manufacturers globally. Expertise in high-speed assembly lines, feeding systems, conveyor systems, and end-of-line testing. Located in Suzhou, China.
• KinemetrixfeaturedImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerUS-based automated assembly system designer founded 1995 serving automotive, defense, life sciences, and materials sectors. Full vertical integration from mechanical/electrical design to robotics, vision, machining, and software. Located in Lexington, USA.
• TensentricfeaturedImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerISO 13485 certified contract design and manufacturing company focused exclusively on medical devices, in vitro diagnostics, and advanced therapies. Founded 2009 with FDA-registered facility. Multiple high-throughput Planar Motor systems in near 24/7 commercial production. Located in Boulder, USA.
• TE Connectivity AutomationfeaturedImplementation/ SI/ Consulting Partner30+ years of machine-building expertise in high-speed, high-precision assembly solutions. Automation hubs in Austria and Czech Republic serving EMEA customers. Specialized in cycle times from 5 to 0.3 seconds. Three completed Planar Motor projects demonstrating flexible high-throughput systems.
• PJMminorImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerDanish automation company designing, engineering, and building customized automation solutions for highly regulated and demanding industries since 1960. Intelligent automation improves production efficiency, process consistency, and product quality.
• LagnielminorImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerPart of Neyret Group within Mech-I-Tronic, specializing in continuous motion assembly for major pharmaceutical and cosmetics manufacturers. Operating at 200 to 1,000 pieces per minute with crimping, silicone jetting, ultrasonic welding, laser marking, and inline inspection.
• SEYMOUR Advanced TechnologiesfeaturedImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerUS vertically integrated engineering company designing custom modular automation cells for medical, life sciences, aerospace, defense, and electrical assembly. FlexSEY platform combines Planar Motor magnetic levitation, micro-robotics, and 3D vision with high-speed precision positioning. Located in Denver, NC, USA.
• TechsoftminorImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerDanish automation partner delivering control software and complete industrial solutions. System integrator for Planar Motor enabling advanced planar transport technology integration. Expertise in PLC, motion control, robotics, data integration, IIoT, and AI. Located in Kolding, Denmark.
• Origin LLCminorImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerUS automation provider committed to clean, safe, reliable, and easy-to-maintain automation. 31+ years combined experience in food, aerospace, pharma, and medical devices covering robotics, machine vision, motion control, testing, inspection, and full-stack integration. Located in Keenesburg, USA.

Scale indicators3 records

Recent moves8 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Broad incumbents

• Schneider Electric: Schneider Electric offers the Lexium motion and PacDrive automation platform used in machine builders and OEMs. While not a planar motor vendor, its motion-control portfolio competes for the same factory automation budget and is a Planar Motor integration partner.
• Festo: Festo is a broad automation incumbent offering linear gantries, electric axes, and motion controllers used in factory automation. While it does not sell a planar motor, its product portfolio overlaps in factory transport and motion control, making it an incumbent peer.
• Siemens: Siemens offers the SIMATIC motion control and SINAMICS drive portfolio used widely in factory automation. While not a planar motor vendor, Siemens is also a Planar Motor integration partner, and its broader motion portfolio competes for the same automation budget.
• Rockwell Automation: Rockwell offers iTRAK and linear motion products for high-mix manufacturing, directly overlapping with Planar Motor's value proposition in flexible transport. As a Planar Motor integration partner, Rockwell is both an ally and a competing motion-control vendor.
• Yaskawa Electric: Yaskawa is a major supplier of servo motors, motion controllers, and robots used across factory automation. Its Sigma series servos and MP controllers overlap with Planar Motor's servo-and-controller value proposition in broader factory motion applications.

Direct peers

• B&R Industrial Automation (ABB): ABB's machine automation division sells ACOPOS 6D, a planar motor product that is brand-labelled from Planar Motor's technology. B&R is both a distribution partner and a direct competitor in the same planar motor category, making it the most directly comparable peer.
• Beckhoff Automation: Beckhoff offers XPlanar, a competing planar motor system integrated with its TwinCAT PLC platform. It serves the same contactless transport use cases with a similarly broad automation ecosystem, making it a direct peer in the planar motor category.

Emerging players

• Bosch Rexroth: Bosch Rexroth offers linear motion products and supports ctrlX platform integration. It has the engineering scale and customer base to extend into planar motor transport, representing a credible emerging competitor in adjacent motion-control categories.
• Kollmorgen (Regal Rexnord): Kollmorgen, including the acquired ETEL linear motor business, supplies high-precision linear motors and direct-drive motion systems. It is a credible emerging player in high-precision motion control that competes for similar high-end automation use cases.
• LinMot: LinMot specializes in linear motors and linear rotary actuators used in packaging, assembly, and laboratory automation. Its product line addresses similar contactless and high-precision motion applications as Planar Motor in discrete segments.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• YouTubeyoutube.com/@planarmotor
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/planar-motor

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles1 record

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Planar Motor