EZ Wheel

What EZ Wheel does

EZ-Wheel SAS, founded in 2009 and headquartered in La Couronne (France), designs and sells integrated motorized wheel systems that combine a BLDC motor, batteries, and electronics into a single wheel assembly. The company operates two product lines: AWD (Assist Wheel Drive) electric wheels for manual handling assistance — including AWD 150 (industrial, up to 1,000 kg moved, IP43) and AWD 160 (IP66 medical/clean-room, 750 kg moved) — and SWD (Safety Wheel Drive) for autonomous mobile robots, comprising the SWD 125 safety wheel drive (ISO 3691-4, SIL2/PLd), SWD Core safety gear motor, and ez-Way navigation software with VDA 5050 fleet management connectivity. The SWD Starter Kit is a pre-assembled, plug-and-play AGV/AMR development platform shipped in ROS and ez-Way variants.

The company sells through three layered channels: direct enterprise sales via the global IDEC/APEM field network (in 11+ countries), regional industrial distributors (BIBUS, ERMEC, OMEGA, Electro Pneumatic Solutions), and online resellers (RobotShop, Generation Robots, Farnell, Dobot.nu) for development kits. Customers span automotive OEMs and tier-1s (Scania, Volvo, Daimler, Renault, Iveco, Toyota MH, MAN, Valeo, ZF, Autoliv), food processing (Lactalis, Bigard, Fleury Michon, Cooperl), industrial heavyweights (Thyssenkrupp, ArcelorMittal, Naval Group, Hitachi Construction, Manitou), entertainment (Disneyland Paris, Futuroscope), logistics/retail (ID Logistics, Cdiscount, CLAAS) and pharmaceutical/medical operators. Pricing is quote-based; no public SKU pricing is disclosed.

Since August 1, 2023, IDEC Corporation holds an 80% stake in ez-Wheel SAS (founders retain 20%), integrating the company into a global automation group with over €500 million in combined IDEC/APEM sales across Europe, North America, and Asia. EZ Wheel was previously venture-funded (approximately $6M Series B in 2015 led by Alto Invest, Bpifrance, Robolution Capital; and ~$2.5M in 2012 from Ecomobility Ventures), and has won the 2020 HANDLING AWARD in the Automation category.

Name

EZ Wheel

Legal name

APEM SAS

Website

https://ez-wheel.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

2009

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

EZ Wheel (France, founded 2009) designs integrated motorized wheel systems (AWD for manual handling assistance; SWD for safety-certified AGV/AMR drives) and bundles them with ez-Way navigation software, serving industrial, automotive, food, medical, pharmaceutical, logistics and entertainment enterprises globally via the IDEC/APEM distribution network.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Industrial motorized wheel drives

NAICS

Motor Vehicle Transmission and Power Train Parts Manufacturing (33635), Motor Vehicle Electrical and Electronic Equipment Manufacturing (33632)

SIC

Motors & Generators (3621), Motor Vehicle Parts & Accessories (3714)

akta.pro primary industry

Axle, Differential & Final Drive Manufacturing (Front/Rear/E-axle housings) (IMACAHAG)

akta.pro secondary industries

Chassis Mechatronics & Active Dynamics (Active Suspension/Steer-by-Wire/Brake-by-Wire Hardware) (IMACAIAN), Automotive E/E Architecture Components Manufacturing (Domain/Zonal Controllers, Gateways, Network Switches) (IMACAJAI)

Keywords

• Motorized electric wheels
• Safety wheel drives
• AGV AMR development kits
• Mobile robot navigation software
• Industrial mobility motorization

Headquarters

HQ city

Saint-michel-

HQ country

France

HQ region

Europe

Offices2 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

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

Revenue model

1. Hardware Sales - Electric Wheels: Sale of motorized electric wheels including AWD (Assist Wheel Drive) and SWD (Safety Wheel Drive) product lines. Products sold directly and through distribution network globally.
2. Navigation Software (ez-Way): ez-Way navigation software for controlling and navigating mobile robots. Available as standalone or integrated with SWD Starter Kit.
3. Development Kits: SWD Starter Kits for AGV and AMR development, sold through online resellers and distributors.

