What STEP Electric Corporation does

STEP Electric Corporation (legal entity: Shanghai STEP Electric Corporation) is a privately held industrial automation company founded in 1995 and headquartered in Shanghai, China, with 501-1000 employees. It specializes in motion control technology, power electronics, and motor control systems, operating a fully integrated value chain from independent R&D platforms through design, manufacturing, sales, and inspection, anchored by a fully automated intelligent assembly line for integrated drive and control systems.

The company organizes its offering into four product lines: Smart Elevator systems (electrical controls, human-machine interfaces, and the Elevator Cloud digital lifecycle platform, installed across 3 million+ elevators in 110+ countries); Variable Frequency Drives (a full-range high- and low-voltage VFD platform with 500,000 unit annual production capacity under the STEP, iAStar, and SIGRINER brands); Motion Control products (PAC, PC-based motion control cards, servo systems, and dedicated control systems under STEP, SIGRINER, and ADTECH); and Industrial Robots (multi-joint 1-600 kg payload, SCARA, semiconductor wafer, and collaborative robots, plus robot control systems, programming software, and the AVS machine vision system). STEP holds 1,101 patents and software copyrights, contributes to 60 national/industry technical standards, and operates subsidiaries including ADTECH, SKE, Bitpass, and STEP Sigriner.

Commercially, STEP runs a direct sales-led model with field sales representatives, an inside sales hotline (400-820-7921), and a website inquiry channel, supplemented by multi-brand distribution and participation in trade events such as the World Elevator and Escalator Expo China. Revenue is generated predominantly through hardware sales across enterprise verticals (elevator OEM/after-sales, industrial process, factory automation, automotive, semiconductor, 3C electronics, photovoltaic, lithium-ion battery, machine tools, smart parking, and emerging humanoid robotics) with recurring service revenue via 24/7 after-sales, lifetime technical support, and the Elevator Cloud subscription-style digital platform. Pricing is quote-based and not publicly disclosed, with solutions customized per industry application (e.g., body-in-white welding achieving 98%+ OEE, AS800 inverter retrofits at 99.1% efficiency, YR SCARA deployments delivering 30-100% efficiency gains).

Name

STEP Electric Corporation

Legal name

Shanghai STEP Electric Corporation

Website

https://en.stepelectric.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

1995

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

501–1,000 employees

Short description

Shanghai-based STEP Electric Corporation is a private industrial automation company specializing in motion control technology, offering smart elevator systems, variable frequency drives, motion control products, and industrial robots through a multi-brand strategy (STEP, iAStar, SIGRINER, ADTECH) serving enterprise customers across 110+ countries.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Industrial Automation & Motion Control

NAICS

Relay and Industrial Control Manufacturing (335314), Speed Changer, Industrial High-Speed Drive, and Gear Manufacturing (333612)

SIC

General Industrial Machinery & Equipment, Nec (3569)

akta.pro primary industry

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

akta.pro secondary industries

Industrial Controllers & Control Systems (PLCs, PACs, CNC Controllers) (IMAHAHAH), Motor Drive & Motion Control Electronics Manufacturing Services (VFDs, servo drives, controllers) (IMAGAGAJ)

Keywords

• Industrial automation products
• Variable frequency drives
• Elevator control systems
• Industrial robotics solutions
• Motion control technology

Headquarters

HQ city

Shanghai

HQ country

China

HQ region

Asia

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

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

Revenue model

1. Smart Elevator Systems and Components: Provides smart electrical control systems, component products (elevator control systems, human-machine interfaces, escalator control systems, door systems, cables), and technical support services for elevators globally.
2. Variable Frequency Drives: Manufactures and sells low-voltage general-purpose frequency converters, high-voltage frequency converters, large-drive frequency converters, and dedicated inverters. STEP high- and low-voltage VFD platform covers the entire power range with annual production capacity of 500,000 units.
3. Motion Control Products and Systems: Provides automated industrial control products including PAC, PC-Based Motion Control Cards, servo systems, and dedicated control systems for factory automation and intelligent equipment.
4. Industrial Robots and Solutions: Offers multi-joint robots, SCARA robots, semiconductor wafer robots, collaborative robots, robot control systems, programming software, and machine vision systems along with comprehensive system integration solutions.
5. Technical Support and After-sales Services: 24/7 response service with lifetime technical support, after-sales service, and downloadable materials including product selection guides and certification certificates.

