TECO Electric & Machinery Co. has introduced a high-payload drone hairpin power system and an All-in-One robotic joint module at XPONENTIAL 2026 in Detroit, marking its expanded entry into North America’s commercial UAV and robotics markets. The launch leverages TECO’s electromechanical integration expertise and the localized support of its U.S. subsidiary, TECO-Westinghouse Motor Company, based in Texas.
Overview
The new UAV powertrain system targets commercial drones with payload capacities ranging from 10 kg to 100 kg, supporting applications in agriculture, logistics, and automation. It integrates the T Power Air 12.5kW hairpin motor and the T Power Air TE250 high-power electronic speed controller (ESC). By applying hairpin stator technology—commonly used in electric vehicles—TECO achieves a maximum thrust of 76.5 kilograms per shaft. The motor uses a permanent magnet outer-rotor design with a Halbach array configuration, increasing torque density by 25% compared to conventional brushless DC motors (BLDC). Peak efficiency reaches 91.8%, and flight time is extended by approximately 20%.
The system is already in use by agricultural drone operators, demonstrating real-world performance in tasks like pesticide spraying. TECO is pursuing Green UAS certification for the product, with approval expected by the end of 2026 to meet North American supply chain requirements. Additionally, the company is developing a low-rare-earth version of the hairpin motor to serve the growing medium-sized logistics drone segment.
What each product does
- Drone Hairpin Power System: Combines the T Power Air 12.5kW motor and TE250 ESC to deliver high thrust and efficiency for heavy-lift UAVs. Optimized for propulsion, it supports payloads up to 100 kg and improves flight endurance by about 20% over standard BLDC systems.
- All-in-One Robotic Joint Module: Winner of the 2026 Taiwan Excellence Gold Award, this integrated module includes brushless DC motors, planetary gear reducers, encoders, and sensors. It enables precise motion control and environmental adaptability for robotic arms, quadruped robots, and humanoid robots.
Tradeoffs
While the hairpin motor system offers superior torque density and efficiency, its reliance on advanced materials and manufacturing techniques may affect cost and scalability. The ongoing development of a low-rare-earth variant suggests TECO is addressing material dependency concerns, though no details on pricing or availability have been released. The robotic joint module’s high integration level enhances reliability but may limit customization for specialized robotics applications.
When to use it
The UAV powertrain is best suited for commercial operators requiring extended flight times and high payload capacity, particularly in agricultural spraying and cargo logistics. The robotic joint module is ideal for developers of mobile and humanoid robots needing compact, high-precision actuation with minimal integration effort.
TECO aims to form partnerships with UAV manufacturers, Drone-as-a-Service (DaaS) providers, and robotics developers in North America. With over 70 years of electromechanical experience, the company is positioning itself as a supplier of intelligent power systems for next-generation mobility and automation platforms.