5 Reasons 12V and 24V BLDC Motors Are Reshaping Robotics and Industrial Startups

Introduction

The brushed motors that once powered countless machines are now struggling to keep pace. They wear out quickly, waste energy, and fall short when precision is non-negotiable. This is exactly where brushless DC (BLDC) motors step in. By eliminating brushes and commutators, they dramatically cut down on friction and wear. The result is longer service life, less downtime, and smoother, more dependable motion. And let’s not forget efficiency—BLDC motors are far more energy-savvy, a difference that pays off whether you’re driving a mobile robot, scaling up a conveyor system, or rethinking an entire production floor.

For robotics startups as well as established industrial teams, two voltage ranges dominate the conversation: 12V and 24V BLDC motors. The 12V option shines in compact or portable systems where safety, light weight, and flexibility matter most. On the other hand, the 24V configuration is built for heavier duty—machines that demand extra torque and stamina without sacrificing control.

In the following discussion, we’ll unpack the unique traits of each, explore how different industries are applying them right now, and highlight five powerful reasons why BLDC motors are reshaping robotics and automation in 2025 and beyond.

12V BLDC Motors

The 12V BLDC motor is a reliable choice for applications where compact size, lightweight design, and portability are crucial. Because of their low-voltage operation, they are also easier to integrate safely in environments where human interaction is frequent.

Typical uses of 12V BLDC motors include:

• Autonomous delivery robots navigating sidewalks or campuses
  
• Hobby drones requiring lightweight propulsion systems
  
• Robotic arms for educational and prototyping purposes
  
• Service robots in healthcare or hospitality where portability is essential
  

For startups, the 12V motor’s combination of safety and ease of use makes it an attractive option for early-stage product development. They provide sufficient torque for small robots and mobile platforms while keeping system complexity and risks manageable.

24V BLDC Motors

On the other end of the spectrum, 24V BLDC motors are engineered for higher torque and power delivery, making them suitable for medium to large-scale automation projects. Their higher voltage operation allows them to deliver the same output as a 12V system but with significantly lower current, which translates to improved energy efficiency and less strain on wiring and connectors.

Common applications of 24V BLDC motors include:

• Automated Guided Vehicles (AGVs) in warehouses
  
• High-load conveyor belts in production lines
  
• Warehouse picking and sorting robots
  
• Industrial packaging machinery
  
• Medical automation systems such as automated patient transport devices
  

For industrial startups that need to move beyond prototypes and into scalable, heavy-duty applications, 24V BLDC motors provide the durability and performance necessary for continuous, demanding operations.

12V vs 24V BLDC Motors — Comparison Table

Features	12V BLDC Motor	24V BLDC Motor
Torque	Low–medium (ideal for light robots and drones)	Medium–high (suited for heavy-duty tasks)
Efficiency	Good for short cycles, safe at low power	Optimized for continuous operation
Power Consumption	Lower overall, safer for small projects	More power per amp, better for scaling
Applications	Drones, mobile robots, educational prototypes	Conveyors, AGVs, warehouses, production lines

This comparison highlights how startups can strategically select the right voltage depending on project scale and system requirements.

5 Reasons 12V and 24V BLDC Motors Drive Robotics and Industrial Startups

1. Higher Energy Efficiency

One of the most compelling reasons startups prefer BLDC motors over traditional brushed motors is efficiency. Brushed motors suffer from constant friction and energy loss due to brushes rubbing against commutators. BLDC motors, by contrast, minimize these losses and deliver consistent energy output.

For robotics startups, this means lower energy consumption, less heat generation, and longer operational life. For example, when comparing power supply needs:

• A 1200W load at 12V requires about 100 amps of current.
  
• At 24V, the same load only requires 50 amps.
  

This reduction not only lowers copper losses in the wires but also extends battery life for mobile robots and reduces electricity costs in industrial settings.

2. Wide Range of Industrial Applications

BLDC motors are highly versatile, enabling both small-scale and industrial-level projects.