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels7 records

Core offering

STEP Electric Corporation designs, manufactures, and sells four core product lines: (1) smart elevator control systems and components for over 3 million elevators globally, (2) variable-frequency drives (VFDs) including low-voltage, high-voltage, large-drive, and dedicated inverters with 500,000 units annual capacity, (3) motion control products including servo systems, control systems, and machine vision, and (4) industrial robots including multi-joint, SCARA, semiconductor wafer, and collaborative robots with payloads from 1-600 kg. The company implements a multi-brand strategy (STEP, iAStar, SIGRINER, ADTECH, Zhongweixing) and provides complementary software, technical support, and after-sales services to enterprise customers in over 110 countries.

Product overview

STEP Electric Corporation is a global leader in motion control technology offering an integrated portfolio of industrial automation products organized into four core product lines: Smart Elevator (electrical control systems serving 3M+ elevators globally), Variable Frequency Drive (high/low voltage VFD platform with 500K units/year capacity under STEP/iAStar/SIGRINER brands), Motion Control (servo systems, vision systems, PAC under STEP/SIGRINER/ADTECH brands), and Industrial Robot (multi-joint, SCARA, and semiconductor robots under STEP/ADTECH brands with payloads 1-600kg). The product ecosystem includes complementary software (AVS4.0 vision software, AR-Studio and STEP Studio programming software), robot control systems (SRC4, QC410B, QC620), and specialized drives (AS800 high-voltage inverter, ET6L series). The company implements a multi-brand strategy spanning STEP, iAStar, SIGRINER, and ADTECH to serve diverse industrial automation markets including 3C electronics, semiconductors, automotive, logistics, elevators, and emerging humanoid robotics.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• AR Series SCARA Robots: Standard SCARA robot series from Zhongweixing featuring high speed and high precision performance.
• CR Series SCARA Robots
• FR Series SCARA Robots
• HR Series SCARA Robots
• PTR Series SCARA Robots
• YR Series SCARA Robots
• WR Series SCARA Robots
• Yunxia Series High-Speed SCARA Robots
• ARJ-L10-20 Clean Series SCARA Robots
• AVS Intelligent Vision System
• AR-Studio Robot PC Programming Software
• STEP Studio Offline Programming and Simulation Software

