Nabtesco manufactures gearboxes that support controlled robotic movement and core components for rail vehicles, marine vessels and aircraft. Its automatic door business operates in Europe under the Gilgen brand. Its products are the result of mechanical engineering expertise cultivated over many years.
“It is no exaggeration to say that our products support modern industry and people’s daily lives,” said Toru Mashiko, managing director of Nabtesco Europe GmbH.
The group will apply this experience to develop smart motion control through electrification, integration and data solutions. Its European companies offer capabilities that help the group address demand for automation and technologies that reduce labor requirements.
“Since our company has many group companies in Europe with strengths in software and AI (artificial intelligence) technologies, we intend to combine hardware and software to create new value,” Mashiko said.
The group plans to contribute to physical AI through smart actuators that integrate motors, gearboxes, sensors and control units. These devices would manage movement and provide safety functions to support safe interaction between people and robotic systems.
“We believe that the smart motion control we are striving to achieve holds infinite possibilities,” Mashiko said.
Mashiko sees opportunities in robots that work alongside people, transport goods and assist in surgery, as well as humanoid robots. These applications require the movement control that Nabtesco’s gearboxes provide as automation becomes more widespread.
“We believe that the smart motion control we are striving to achieve holds infinite possibilities.”
Toru Mashiko, Managing Director of Nabtesco Europe GmbH
Established in Germany in 2017, Nabtesco Europe serves as the regional headquarters and supports European group companies. Its role is to strengthen their business foundations, and its responsibilities now include environmental, social and governance initiatives and information security.
The organization implements Japanese headquarters’ policies across European companies and communicates regional market trends and business challenges back to Japan. This exchange gives headquarters insight into local conditions and helps European operations put group priorities into practice.
Mashiko calls for collaboration among industry partners to advance innovation and explore new possibilities through Nabtesco’s expertise in motion control.
“It is our hope to use our technology to meet social needs, enrich people’s lives and contribute to the realization of a sustainable society,” he said.
