Exoskeletons and wearable robots are not technology for technology’s sake. They aim to delight and empower users: a logistics worker ending their day without pain, a healthcare provider avoiding career-ending injuries, or a person regaining (or increasing) mobility. At the heart of this ecosystem are not only the manufacturers and distributors but also the critical component suppliers who make these technologies possible.

One such company is CubeMars, whose specialized AKE Series high-torque actuators are helping drive the future of wearable robotics.

As the technology field matures, wearable and humanoid robots rarely go from blueprint to end user in a direct path. Today, more distributors (100+), integrators, consultants, standard bodies, and regulators are involved than ever before. But that is only the downstream half of the picture, from producers to market. Equally important is the upstream side. This includes companies that have started to sell specialized actuators, controllers, batteries, and sensors specifically designed to enable robotic systems to move like humans.

Why Do Components, Like Actuators, Matter?

Powered exoskeletons depend on specialized components. Just as advancements in processors drove the digital revolution, advancements in actuators drive forward wearable robotics. Motors for exoskeletons must prioritize high torque at low speeds, balance power consumption, and support natural human movement. Without purpose-built actuators, exoskeletons would remain limited in function, reliability, and comfort. It falls on the producers to create custom actuators (which costs time or money) or find and adapt from what is already on the market. Therefore, tracking suppliers like CubeMars that have started offering specialized motors for wearable applications is vital.

A Moment of Inspiration:

CubeMars’ commitment to innovation and social impact is rooted in stories of human resilience. These include stories of individuals who, after surviving natural disasters, pair determination with powered prosthetics to be able to run entire marathons. Witnessing individuals overcome adversity and pursue their goals despite physical challenges has reinforced CubeMars’ determination to make a meaningful contribution to society. The company and its team members strive to enhance mobility and independence through technology, helping people live fuller, more empowered lives.

A Journey of Development:

Leveraging nearly two decades of expertise in developing high-performance robot motors, CubeMars leadership saw an opportunity to harness their knowledge for a greater purpose. Motivated by a commitment to innovation and social impact, the company designed motors specifically for exoskeletons, initially aiming to restore mobility for individuals with disabilities and alleviate physical strain for rescuers in disaster scenarios. In 2018, as the robotics industry experienced rapid growth, the company began developing motors tailored for exoskeletons and bipedal robots. Through collaborations with leading universities and research institutions worldwide (University of Tokyo, Binghamton University, and others), CubeMars introduced the AKE series motors, which are engineered for precision, reliability, and diverse assistive and robotic technology applications.

The AKE Series: Precision-Engineered for Wearable Robotics

CubeMars’ AKE Series motors are designed specifically for wearable robotics and assistive technology, delivering high torque at low speed, which is essential for supporting natural human movement. These precision actuators feature exceptionally low backlash (just nine arc-minutes) and torque densities of up to 121 Nm/kg, enabling smooth, reliable motion in lightweight, battery-powered devices. A specialized dual-stage planetary gearbox provides efficient speed reduction and torque amplification, making these motors ideal for everything from single-limb assistance to full-body exoskeletons and bipedal robots.

With large-scale manufacturing capabilities and proven reliability, the AKE Series is already used across a wide range of human-centered robotics applications. The three current models—AKE60-8, AKE80-8, and AKE90-8—offer scalable options across a range of use cases. Whether optimizing for compactness, strength, or endurance, these motors offer scalable solutions for companies and researchers building the next generation of mobility and augmentation systems.

CubeMars also supports academic innovation. In 2024, the AKE60-8 was used in a Northeastern University master’s thesis to explore efficient human-robot interaction. It’s just one example of how the company’s actuators are helping drive both industry and research forward.

Whether building the next generation of wearable systems or researching human-robot interaction, CubeMars invites you to discover what’s possible with the AKE Series. To explore full technical specifications or request a sample for testing, visit the CubeMars AKE Series catalog.