Products and services

• STEP Smart Elevator System Smart elevator control systems, component products (elevator control systems, human-machine interfaces, escalator control systems, door systems, cables), and the Elevator Cloud digital platform covering lifecycle management for over 3 million elevators across 110+ countries. Targets elevator manufacturers, modernization contractors, and O&M service providers.
• STEP Variable Frequency Drive (VFD) High- and low-voltage variable-frequency drive platform covering entire power range with annual production capacity of 500,000 units. Includes low-voltage general-purpose frequency converters, high-voltage frequency converters, large-drive frequency converters, and dedicated inverters. Multi-brand strategy under STEP, iAStar, and SIGRINER for HVAC, water management, logistics, elevators, lifting equipment, marine, mining, and energy-saving applications.
• STEP Motion Control Products Automated industrial control products including PAC and accessories, PC-based motion control cards, servo systems, and dedicated control systems for factory automation and intelligent equipment. Multi-brand strategy featuring STEP, SIGRINER, and ADTECH serving 3C electronics, semiconductors, lasers, dispensing, EDM, and digital inkjet printing industries.
• STEP Multi-Joint Industrial Robot Multi-joint industrial robots with payloads from 1 kg to 600 kg for welding, bending, palletizing, material handling, and assembly. Includes SA and SR series robots with independently developed control systems and localized key components reaching internationally advanced standards. Targets manufacturing enterprises in automotive, lithium-ion batteries, photovoltaics, and general industrial automation.
• SCARA Robot Series (YR, AR, CR, HR, WR, FR, PTR, Yunxia, ARJ-L) Extensive SCARA robot portfolio covering payloads from 1-50 kg with standard cycle times as fast as 0.24s. Series include: Yunxia (high-speed modular), ARJ-L (cleanroom ISO Class 4), AR (standard high-speed), CR (cost-effective light-load), HR (high-speed flexibility), WR (wall-mount), PTR (screw fastening), YR (high-load high-inertia up to 35 kg), and FR (ceiling-mounted lifting).
• STEP Semiconductor Robot Wafer handling robots processing 2-12 inch wafers for semiconductor manufacturing including heat treatment, cleaning, etching, thin-film deposition, photolithography, wafer thinning, and bonding. Series include CA (single-axis cassette), DFA (dual-axis cassette), FA (single-finger), FBA (dual-finger), JC (calibrator), SA (five-finger), TA (single-arm), TBA (dual-arm), VA (vacuum single-arm), and AHY (vacuum direct-drive). Targets semiconductor fabs for full replacement of imported equipment.
• SCR Series Collaborative Robot Collaborative robots covering payloads from 3-30 kg combining industrial robot stability and control accuracy with flexibility, user-friendly operation, and adaptability for diverse industry customer needs.
• SA12-2000H Welding Robot Multi-joint industrial welding robot with 12 kg maximum load, 2012 mm arm length, ±0.03 mm repositioning accuracy, 2.5 m/s maximum end-effector linear speed. Features extra-large hollow wrist design, enhanced gear transmission for shock resistance, multiple communication protocols, MTBF no less than 100,000 hours, and real-time fault diagnosis. Used in automotive body-in-white welding lines with 74s cycle time, 40+ jobs per hour, and 98%+ OEE.
• Robot Control System (SRC4, QC410B, QC620, SRC2.7) Complete line of robot control cabinets including SRC4 (fourth-generation integrated drive-and-control for 6-axis robots, models SRC4S for ≤25 kg and SRC4L for >25 kg payloads), QC410B (next-generation SCARA integrated drive-and-control with 30% size/weight reduction and 50% computational improvement, CR certified), QC620 (6-axis robot control with 5% beat rate improvement and 10% service life extension), and SRC2.7 (multiple specifications).
• AVS Intelligent Vision System (AVS3200, AVS2300) Visual recognition and positioning system with localization accuracy of 1/64 pixel, supporting multi-camera solutions, multi-template localization (outputting multiple localization results simultaneously), and multiple communication interfaces (Ethernet, serial ports, Modbus, I/O). Targets 3C electronics, packaging, pharmaceuticals, automotive manufacturing, and consumer goods industries requiring object localization, positioning, measurement, recognition, OCR, and code reading.
• STEP AS800 High-Voltage Inverter High-voltage variable frequency drive with 99.1% full-load efficiency, highly integrated 'two-in-one' power unit with 'all-in-one' power module design reducing internal wiring by 90%, and maintenance-free operation throughout lifecycle using high-performance long-life film capacitors. Designed for power plant water tank pump station upgrades and similar industrial high-voltage motor applications.
• ET6L Series Variable Frequency Drive for Smart Parking High-performance VFD for smart parking garage applications with dual-loop control architecture (encoder-based speed loop with laser-ranging position loop). Supports one-to-two and one-to-four drive configurations and PROFINET communication. Enables multi-functional intelligent switching for stacker cranes and lift-type parking systems with DI signals, panel operations, or PN commands. Targets smart parking equipment companies.
• STEP Humanoid Joint Module (Strong Joints) High-performance humanoid joint modules with lightweight hardware platform, frameless motors, EtherCAT bus synchronization, and highly integrated single-board drive architecture for humanoid robot and embodied intelligence applications. Designed for developers and integrators of humanoid robots targeting the emerging domestic market expected to reach 26 billion yuan by 2030.
• AVS4.0 Intelligent Vision Software Machine vision software providing over 100 practical tools across 10 categories: image processing, pre-processing, localization, spot analysis, measurement, recognition, detection, communication, logic control, and system tools. Uses a graphical drag-and-drop interface requiring no coding for building complex visual applications. Sold separately with AVS3200/AVS2300 controllers.
• AR-Studio Robot PC Programming Software PC-based robot control and programming software working with QC410B next-generation integrated drive-and-control controller. Features project management, auxiliary programming (instruction association, code folding, keyword highlighting), program debugging (breakpoint, single-step, line-tracing), monitoring and diagnostic functions (IO, TCP/UDP, RS232, network packet capture, servo debugging), 3D virtual simulation, and alarm log function.
• STEP Studio Offline Programming and Simulation Software Cross-platform offline programming and simulation software using C/C++ for synchronized software upgrades. Accurately simulates dynamic characteristics, path trajectories, and working range of real robots. Supports connection to real robot controllers with file import/export, virtual robots synchronized with real robot motion states, robotic workstations, guide rails, and assembly lines, plus auto-generation of robot operating paths based on model features.
• Technical Support and After-Sales Services 24/7 response service with lifetime technical support, after-sales service, and downloadable materials including product selection guides and certification certificates. Supports elevator, VFD, motion control, and industrial robot product lines.

