Autonomous Assemblers Assemble

In-space and planetary surface assembly for human exploration is a challenging domain that encompasses various technological thrusts to support human missions. NASA is developing autonomous assembly agents to...

Powerful Micro-PLCs Enhance Equipment and Testing Systems

For many types of machinery and test equipment, there is a great need to perform basic automatic control functions, or even just sensor monitoring. Developing hardwired automation is...

Stabilization Control of a Self-Balancing Robotic Vehicle

Students designed important components for self-balancing two-wheeled robotic vehicle.

When Robots See: An Additional Sense for Better Performance

To make robots truly see, you need the right software.

Inductive Non-Contact Position Sensor

Potential uses include MEMS accelerometers, vibration monitoring, and other precision motion control applications.

Illumination Design Considerations for Robotic Surgery Vision Systems

To have a successful product, one must consider all the required sub-systems to deliver high-quality illumination.

Drive-Based Platforms Provide Flexible Concepts for Machine Safety

Drive and control platforms provide the vital protection of people and machines in automated manufacturing efforts.

Independent Collaborative Robots

Artificial intelligence helps train robots to work together to move an object around two obstacles and through a narrow door in computer simulations.

Magnets Improve Control of Prosthetic Limbs

A system uses tiny magnetic beads to rapidly measure the position of muscles and relay that information to a bionic prosthesis.

2021 Motion Control Product Directory

Explore manufacturers and products in over 25 motion-design categories.

Connections for Control: Communications Interfaces for Position and Motion Sensors

Learn about widely used communications technologies for motion control.

Servo Motion Improves Robot Operations

Servo motion control delivers powerful, fast, and precise movement onboard robots and for associated equipment.

Options Abound When Selecting a Sensor for Motor Feedback

Designers who must sense motor position, speed, or acceleration have a lot of choices, including resolvers, optical encoders, and Hall-effect devices.

Machine Control Power Quality and Surge Protection

You may not be able to see them, but power anomalies that originate within your automated control system are costing you expensive downtime.

Astronaut Experience Inspires Single-Handed Drone Flight Controller

The interface enables one person to accomplish tasks that previously required two sets of hands.

Charge Control Methods for Supercapacitors

A comparison of passive and active supercapacitor charging methods emphasizes the need for a close inspection on power source and supercapacitor demand.

Machine Health & Asset Monitoring in Industrial Applications: A Look at Sensor Technologies

Learn about the sensors assessing and analyzing plant equipment.

Open Controllers Simplify Automation Systems

By consolidating tasks traditionally performed by multiple devices into a single, high-performing controller, manufacturers can improve operations.

Industrial-Grade Open Source

Open source microcontroller technologies in industrially hardened form factors address critical applications.

EEG-Based Technique for Controlling a Robotic Arm with the Brain

This technique can be used by people who are paralyzed or have neurodegenerative diseases.

Resolution, Accuracy, and Precision of Encoders

Here's what you'll need to know when you’re choosing an encoder for a motion control system.

Mechanical Controller for Robot-Assisted Surgery

Robot-assisted surgery has advanced dramatically over the past decade in almost every surgical sub-specialty. Robot-assisted surgery is usually performed using surgical robot systems that...

PLCs Directly Access Internet Information

The newest PLCs can directly access Internet resources, much like a mobile device, to obtain information for improving operations.

Going Beyond the Basics: Innovative Step Motor Designs Give Machine Designers More Options for Motion Control

Machine and system designers now have greater options in choosing a motor to meet motion control requirements.

Modern Software Links Legacy Systems

Software portal solutions can connect legacy control systems and field devices to the cloud.

The Role of Sensors in the Evolution of Robotics

Sensing technology will help to transform manufacturing floors into the connected factories of the future.

Self-Contained Wheel Unit

Researchers have developed a self-contained wheel unit that combines a wheel and an electric motor.

How to Use Rotary Encoders to Quickly Convert Mechanical Rotation into Digital Signals

In the digital age, the measurement of rotation of a mechanical shaft on a motor or a rotating instrument knob needs to be done quickly and efficiently....