Here's Google AI Reply:
Based on current market trends and ZWO's product evolution, the likelihood that ZWO will manufacture a true direct drive strain wave mount (combining harmonic drives with direct-drive motor technology and high-end absolute encoders on the axes) is moderate to high in the long term, but likely not in the immediate future (1–2 years).
As of early 2026, ZWO has focused on iterating its successful "strain wave gear" (harmonic drive) technology, rather than replacing it with direct drive.
Current Evidence and Context:
• ZWO's Focus is Evolution, not Replacement: ZWO is currently launching the AM5N (improved AM5) and AM7, which use improved strain wave gears and electronic improvements (reduced periodic error, cable management) rather than switching to direct drive technology.
• The "Direct Drive" Argument: While strain wave mounts are excellent for portability and payload-to-weight ratio, they have high periodic error (20-60 arcseconds) compared to direct drive mounts. True direct-drive mounts offer nearly zero periodic error but are much heavier and more expensive.
• Market Pressure for Improvement: Users are increasingly demanding better performance, suggesting that if ZWO wants to compete with higher-end, low-PE mounts, they will eventually need to integrate absolute encoders on the axis (direct drive technology).
• Competitive Landscape: Other companies, like WarpAstron (WD-20) and Umi, are already experimenting with high-end, low-error, or semi-direct-drive systems.
Likelihood Breakdown:
• Immediate Term (2026-2027): Low. ZWO seems committed to the AMx series (AM3N, AM5N, AM7) using advanced Strain Wave / Harmonic Drive technology with belt systems.
• Long Term (2027+): Moderate to High. As the price of absolute encoders comes down, and as ZWO strives to move from portable "grab-and-go" to higher-end observatory-class performance, integrating direct-drive-like, encoder-enabled technology is a natural next step for them.
In summary, ZWO is dominating the compact strain wave market. Their next move is likely to refine this technology further (as seen in the AM5N) before switching to true direct drive technology.
