Company Directory › Robotics › Core Components › Harmonic Drive Systems vs HIWIN Technologies
Harmonic Drive Systems vs HIWIN Technologies
Harmonic Drive Systems and HIWIN Technologies are both robotics core components companies. Harmonic Drive Systems is based in Tokyo, Japan and focuses on HarmonicDrive strain wave gearing. HIWIN Technologies is based in Taichung, Taiwan — No. 7, Jingke Road, Nantun District, Taichung City and focuses on ball screws, linear guideways and DATORKER strain wave gearing. The right choice depends on geography and product range, covered in the table below. All facts are taken from their GlobleMatch profiles, verified 6 November 2026.
Side by side
| Company | Harmonic Drive Systems | HIWIN Technologies |
|---|---|---|
| Headquarters | Tokyo, Japan | Taichung, Taiwan — No. 7, Jingke Road, Nantun District, Taichung City |
| Industry | Components — Drives & Motors (precision gearing, servo actuators) | Robot components and systems — ball screws, linear guideways, strain wave gearing, linear motors and industrial / wafer / medical robots (HIWIN Technologies Corp.) |
| Product or service lines | HarmonicDrive strain wave gearing | ball screws, linear guideways and DATORKER strain wave gearing |
| Markets served | Group companies and offices in Japan, the United States, Germany, China, Korea and Taiwan (per the official Corporate Profile); products incorporated into industrial robots, semiconductor equipment and other systems | Global; subsidiaries, R&D centres and distributors across Asia, Europe and the Americas, including the US, Germany, Japan, China, Korea and Singapore |
| Founded | 1970 (official Corporate Profile: "Founded: October 1970"; the group's 2026 Corporate Guide history narrative notes the company became Harmonic Drive Systems Inc. in 1979) | 1989 (established in October 1989 in Taichung, Taiwan) |
| Company size | 1,145 employees (consolidated), as of March 31, 2022 — the most recent figure stated in the official Corporate Profile | Approx. 6,400 employees (6,438 as of March 2023) |
| Official website | hds.co.jp | hiwin.tw |
| Profile verified | 6 November 2026 | 6 November 2026 |
Where Harmonic Drive Systems is stronger
- Product or service lines on its profile: HarmonicDrive strain wave gearing.
- Headquarters: Tokyo, Japan, which matters if you need a supplier in or near Japan.
Where HIWIN Technologies is stronger
- Product or service lines on its profile: ball screws, linear guideways and DATORKER strain wave gearing.
- Headquarters: Taichung, Taiwan — No. 7, Jingke Road, Nantun District, Taichung City, which matters if you need a supplier in or near Taiwan.
Sourcing notes
Harmonic Drive Systems lists hds.co.jp as its contact route; HIWIN Technologies lists hiwin.tw. They are based in different countries (Japan and Taiwan), so shipping routes, lead times and import terms will not be the same for the two. Their scope of supply also differs: Harmonic Drive Systems lists HarmonicDrive strain wave gearing; HIWIN Technologies lists ball screws, linear guideways and DATORKER strain wave gearing. Buyers can post one sourcing request and receive answers from matching suppliers; posting is free, and introductions are chosen by fit and are never sold.
Frequently asked questions
What is the main difference between Harmonic Drive Systems and HIWIN Technologies?
On verified profile facts: Harmonic Drive Systems is based in Tokyo, Japan and HIWIN Technologies in Taichung, Taiwan — No. 7, Jingke Road, Nantun District, Taichung City; Harmonic Drive Systems lists HarmonicDrive strain wave gearing, while HIWIN Technologies lists ball screws, linear guideways and DATORKER strain wave gearing. The full side-by-side table is above.
Are Harmonic Drive Systems and HIWIN Technologies in the same country?
No. Harmonic Drive Systems is based in Tokyo, Japan and HIWIN Technologies in Taichung, Taiwan — No. 7, Jingke Road, Nantun District, Taichung City.
Can I source from both companies?
Yes. Harmonic Drive Systems can be reached through hds.co.jp and HIWIN Technologies through hiwin.tw, or post one sourcing request and let both answer if they fit.
How does GlobleMatch rank these two companies?
It does not. There is no pay-to-rank and no paid placement in comparisons; order and content come from verified profile facts only.
Run Harmonic Drive Systems or HIWIN Technologies? Claim your free profile to keep your facts current.
Profile facts last verified: Harmonic Drive Systems on 6 November 2026, HIWIN Technologies on 6 November 2026. Sources are listed on each company profile: Harmonic Drive Systems and HIWIN Technologies.