Quantifiable outcome

• 3 million+ elevators served globally in 110+ countries
• +8 more outcomes

Named customers6 records

Segments11 records

Ideal customer profiles5 records

Technology focussed Yes

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

AI capability5 records

Feature11 records

Partnerships

Eight partnerships are on record, tiered flagship, strategic and core subsidiary.

• Shaanxi Qinchuangyuan (Qin Chuang Yuan Innovation Promotion Center)flagshipStrategic or Co-development Partner · 25 December 2025STEP and Qin Chuangyuan launched the 'Robotics Industry Innovation Application Scenario' with multiple collaborative initiatives including Yunxia Series High-Speed SCARA Robots, Intelligent Collaborative Robot Palletizing Workstation, and Intelligent Robot Digital Twin Simulation Software Platform. The partnership aims to advance core robotics technologies and promote deep integration between Shaanxi and Shenzhen robotics industries.
• Haichuanghui (Haichuanghui Technology Entrepreneurship Development Co., Ltd.)flagshipStrategic or Co-development Partner · 25 December 2025Haichuanghui and STEP partnered at the 'East-West Collaboration, Linking to the Future' event to promote deep integration between robotics industries of Shaanxi and Shenzhen. Haichuanghui provides AI-powered agent service platform and industrial ecosystem connector services, while STEP contributes robotics technology and industrial robot control systems.
• Shenzhen Taifeng Precision MouldstrategicImplementation/ SI/ Consulting Partner · 25 December 2025STEP signed strategic cooperation agreement with Shenzhen Taifeng Precision Mould for digital transformation support. STEP will leverage core technologies such as industrial robot control systems and servo drives to provide digital transformation support, promoting integrated innovation of robotics technology with traditional manufacturing.
• ADTECHcore subsidiaryOthersADTECH (ADT) is a subsidiary of STEP Electric Corporation specializing in motion control and industrial automation products. ADTECH provides SCARA robots, controllers, servo systems, and vision products under the ADTECH brand. The subsidiary operates its own website (adtechcn.com) and develops products like AR-Studio robot programming software and QC410B SCARA robot control system.
• SKEcore subsidiaryOthersSKE is a subsidiary/affiliated company of STEP Electric Corporation, part of the group's multi-brand strategy.
• Bitpasscore subsidiaryOthersBitpass (Shanghai Bitpass Technology) is a subsidiary/affiliated company of STEP Electric Corporation, accessible via shhuitong.net.
• STEP Sigrinercore subsidiaryOthersSTEP Sigriner is a subsidiary/affiliated company of STEP Electric Corporation operating at step-sigriner.com, part of the group's multi-brand strategy for motion control and automation products.
• Shanghai University of TechnologystrategicStrategic or Co-development PartnerUniversity-enterprise collaboration for talent development and joint exploration of new paths for intelligent manufacturing. The partnership focuses on five key areas: smart elevators, servo drives, variable-frequency speed control, robotics, and industrial controllers. Both parties discussed establishing internship and employment bases, joint application for research projects, and practical training for students.

