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What Is the Difference Between a Hollow-Shaft Motor and a Solid-Shaft Motor?

Update Time:2026/9/12

The Short Answer

A hollow-shaft motor has a bore running through the center of the rotor, so cables, shafts, or optical elements can pass directly through the motor. A solid-shaft motor transmits motion through a conventional output shaft instead. Hollow-shaft designs are preferred in compact robotic joints because they save axial space, simplify cable routing, and eliminate the need for external cable management.

Key Differences at a Glance

FeatureHollow-Shaft MotorSolid-Shaft Motor
Center boreYes, cables or shafts pass throughNo, solid rotor core
Axial heightCompact, ideal for thin jointsRequires external cable routing space
Wiring complexityReduced, cables stay inside the jointHigher in multi-axis assemblies
Typical useHumanoid joints, robotic arms, gimbalsGeneral servo and drive applications

When to Choose Each Type

  • Choose a hollow-shaft motor when joint height is limited and cables must pass through the axis of rotation.
  • Choose a solid-shaft motor when a standard coupling or pulley mount is simpler and through-axis routing is not needed.
  • For multi-axis arms, hollow-shaft motors keep wiring organized and reduce failure points from cable strain.

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