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: Design
A new robot developed by Caltech researchers LEO carves out a new type of locomotion somewhere between walking and flying.
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Briefs: Test & Measurement
Potential uses include MEMS accelerometers, vibration monitoring, and other precision motion control applications.
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Briefs: Mechanical & Fluid Systems
This mechanism improves rotordynamic stability in turbomachinery.
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Briefs: Propulsion
The “nanoswimmers” could be used to remediate contaminated soil, improve water filtration, or even deliver drugs to targeted areas of the body.
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Briefs: Sensors/Data Acquisition
The multi-legged robots are capable of maneuvering in challenging environments.
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Briefs: AR/AI
The model allows robots to ask clarifying questions to soldiers.
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Briefs: Sensors/Data Acquisition
It can also find the nearest electric wall outlet to recharge without human assistance.
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Briefs: Sensors/Data Acquisition
Low-voltage DC stepper and servo drives offer space-saving options for applications traditionally handled by AC servo drives.
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Briefs: Aerospace
Vibration-absorbing resonators could better soundproof walls and make vehicles more streamlined.
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Briefs: Motion Control
The tiny motors mimic how rock climbers navigate inclines.
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Briefs: Materials
The soft and stretchable device converts movement into electricity and can work in wet environments.
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Briefs: Robotics, Automation & Control
In a collapsed building or on rough terrain, a robot could balance itself and move forward with just its feet.
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Briefs: Robotics, Automation & Control
Artificial intelligence helps train robots to work together to move an object around two obstacles and through a narrow door in computer simulations.
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Briefs: Mechanical & Fluid Systems
The technology could improve the control of prosthetic hands and provide a sense of “touch” for amputees.
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Briefs: Motion Control
A system uses tiny magnetic beads to rapidly measure the position of muscles and relay that information to a bionic prosthesis.
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Briefs: Motion Control
Exoskeleton legs are capable of thinking and making control decisions on their own using artificial intelligence technology.
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Briefs: Energy
The soft robot harvests energy from a laser beam and can crawl on horizontal surfaces and climb vertical walls and an upside-down glass ceiling.
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Briefs: Robotics, Automation & Control
A deep-learning technique optimizes the arrangement of sensors on a robot’s body to ensure efficient operation.
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Briefs: Sensors/Data Acquisition
An alternative, environmentally friendly production method creates permanent magnets.
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Briefs: Transportation
A low-cost, dynamically controlled surface for 3D printers reduces waste and saves time.
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Briefs: Motion Control
Oscillatory and rotational motions of different parts are combined to pave the way to developing super-miniaturized mechanical devices.
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Briefs: Mechanical & Fluid Systems
This artificial muscle technology enables more human-like motion.
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Briefs: Motion Control
This below-the-hook device enables gentle crane placement to decrease the risk of property damage.
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Briefs: Materials
SMA tube elements drive rotary and ring gear motion in compact, powerful actuators.
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Briefs: Aerospace
The lightweight brake rotor design with high heat dissipation uses novel surface cooling technology.
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Briefs: Energy
A connection between electricity and mechanical motion in soft, rubber-like materials could improve robot range.
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Briefs: Sensors/Data Acquisition
The algorithm speeds up the planning process robots use to adjust their grip on objects for picking and sorting or tool use.
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Briefs: Robotics, Automation & Control
Servo motion control delivers powerful, fast, and precise movement onboard robots and for associated equipment.
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Briefs: Software
The open-architecture flight software package provides solutions for onboard orbit determination.
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