Micro motors are a critical component in the automation of equipment across various industries. Micro motors are available in two configurations: brushed and brushless. These motors, typically characterized by their small size—usually less than 160mm in diameter or with a power rating below 750W—play a pivotal role in the modernization of industrial automation, military equipment, and household technologies. As the demand for advanced automation and smart technologies continues to rise, the 2024 micro motor market is poised for significant growth.
Expanding Applications of Micro Motors
Micro motors are incredibly versatile, finding applications in a wide range of industries. They are essential in computers, office equipment, air purification systems, medical devices, audiovisual equipment, industrial production machines, robotics, aerospace, and power tools.
According to the China Electronic Components Association analyze, consumer electronics and household appliances dominate the micro motor market, accounting for 29% and 26% of usage, respectively. Other significant sectors include weapons, aviation, agriculture, textiles, medical equipment, and packaging, which together represent 20% of the market. Automotive electronics hold a 13% share, while imaging processing, industrial control, and other uses make up the remaining 12%.
The ongoing push towards industrial automation and smart technologies in China has heightened the demand for more sophisticated production techniques and equipment, presenting both challenges and opportunities for the micro motor industry. As consumer expectations for products such as household appliances, consumer electronics, and electric vehicles grow, the micro motor market in traditional applications is expected to see stable growth.
Moreover, the demand for modernized industrial, household, and military equipment is broadening the scope of micro motor applications. Emerging fields like medical devices, wearable technology, robotics, drones, and smart home systems are driving the expansion of the micro motor industry. Domestic companies are increasingly targeting the humanoid robot market, with notable players in the coreless motor sector such as MOONS’, Jiangsu Leili, and Haozhi, leading the charge. In the frameless torque motor segment type, companies like VEICHI, Hangzhou 3Phis, and Yunkong Electronics have made significant strides.
Market Trends
Between 2021 and 2023, the China micro motor market grew steadily, with revenues of ¥163.27 billion, ¥178.43 billion, and ¥194.76 billion, respectively. This consistent growth indicates a stable market trajectory. However, the market for micro motors in traditional applications may reach saturation, leading to a period of stock replacement where demand growth could slow. Nevertheless, the burgeoning demand in emerging fields is expected to inject new growth momentum into the industry, with market size projected to increase rapidly over the next three years. The compound annual growth rate (CAGR) is anticipated to exceed 15%, driven by these new applications.
China: The World’s Leading Micro Motor Producer
China is the world’s largest producer of micro motors, accounting for over 70% of global production. The country’s dominance in the low- to mid-end micro motor market is due to its abundant labor resources, advanced industrial infrastructure, and lower raw material costs. Domestic manufacturers benefit from a strong price-performance advantage, enabling them to maintain a competitive edge.
The Chinese motor industry has developed a comprehensive ecosystem that includes product development, large-scale production, and the manufacture of key components, materials, specialized equipment, and testing instruments. This integrated industrial system supports the country’s capacity for modern, large-scale production.
As China’s precision technology continues to advance and high-end equipment develops rapidly, domestic producers are enhancing their research and development (R&D) capabilities and production techniques. Some products have already reached international standards, positioning Chinese manufacturers to capture a larger share of the high-end market and gradually expand into overseas markets.
Challenges and Opportunities for Domestic Manufacturers
China’s micro motor industry began in the late 1950s, initially to meet the needs of national defense. Over the past 60 years, the industry has evolved through stages of imitation, self-design, and independent research and development, culminating in large-scale production. During this period, significant efforts have been made to improve manufacturing technology, leading to the establishment of a modern industrial system capable of large-scale production.
Specialized equipment for micro motors has seen significant improvements in recent years, with automation becoming a key feature. This has greatly enhanced the production efficiency and scale of micro motor manufacturing, utilizing advanced machinery like winding machines, balancing machines, spot welders, and specialized testing equipment.
Innovations in materials and technology have further improved the precision of micro motor manufacturing. New magnetic materials have increased power density, while automatic control systems have made motor structures more compact. These advancements have enabled some companies to gain recognition in the mid- to high-end market, gradually promoting the new model of intelligent manufacturing.
Geographically, China’s micro motor industry is predominantly composed of small and medium-sized enterprises, primarily concentrated in the eastern coastal regions of the Pearl River Delta, Yangtze River Delta, and Bohai Rim. These areas are also home to the strongest supporting capabilities for key components, materials, and specialized equipment.
The vast domestic market and cost-effective labor force have attracted many international motor companies to establish production bases in China or to procure directly from domestic manufacturers. This influx has brought new products and technologies to China, further stimulating the growth of domestic micro motor companies and fostering a specialized business model within the industry.
Challenges
Despite the significant development of the domestic micro motor industry, several challenges remain. The industry’s foundation for basic research is relatively weak, and key technologies are in urgent need of breakthroughs.
The motor industry spans multiple disciplines, with high-end products such as high-speed motors, permanent magnet motors, and intelligent motors requiring advanced materials and technologies. Domestic research in these areas is lacking, making it difficult for companies to innovate. Additionally, issues related to motor design, material supply, manufacturing processes, and testing equipment need further research and development.
The market for high-tech products like permanent magnet motors, efficient motors, and specialized motors is relatively competitive, but smaller companies struggle with low production scales, inefficiency, and insufficient investment in high-end motor production. This has led to overcapacity and severe competition, highlighting the need for further consolidation of the industry chain.
The global economic downturn in recent years has also impacted the micro motor industry, as it is closely tied to macroeconomic trends. The economic slowdown has directly affected the demand for micro motors and their downstream products, posing significant challenges for domestic manufacturers.
Additionally, rising labor costs, rapid inflation, and increasing real estate prices have driven up the cost of micro motor manufacturing.
Conclusion
As China continues to expand its micro motor production, the industry’s export volume has also risen, with the quality of export products improving steadily. Some domestic companies have secured a significant share of the global micro motor market, particularly in niche segments. However, there remains a shortage of high-precision micro motors in China, with the medical, robotics, and defense sectors heavily reliant on imports.
As new technologies, materials, and processes continue to emerge, the Chinese micro motor industry is expected to evolve towards high-speed, brushless, intelligent, efficient, and energy-saving solutions. This transformation will be crucial in maintaining the industry’s growth momentum and expanding its influence in both domestic and global markets.
The micro motor market, valued at nearly ¥200 billion, is set to take off in the coming years. With continued innovation and strategic investments, Chinese manufacturers are well-positioned to lead the industry into a new era of technological advancement and global competitiveness.