• 12V BLDC motors are perfect for robotics teams building educational kits, service robots, or lightweight autonomous vehicles. Their compactness makes them easy to deploy in resource-limited or safety-critical environments.
  
• 24V BLDC motors power warehouse logistics, conveyor systems, and packaging machines—domains where high torque and continuous uptime are essential.

This adaptability is why both research institutions and large-scale manufacturers rely on BLDC motors. For startups, this versatility translates into flexibility to grow from small-scale experiments to industrial-grade deployments without abandoning familiar technology.

3. Smart Control and Integration

Today’s BLDC motors are not just mechanical components—they are part of intelligent systems. Modern controllers support encoder feedback, closed-loop control, and integration with sensors. This enables robots to perform tasks with precision, such as smooth path following, torque adjustments, and synchronized multi-axis movement.

In addition, BLDC motors integrate well with AI-driven systems. For example, collaborative robots (cobots) in factories rely on real-time feedback loops between motors, sensors, and controllers. Drones use BLDC motors with sensor integration for stable flight. Startups adopting these technologies can offer advanced products with greater functionality at competitive costs.

4. Optimized Power Supply and Voltage Management

Power supply considerations are critical in robotics and industrial systems. Voltage selection affects not only efficiency but also design complexity, wiring requirements, and safety.

Operating at higher voltage (24V vs 12V) allows engineers to:

• Use thinner wires without overheating
  
• Reduce energy loss due to lower current
  
• Increase system scalability for higher power demands
  

For startups, this translates into cost savings, longer component life, and simpler system design. At the same time, 12V remains valuable in applications where safety and low-voltage standards are important, such as educational robotics or robots operating alongside humans.

5. Built-in Safety and Reliability

Reliability is non-negotiable for startups aiming to build trust in their products. BLDC motors are inherently safer and more durable than brushed motors. Paired with modern controllers, they offer over-current, under-voltage, and over-temperature protections, as well as emergency shutdown features through encoders and sensors.

For example, if a motor overheats during continuous use, the system can automatically cut power to prevent damage. This reduces risks for operators and minimizes costly downtime. Startups benefit from this by delivering solutions that not only perform well but also comply with industry safety expectations.

FAQ

Q1: Are BLDC motors safer than brushed motors?
Yes. BLDC motors operate without brushes, which eliminates a major source of wear and heat. Combined with controller-based protections, they are safer, more reliable, and have a longer lifespan.

Q2: How can I find reliable BLDC motor specifications?
Trusted suppliers such as Brushless.com, or Maxon provide detailed datasheets that include torque-speed curves, efficiency ratings, and recommended controllers. Always compare specifications before selecting a motor for critical applications.

Q3: Why are BLDC motors popular in robotics?
Robotics requires motors with precise control, high torque-to-weight ratios, and long operational lifespans. BLDC motors excel in all these areas, making them the go-to choice for drones, mobile robots, and industrial automation systems.

Q4: Which should I choose—12V or 24V?
Choose 12V for lightweight, portable, or educational projects where low-voltage safety is important. Choose 24V for industrial applications, heavy loads, or continuous operations where efficiency and scalability matter most.

Final Verdict

The rise of 12V and 24V BLDC motors is rewriting the playbook for robotics and industrial startups. They combine efficiency, versatility, smart control, and built-in safety in a way brushed motors simply can’t match.

For robotics startups, BLDC motors provide a reliable foundation to build innovative products while controlling costs and ensuring durability. For industrial innovators, they enable scalable solutions that meet high standards of efficiency and reliability. 

Whether your goal is to create a portable delivery robot or a fully automated warehouse system, 12V and 24V BLDC motors are not just supporting components—they are the engines driving the next era of industrial innovation. For complete datasheets—including torque-speed curves, efficiency ratings, and controller recommendations—visit Brushless.com. Start by browsing our BLDC motor catalog today.