Our history

The cascade gearbox technology was developed by M.D. Stig Lundbäck and Patrik Möller as part of their research on wave power drive trains at CorPower Ocean. After validating the technology through various prototypes and gears, researchers at the KTH Royal Institute of Technology in 2012, CorPower sought to construct an onshore rig to test wave energy devices under simulated wave loading conditions. However, the designers encountered challenges in finding existing linear drive solutions on the market that could provide the required combination of high force and speed. Subsequently, after confirming the capabilities of the cascade technology to convert linear motion into rotational motion, CorPower co-founder Patrik Möller conceived the idea of replacing a generator with a motor on the gearbox shaft. This innovation led to the development of a novel type of linear actuator known as the Cascade Drive.

In 2014, Patrik Möller and Stig Lundbäck co-founded Cascade Drives AB intending to commercialize linear actuators to facilitate the electrification of industrial applications. EIT InnoEnergy’s startup incubator provided support to the company, leading to the identification of initial customer applications. Mr. Lundbäck dedicated a significant portion of his life to researching the pumping and control functions of the human heart, and he passed away in 2017.

In 2016, Kristian Floresjö was appointed as the CEO of Cascade Drives AB.

Since the initial testing of the first versions in 2012, the cascade drive technology has undergone substantial industrial development. It has emerged as a proven and dependable solution in wave energy and other heavy-duty industrial applications.

Cascade Drives AB holds the intellectual property rights to the technology. CorPower Ocean AB possesses the exclusive right to utilize it within the ocean energy sector, while Cascade Drives AB retains the exclusive right to utilize it for industrial applications outside the ocean energy sector. As both companies continue to develop and refine the technology, new intellectual property rights are shared within the same division of usage rights.