Scale indicators13 records

Recent moves5 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Broad incumbents

• Fanuc Corporation: Global leader in industrial robots, CNC systems, and ROBOT controllers/servo packages. Comparable to STEP in the integrated robot+drives+controls stack but with much higher robot unit volumes and stronger premium-tier brand.
• Mitsubishi Electric Factory Automation: Japanese factory-automation incumbent with comparable VFD (FR series), servo (MELSERVO), and industrial robot (MELFA) portfolios. Overlaps STEP's elevator-controller and industrial-drive businesses globally and is a frequent competitor in Chinese import-substitution accounts.
• Siemens Digital Industries: German industrial conglomerate with the SIMATIC, SINAMICS, SIMOTION, and SINUMERIK families covering controllers, VFDs, and servo/motion. Directly comparable motion-control stack but at much larger scale and with strong global brand presence; primary incumbent STEP must displace in Chinese accounts.
• ABB Motion / Drives & Robotics: Global diversified industrial player whose ABB Motion business spans VFDs, servo drives, PLCs, and robotics. Overlaps with STEP across VFDs and industrial drives but at vastly larger scale and with broader portfolio.

Emerging players

• HIWIN Technologies: Taiwan-based motion-control specialist focused on servo motors, linear stages, and precision components. Provides complementary (and partially competing) motion components to STEP's servo and robot systems in the broader China/Taiwan automation ecosystem.
• Shenzhen Sanyou Technology: Chinese servo motor and motion-control manufacturer overlapping with STEP/ADTECH and SIGRINER in low-to-mid-range servo applications. Smaller and narrower portfolio, but competes in the same industrial-automation buyer evaluation set as STEP in China.

Direct peers

• Estun Automation: Nanjing-based industrial robot and motion-control specialist with overlapping multi-joint, SCARA, and collaborative robot portfolios plus servo drives. Estun competes directly with STEP/ADTECH in Chinese factory-automation accounts and is pursuing similar humanoid-robot adjacencies.
• Inovance Technology: Shenzhen-based leader in industrial automation with a comparable product span across general-purpose and high-voltage VFDs, servo systems, PLCs, and industrial robots. Inovance is the closest head-to-head competitor to STEP in the Chinese motion-control market and competes directly on domestic-substitution deals.
• Delta Electronics: Taiwan-headquartered industrial automation player with strong overlap in compact drives, servo systems, PLCs, and machine vision. Competes with STEP/ADTECH in C3 electronics, semiconductor backend, and general motion-control accounts across Asia.
• Yaskawa Electric Corporation: Japanese specialist in AC drives (Yaskawa's inverter heritage), servo motors, and industrial robots (Motoman). Directly comparable in motion-control portfolio depth, particularly in servo + robot integrated offerings that STEP's ADTECH and SIGRINER brands target.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat6 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• YouTubeyoutube.com/@step_haier
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/shanghai-step-electric-corporation/?viewAsMember=true

Compliance1 record

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles2 records

Subsidiaries4 records

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 STEP Electric Corporation