About NPC Robotics
Motion-control systems that support the warfighter and the missions they serve.
mission, vision and core values
Mission
NPC Robotics delivers world-class motion control components and systems that empower those who protect the warfighter and advance defense performance. Through passionate teamwork, creative engineering, and unwavering accountability, we understand needs, simplify complexity, and provide reliable, results-driven solutions every time.
Vision
At NPC Robotics, our vision is to lead motion control innovation through bold ideas, expert collaboration, and unwavering accountability, delivering engineered solutions that solve real-world challenges without compromise.
Core Values
Our culture and decisions are guided by six core values. These values shape how we work with each other and with our customers, and how we design, build, and support motion control systems for defense programs.
Accountability
Results Driven
Team
Creative Thinking
Growth
Passion
History and Defense Pedigree
From wheelchair motors to mission-critical defense systems, NPC Robotics has grown through practical engineering and close collaboration with customers.
1980’s
1990’s
From Mobility to Robotics
- NPC began as National Power Chair, rebuilding and supplying electric wheelchair motors, gearboxes, batteries, and chargers to repair shops and individuals across the United States.
- In the 1990s, robot hobbyists discovered NPC’s motors, and National Power Chair became NPC Robotics, expanding from mobility into broader motion control applications.
2002
2007
Entering Defense Motion Control
- In 2002, engineers from the U.S. Army Tank Automotive Research, Development and Engineering Center (TARDEC) discovered NPC and engaged the company to help motorize the manual traversing unit used to rotate Humvee turrets.
- In 2004, NPC began supplying motors and related components for the Battery Powered Motorized Traversing Unit (BPMTU) turret retrofit.
- In 2007, the BPMTU was recognized by the U.S. Army as one of the year’s greatest inventions and became one of the largest Army retrofit programs, with tens of thousands of kits deployed.
2008
2016
Turret and Door-Assist Innovation
- In 2008, NPC developed the first electro-hydraulic door assist for the roughly 2,000 pound door of the BAE Caiman MRAP in only a few weeks, fitting a DC powered hydraulic system inside the door cavity.
- In 2009, NPC designed and patented the Improved Turret Drive System (ITDS), with a quick-change mount, integrated manual drive for loss of vehicle power, and significantly quieter operation through a geared design.
- Between 2010 and 2016, NPC supplied tens of thousands of ITDS systems to the U.S. armed forces and in 2016 was designated on U.S. Government drawings as the sole approved source for ITDS parts in the OGPK family of turrets.
2011
2024
Continued Evolution
- In 2011, NPC introduced the self-contained Black Box Hydraulic electro-hydraulic door assist system.
- In 2017, NPC was certified as conforming to the ISO 9001:2015 quality management standard.
- In 2020, NPC was awarded the door assist contract for the up-armored M917A3 Heavy Dump Truck.
- Between 2022 and 2023, NPC designed and received patents for the Unified (Hybrid) ring-gear assembly, reducing weight and complexity compared to previous bolted ring-gear designs.
- In 2024, Quickset Defense Technologies, LLC, headquartered in Northbrook, Illinois, acquired NPC Robotics, bringing NPC’s turret and door-assist expertise into a broader defense technology portfolio.
Differentiators
NPC’s role in motion control for defense applications is grounded in four core differentiators.
Patented Products and Systems
NPC holds patents on key motion control innovations, including the Improved Turret Drive System (ITDS) and the Unified (Hybrid) ring-gear assembly, reflecting a commitment to solving real-world challenges with engineered solutions.
Sole-Source for Critical Systems
NPC is the sole-source provider for critical motion control components on select U.S. Government drawings, including ITDS parts for the OGPK family of turrets, giving customers a proven and stable supply base.
Customer-Needs Focused
NPC works closely with defense agencies and prime contractors to understand platform requirements, constraints, and mission needs, then moves quickly from concept to working prototypes and fielded systems.
Supplier Excellence Focused
NPC invests in strong supplier relationships and clear quality expectations so that upstream components support the reliability, documentation, and compliance standards customers require.
