The axial flux motor is gaining prominence due to its significant advantages, including a short axial length, compact structure, high power density, and superior efficiency, making it an indispensable component across several strategic emerging industries.
In the new energy vehicle sector, these motors free up more space for battery placement, thereby extending driving range.
For humanoid robots, the high torque density of axial flux motors enables joints to achieve ultra-high load-bearing performance within an extremely small, lightweight structure, providing more powerful joint dynamics and enhanced load capacity for complex maneuvers like lifting, bending, and fine adjustments.
In the low-altitude aircraft field, the motor's lightweight and high-power-density characteristics directly improve the thrust-to-weight ratio and endurance of the aircraft.
Notably, the application of axial flux motors is expanding into broader areas such as marine vessels and agricultural machinery.
Since 2026, the axial flux motor sector has continued to gain momentum, with multiple companies demonstrating strong vitality through new orders, product launches, and funding rounds.
Xinghan Power Secures New Order for Axial Flux Joint Modules
On March 31, Zhejiang Xinghan Power Technology Co., Ltd., a company partially owned by Jilin University's Chongqing Research Institute, secured a new order for custom axial flux joint modules designated as the core "muscles" for a next-generation humanoid robot.
This order signifies that Xinghan Power's joint modules and high-speed motors have entered a stable mass production phase, achieving domestic mass production in the field of robotic joint actuation.
Anchored in the axial flux motor segment, the company initially focused on the automotive sector and has since expanded into low-altitude economy and robotics.
It has completed applications for four core patents and is concurrently laying out over ten related patents.
Zhongke Sanhuan and Pangu Power Sign Strategic Cooperation Agreement
On April 9, Zhongke Sanhuan announced the signing of a strategic cooperation framework agreement with Shanghai Pangu Power Technology Co., Ltd. (Pangu Power).
The two parties will engage in long-term strategic cooperation centered on the development and supply of magnetic materials for axial flux motors, including establishing a joint R&D center, developing ultra-high-end magnetic materials, and setting up a five-year strategic procurement and supply relationship, with plans to potentially form a joint venture based on R&D outcomes.
On June 5, Pangu Power, in collaboration with the Ningbo Institute of Materials Technology and Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences, officially launched a new generation of specialized magnetic steel for axial flux motors—the PGH high-performance magnetic steel.
This marks the first time China's axial flux motor technology has achieved mass production on a global scale.
Both parties have now commenced pre-research on next-generation new materials, with demand stemming from ongoing electric vertical take-off and landing aircraft and humanoid robot projects.
Kede Numerical Control Showcases Axial Flux Motor Prototype
In April 2026, a prototype of an axial flux motor independently developed by Kede Numerical Control was prominently displayed at the 14th China CNC Machine Tool Exhibition (CCMT2026).
The company stated it possesses the talent, technology, and capital foundation for developing axial flux motor products, as well as the industrial capacity for mass production.
This product is better suited than traditional radial flux motors for applications demanding 'lightweight and compact' designs, making it applicable in humanoid robotics, aerospace aircraft, new energy vehicles, and high-end five-axis equipment.
Buke Co., Ltd. Introduces Axial Flux Motor Sample
In early June 2026, Buke Co., Ltd. indicated on an investor interaction platform that it has established a technology research institute to conduct pre-research and long-term tracking on axial flux motors, specifically targeting the core needs of robotic joints for lightweight and high-torque motors, and has already produced samples now in the customer trial phase.
Fingertip Intelligence Completes Tens of Millions in Pre-A Round Financing
On June 4, Suzhou Fingertip Intelligence Technology Co., Ltd. (Fingertip Intelligence) announced the completion of a Pre-A round financing worth tens of millions of yuan, led by Shenzhen Capital Group, with participation from Tianqi Capital and Genesis Asia.
The funds will be used primarily for ramping up mass production of a new generation of micro axial flux motors, constructing production lines for coreless motors, and ensuring supply chain delivery for leading global clients.
It is understood that Fingertip Intelligence, founded in August 2024, offers products including micro axial flux joint modules and coreless motors, with core applications covering dexterous hands, consumer-grade robots, lightweight robotic arms, and medical equipment.
The company's products feature a minimum outer diameter of only 16mm, following a miniaturization strategy.
Its smart manufacturing facility in Suzhou already possesses flexible production capacity for 100,000 units annually.
Final Thoughts
Currently, axial flux motor technology is at a critical juncture, transitioning from 'small-batch' to 'large-scale' production, with China taking a leading role in achieving industrial-scale implementation.
Looking ahead, as downstream demand from new energy vehicles, humanoid robots, and low-altitude aircraft continues to surge, coupled with a global market offering growth potential exceeding tens of billions of US dollars, the industrialization process of axial flux motors as a core next-generation electric drive technology is set to accelerate further.
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