Go-to-market motion3 records

Distribution channels3 records

Marketing channels5 records

Core offering

EZ Wheel manufactures self-propelled electric wheel drive systems that integrate BLDC motors, batteries, and electronics directly into the wheel housing, sold under two product lines: AWD (Assist Wheel Drive) for motorized assistance to manual handling equipment and SWD (Safety Wheel Drive) for autonomous mobile robot applications. The company also offers the ez-Way navigation software and SWD Starter Kit development platforms that enable rapid AGV/AMR prototyping with certified safety functions compliant with ISO 3691-4.

Product overview

EZ Wheel offers two distinct product lines: AWD (Assist Wheel Drive) for electric assistance to manual handling equipment, and SWD (Safety Wheel Drive) for autonomous mobile robot automation. The AWD line includes AWD 150 for industrial use (1,000kg, IP43), AWD 160 for medical environments (750kg, IP66), and legacy Series 300/10". The SWD automation line features SWD 125 safety wheel drive (up to 1,500kg moved) and SWD Core gear motor for mobile robotics applications. Both lines share compatible accessories (joysticks, sensors, safety equipment) and the ez-Way navigation software connects SWD products to fleet management systems via VDA 5050. The SWD Starter Kit provides development platforms in ROS and ez-Way versions with SE2L safety scanner, enabling rapid AGV/AMR development. EZ Wheel products integrate with IDEC's SE2L safety scanner and comply with ISO 3691-4 safety standards.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• AWD® (Assist Wheel Drive): Electric wheel drive systems providing electrical assistance to manual handling equipment
• SWD® (Safety Wheel Drive)
• ez-Way®
• SWD® Starter Kit
• SWD® Core
• AWD® 150
• AWD® 160

Products and services

• SWD 125 Safety Wheel Drive Compact 125mm safety wheel drive for AGV/AMR applications supporting up to 250kg load per wheel and up to 1,500kg total moved. Features IP66 electronic control box, PU flat profile tire, integrated safety encoder, safe motion control, and SIL2/PLd certified safety functions compliant with ISO 3691-4.
• SWD Core Safety Gear Motor Safety gear motor integrating all functions needed for mobile robotics with high torque up to 37Nm, IP66 protection class, integrated safety encoder, and safe speed control. Compatible with CANopen CiA/DS 402 interfaces, designed for bin/pallet transfer robots, lifts, and conveyors.

Quantifiable outcome

• Productivity increase up to 50% in industrial sector
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers28 records

