ETM Brings Transverse Flux Motor Tech to Robotics

New licensing model allows OEMs to integrate high-performance motors into their own platforms

Feb. 4, 2026 at 10:07am

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Electric Torque Machines (ETM) has entered the robotics market with its transverse flux motor (TFM) technology, offering a flexible licensing model that allows OEMs to integrate the high-performance motors into their own product designs while retaining manufacturing control and margins.

Why it matters

The robotics industry faces challenges around aggressive performance targets, thermal management, supply chain volatility, and the need for product differentiation. ETM's TFM technology aims to address these issues by enabling simplified mechanical designs, reduced costs, and improved performance compared to conventional motor options.

The details

ETM's TFM technology decouples magnetic flux from electrical windings, providing up to 10x greater torque density than conventional motors while maintaining efficiency and thermal reliability. The company's licensing model allows robotics OEMs to integrate the proven TFM architecture into their own platforms, using existing manufacturing infrastructure to accelerate time-to-market and reduce technical risk.

  • ETM was founded in 2007 and acquired by Graco in 2020.
  • ETM's TFM technology was initially used in high-volume, low-speed industrial fans, and has since expanded to marine propulsion, material handling, and other applications.

The players

ETM

Electric Torque Machines, a company that develops transverse flux motor (TFM) technology for use in various industries, including robotics.

Chuck Ensign

The president of ETM.

Graco

The company that acquired ETM in 2020.

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What they’re saying

“The era of sacrificing thermal performance for torque density is over. ETM provides robotics companies next-level actuation capability while maintaining control of their product roadmap and manufacturing destiny.”

— Chuck Ensign, President, ETM

What’s next

ETM is continuously developing and launching new applications for its TFM technology, which could lead to further advancements and partnerships in the robotics industry.

The takeaway

ETM's flexible licensing model for its high-performance TFM technology allows robotics OEMs to integrate advanced motors into their own platforms, simplifying designs, reducing costs, and improving performance without sacrificing control over manufacturing and product roadmaps.