HIWIN

HIWIN Technologies Corp. is a major global ballscrew and precision motion control manufacturer; the company describes itself as the world’s second-largest ballscrew supplier. Its Healthcare division has developed rehabilitation robots and surgical robotic components since 2014.

Company Overview

Founded in 1989 in Taichung, Taiwan by Eric Y.T. Chuo, HIWIN (an acronym for “Hi-tech Winner”) has grown from a precision component manufacturer into a broad-portfolio motion control solutions provider. The company went public on the Taiwan Stock Exchange in June 2009 under the ticker 2049.TW.

With over 6,400 employees globally and research centers in Taiwan, Japan, Germany, and Israel, HIWIN serves diverse industries including semiconductor manufacturing, machine tools, and biomedical equipment. The company obtained ISO 13485 medical device quality management certification in 2013, marking its formal entry into the medical robotics sector.

HIWIN’s strategic advantage lies in its vertical integration capability—manufacturing critical components such as ballscrews, linear guideways, harmonic reducers, and servo motors in-house. This positions the company as both a medical robot manufacturer and a key supplier of precision components to other surgical robot developers worldwide.

Core Products

MRG-P100 Robotic Gait Training System

The MRG-P100 is an end-effector design robotic gait training system featuring a patented 3-point support mechanism (knee, abdomen, pelvis) that enables weight-bearing gait re-education without suspension. The system integrates virtual reality for interactive patient engagement and can be operated by a single therapist within five minutes.

Clinical indications include incomplete spinal cord injury, stroke rehabilitation, traumatic brain injury, multiple sclerosis, and muscular dystrophy.

MRG-P110 Robotic Gait Training System

Building on the P100 platform, the MRG-P110 is a fixed-frame gait rehabilitation system functioning as a powered hip-knee-ankle exoskeleton. While the patient’s body remains stationary, actuated footplates guide leg movements through natural gait cycles. The system features full VR integration for enhanced rehabilitation outcomes.

MTG-H100 Robotic Endoscope Holder

Designed for minimally invasive surgery, the MTG-H100 provides stable endoscopic visualization through robotic assistance. Key features include:

• Remote Center of Motion (RCM) mechanism for precise instrument positioning
• Compatibility with 3D/4K endoscope systems
• Support for single-port surgical techniques
• Multiple control interfaces including foot pedal operation

DATORKER Harmonic Reducers

HIWIN’s harmonic reducers represent a breakthrough in robot joint technology, achieving commercialization in 2018 with durability exceeding 7,000 equivalent operating hours—a significant advancement over industry standards. These components serve as critical actuators in surgical and rehabilitation robots globally.

Technology & Innovation

HIWIN invests 3-10% of annual revenue in R&D across its global research network. The company’s core competencies in precision motion control provide distinct advantages in medical robotics:

Motion Control Expertise: Decades of experience in nanometer-precision positioning for semiconductor equipment translates directly to surgical robot accuracy requirements.

Component Integration: In-house manufacturing of ballscrews, linear guides, harmonic reducers, and motors enables optimized system design and cost efficiency.

Cleanroom Compatibility: Products designed for semiconductor fabrication environments meet stringent contamination control standards applicable to medical settings.

Market Presence

HIWIN operates subsidiaries across 10 countries including Germany, Japan, the United States, Italy, Switzerland, Czech Republic, France, Singapore, South Korea, and mainland China (Suzhou). The company’s medical products division serves hospitals and rehabilitation centers primarily in Taiwan and expanding Asian markets.

The precision component business serves major medical device OEMs globally, with HIWIN products integrated into CT scanners, MRI machines, surgical robots, and medical positioning tables from various manufacturers.

Key Milestones

• 1989: Company founded in Taichung, Taiwan
• 2009: Listed on Taiwan Stock Exchange (2049.TW)
• 2013: Obtained ISO 13485 medical device certification
• 2014: Established Healthcare product division
• 2018: Commercialized DATORKER harmonic reducer, which the company describes as having industry-leading durability

Frequently Asked Questions

What medical robots does HIWIN manufacture?

HIWIN produces rehabilitation robots (MRG-P100, MRG-P110 gait training systems) and surgical assistance devices (MTG-H100 robotic endoscope holder). Additionally, the company supplies precision components to other medical robot manufacturers worldwide.

Is HIWIN a publicly traded company?

Yes, HIWIN is listed on the Taiwan Stock Exchange under ticker symbol 2049.TW since June 2009.

Does HIWIN sell components to other surgical robot companies?

Yes, HIWIN is a major supplier of precision motion control components—including harmonic reducers, ballscrews, and linear guides—to medical device manufacturers globally. Many surgical and rehabilitation robots incorporate HIWIN components.