> ## Content Index > Fetch the complete content index at: https://med-techinsights.com/llms.txt > Use this file to discover other available public pages before exploring further. # Driving innovation in medical motion control - URL: https://med-techinsights.com/driving-innovation-in-medical-motion-control/ - Published: 2026-03-02T08:00:00.000Z - Updated: 2026-10-22T08:00:47.000Z - Description: Whether it’s the smooth articulation of a surgical robot, the precise positioning of an imaging system, or the reliable, repeatable movement inside a laboratory instrument, motion control plays a key role in modern medical devices. Despite this, however, it is often one of the most complex aspects o - Author: Oliver Johnson - Tags: Sponsored, Medical Device Manufacturing ###### **Whether it’s the smooth articulation of a surgical robot, the precise positioning of an imaging system, or the reliable, repeatable movement inside a laboratory instrument, motion control plays a key role in modern medical devices. Despite this, however, it is often one of the most complex aspects of a medical system to get right.** --- ###### *Dave Beckstoffer, Senior Industry Manager at Portescap, explores how close collaboration between motion solutions experts and medical OEMS can help to improve performance and reliability.* --- Across the industry, we see this challenge playing out almost every day. Medical OEMs are under pressure to innovate faster, reduce risk, and meet increasingly demanding performance and regulatory requirements. Solving those challenges takes more than simply picking the right products off the shelf – it requires a systems-led mindset and close collaboration that begins at the initiation of development. Enter Regal Rexnord, which brings together industry-leading motion control brands like Portescap, Kollmorgen, and Thomson. Each brand brings deep expertise in its own domain, but together they form a unified motion portfolio capable of supporting complete medical systems all the way from early prototype through to full-scale production. ###### **A systems-led approach to medical motion** One of the challenges we most commonly hear from OEMs is that medical devices must continually evolve, which introduces increased complexity into previously simpler designs. Surgical robots combine compact motors, precision gearing, linear motion, feedback, and control into tightly integrated architectures. Laboratory automation platforms demand smooth, quiet, high-speed motion across multiple axes, often operating round-the-clock for extended periods. In these environments, the interaction between components matters as much as the performance of each part. Our teams tackle this challenge by designing motion at the system level, not as a set of isolated components. This approach reduces integration risk, shortens development cycles, and strengthens long‑term reliability by ensuring motors, actuators, linear guides, and controls are engineered to work seamlessly together. A clear example is our fully integrated motion subsystems—such as those used in surgical robotics—which combine components from across Regal Rexnord’s portfolio into a ready‑to‑install, validated assembly. OEMs gain a complete subsystem that accelerates time to market and delivers consistent, high‑performance motion throughout the life of the machine. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/98/19/9819191a-690e-400b-bf27-720adfd33f45/content/images/2026/10/16382-spon-con-graph-Regal-Rexnord.png) Image: Regal Rexnord ###### **Partnering early to avoid late-stage redesigns** Indeed, from experience we’ve learned that one of the most effective ways to reduce the risk inherent to medical device development is to involve motion expertise early. Regal Rexnord works directly with OEM engineering teams—not simply in a sales or support capacity, but through a true engineer‑to‑engineer partnership. This collaboration helps both our team and the customer define performance requirements, evaluate trade‑offs, and avoid costly redesigns later in the project. This collaborative approach isn’t unique to medical applications, of course, but it does often prove particularly valuable in this area, as compact size, high precision, and smooth force control are so critical. ###### **A portfolio built for diverse medical applications** Of course, the field of medical technology is a broad one, and while there are some common themes – precision, reliability, and sterility, among others – different applications have different requirements. That’s why we work hard to support a wide range of medical motion needs. For example, our Portescap brand brings decades of experience in miniature motors, gearboxes, and encoders for life-critical applications such as surgical hand tools and lab automation. Kollmorgen, meanwhile, contributes high‑performance motors, drives, and controls for demanding, multi‑axis systems found in diagnostic imaging machines and other complex platforms, while Thomson adds precision linear motion technologies that enable accurate positioning and load handling in these systems. OEMs can access these capabilities individually or by engaging the broader Regal Rexnord portfolio, depending on their design strategy. With scalable manufacturing, ISO-certified facilities, and global engineering support, we help ensure that solutions developed early in the design phase can be delivered reliably at volume. ###### **A trusted partner for medtech innovation** Ultimately, medical motion control is about trust; trust that a system will perform consistently, meet regulatory requirements, and support positive patient outcomes. By combining proven technologies, deep engineering expertise, and a collaborative development model, we work hard to build this trust and establish itself as a long-term partner to medical device manufacturers. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/98/19/9819191a-690e-400b-bf27-720adfd33f45/content/images/2026/10/16382-ps_facility_pus_221_discussion.jpg) Image: Regal Rexnord