Segments12 records

Ideal customer profiles2 records

Technology focussed Yes

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration2 records

Feature7 records

Partnerships

17 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• IDEC CorporationcoreOthers · 1 August 2023IDEC Corporation acquired 80% of ez-Wheel SAS shares as from August 1st, 2023. ez-Wheel joins the IDEC Corporation group to benefit from industrial skills, solid sales network, expertise in functional safety and safety products already used worldwide on AGVs and AMRs.
• IDEC SE2L Safety Laser ScannercoreTechnology or IntegrationSE2L safety laser scanner from IDEC provides the smallest safety laser scanner in the world for mobile robot safety. Combined with SWD motorizations to address functional needs in compliance with AGV standards and machine safety regulations (ISO 3691-4).
• APEM SAScoreOthersAPEM SAS is the entity that owns the ez-Wheel website and is part of the IDEC group. Together IDEC and APEM form one of the world's largest manufacturers of HMI components, panels and systems.
• BIBUS Distribution NetworkcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorRegional distribution partnership through BIBUS offices in Czech Republic, France, Poland, Spain, and UK. Provides local sales and support for ez-Wheel products.
• Generation RobotsminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorGlobal online reseller for SWD Starter Kit products, operating across Europe.
• RobotShopminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorGlobal online reseller for ez-Wheel products including SWD Starter Kit.
• FarnellminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorOnline reseller for SWD Starter Kit certified SIL2 PLd product.
• Dobot.numinorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorOnline reseller for ez-Wheel SWD Starter Kit in European market.
• OMEGA ItalyminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorRegional distributor for Italy market with booth presence at SPS Italia trade show.
• Electro Pneumatic Solutions DOO SerbiaminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorRegional distributor for Serbia market with booth presence at International Fair of Technics Belgrade.
• ERMEC SpainminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorRegional distributor for Spain market with offices in Barcelona and Madrid.
• Aquitaine RoboticsminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCluster membership supporting robotics innovation ecosystem in Aquitaine region.
• Aerospace ValleyminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCluster membership for aerospace and robotics innovation.
• ProxinnovminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerInnovation cluster partnership supporting collaborative robotics development.
• French Tech BordeauxminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerFrench Tech ecosystem membership supporting technology startups and innovation.
• La French FabminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerNational initiative promoting French industrial innovation and manufacturing.
• IDEC SE2L Safety ScannercoreTechnology or IntegrationSE2L from IDEC is the smallest safety laser scanner in the world, ensuring safety of people around mobile robots. Combined with SWD wheels for complete mobile robot safety solution.

Scale indicators4 records

Recent moves7 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• SEW-Eurodrive: Global supplier of drive technology, gear motors, and mechatronic drive systems for AGVs and automated logistics. Comparable to ez-Wheel's AWD and SWD integrated wheel-drive offerings.
• Kollmorgen: Supplier of BLDC servo motors, gearheads, and motion control components widely used in AGVs, AMRs, and automated material-handling vehicles. Directly comparable to ez-Wheel as a motion/drivetrain building block for mobile robots.
• Bonfiglioli: Italian manufacturer of gear motors, drive systems, and wheel-drive solutions for AGVs, forklifts, and intralogistics equipment. Comparable to ez-Wheel's integrated motorized wheel approach for industrial mobility.
• Faulhaber: Manufacturer of miniature and high-precision BLDC motors, gearheads, and integrated drive systems used in robotics, medical, and industrial automation. Comparable to ez-Wheel on the BLDC motor and mechatronic integration dimension.
• Nord Drivesystems: Manufacturer of geared motors, industrial drives, and motor-integrated gear units used in conveyor, AGV, and material-handling applications. Comparable as a drive-system supplier to industrial mobility OEMs.
• Wittenstein: German supplier of precision gear motors, servo actuators, and mechatronic drive systems for robotics and AGV/AMR applications. Comparable to ez-Wheel's high-torque, safety-integrated SWD Core motor.

Broad incumbents

• SICK AG: Global manufacturer of safety laser scanners, sensors, and machine-safety systems widely integrated into AGVs/AMRs. Comparable to ez-Wheel's SE2L safety scanner integration and ISO 3691-4 safety stack, though operating at much broader scale.
• Bosch Rexroth: Major supplier of factory automation, electric drives, and motion control used in AGVs, AMRs, and intralogistics systems. Comparable as a broad incumbent in the same customer ecosystems as ez-Wheel.
• OMRON (Industrial Automation): Large industrial automation incumbent offering mobile robots, motion control, and safety products. Comparable as both a customer overlap and a potential competitor in AGV/AMR drive subsystems.

Emerging players

• Mobile Industrial Robots (MiR): Specialist AMR manufacturer that both competes with and could be a customer of integrated safety wheel drives. Comparable as a downstream user of the same SWD-class safety drive architecture.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat6 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• GitHubgithub.com/IDEC-ezWheel
• Xx.com/ez_wheel
• Facebookfacebook.com/ez-wheel-178165185541300
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/ez-wheel

Compliance2 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles2 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds2 records

Investors4 records

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 EZ Wheel