Motion Control

Access our comprehensive library of technical briefs on motion control, from engineering experts at NASA and major government, university, and commercial laboratories.

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Briefs: Test & Measurement
The technique could be used to improve navigation for robots, drones, or pedestrians.
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Briefs: Transportation
This technology could help control driverless cars and automated warehouses.
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Briefs: Mechanical & Fluid Systems
Square trusses replace round for enhanced strength and robotics compatibility.
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Briefs: Test & Measurement
This technology cancels out the vibrations of a satellite by vibrating the solar panels in the opposite direction.
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Briefs: Motion Control
The domino effect is used to design deployable systems that expand quickly with a small push and are stable and locked into place after deployment.
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Briefs: Robotics, Automation & Control

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...

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Briefs: Motion Control
The gyroscope is smaller than a grain of rice — about 500 times smaller than the current state-of-the-art device.
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Briefs: Imaging
Hardware and software tweak microwave patterns to discover the most efficient way to identify objects.
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Briefs: Energy
Fuse devices enable circuit safety in high-power applications, such as motion control and alternative energy generation, in addition to electric vehicles.
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Briefs: Electronics & Computers
The bus is designed for high-frequency, high-temperature operation in electric drive systems and next-generation power electronics.
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Briefs: Mechanical & Fluid Systems
Applications include valves, tubes, and other gas and fluid system components.
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Briefs: Nanotechnology
This technology could impact new directions in robotics design.
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Briefs: Aerospace
This framework can be used by commercial and military aircraft and unmanned aerial vehicles.
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Briefs: Electronics & Computers
This mechanical gyroscope can advance motion sensing capabilities in consumer-sized applications.
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Briefs: Sensors/Data Acquisition
The robot is built entirely from smaller robots and can form a robophysical system that can move by itself.
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Briefs: Mechanical & Fluid Systems
Such grippers would be suited for human-robot partnership in assembly lines in the automotive, electronic packaging, and other industries.
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Briefs: Automotive

Conventional fastening mechanisms like nails, bolts, and welds are subject to manufacturing and inspection tolerances, differential thermal growth, and other sources of error that lead to over-constraint, among...

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Briefs: Wearables
These soft robots can be rolled up and carried in a pocket.
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Briefs: Electronics & Computers
Such machines, only a few tens of micrometers across, could be used in the human body to perform small operations.
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Briefs: Mechanical & Fluid Systems
Systems of tiny robots could build high-performance structures, from airplanes to space settlements.
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Briefs: Green Design & Manufacturing
This robot “blood” stores energy, transmits force, operates appendages, and provides structure, all in an integrated design.
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Briefs: RF & Microwave Electronics
An upgraded mini robot can leap over obstacles with ease.
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Briefs: Nanotechnology
This microbot can walk on land, swim, and walk underwater.
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Briefs: Sensors/Data Acquisition
Loosely connected disc-shaped “particles” can push and pull one another, moving together to transport objects.
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Briefs: Wearables
These stickers wirelessly beam health readings to a receiver clipped onto clothing.
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Briefs: Energy
Electric motors and gas-alcohol engines could slash pollution levels and greenhouse gases from long-haul trucks.
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Briefs: Communications
A technology uses a combination of WiFi signals and accelerometer technology to track devices in near-real-time.
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Briefs: Automotive
Researchers have developed a self-contained wheel unit that combines a wheel and an electric motor.
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Briefs: Motion Control
The technology can be used in commercial motors, robotic systems, and hybrid and electric vehicles.
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