New Scale Technologies, Inc. has licensed its patented SQUIGGLE motor technology to Tokyo-based Alps Electric Company, Ltd., a $6 billion global manufacturer of electromechanical components for mobile devices, consumer electronics and automotive systems.
This agreement dramatically expands New Scale's ability to penetrate new, high-volume markets for its innovative piezoelectric SQUIGGLE motor. It is New Scale's second major manufacturing license agreement for the motor, following its expanded agreement with Tamron Co. Ltd. earlier this year.
"That global companies such as Alps and Tamron are eager to license our SQUIGGLE motor technology demonstrates the engineering community's excitement over our invention and validates the huge potential market for millions of tiny motors per month," says New Scale co-CEO and chief technology officer David Henderson. "The strength of our invention allows us to leverage the manufacturing, sales and business development engines of some of the world's leading electromechanical component suppliers."
The manufacturing license allows Alps to manufacture New Scale's 1.8 x 1.8 x 6 mm piezoelectric SQUIGGLE motor design. Alps will target high-volume applications such as lens control in Blu-ray Disc recorders and valve control in micro-cooling systems for consumer electronics devices such as laptop computers.
Alps, which provides more than 40,000 different components to around 2,000 companies all over the world, has introduced the SQUIGGLE motors as its "ATSA Series miniature piezoelectric actuator" to its extensive base of customers and prospects.
"Alps has an extremely strong position as an electronics component supplier, with particular depth and breadth in consumer electronics and automotive systems," says Ted Franceschi, co-CEO and chief development officer at New Scale. "Alps sensors, switches, connectors and other components are found in a vast range of mobile devices, entertainment systems, computers, appliances and automotive systems we use every day.
We expect Alps to leverage their existing relationships to introduce SQUIGGLE motors to designers of these products, create high demand for SQUIGGLE motors, and fulfill that demand from manufacturing facilities close to their customers."
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Alps will manufacture the SQUIGGLE motors in its facility in Kakuda City, Japan. New Scale will continue to design and manufacture SQUIGGLE motors at its Victor, NY headquarters and technology center for applications including research, robotics, micro-fluidic pumps, electronic locks and medical devices.