Motion Control

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

Briefs: Motion Control

Moving Platform for 3D Printing Reduces Waste and Costs

A low-cost, dynamically controlled surface for 3D printers reduces waste and saves time.

Briefs: Motion Control

Algorithm Designs Soft Robots That Sense

A deep-learning technique optimizes the arrangement of sensors on a robot’s body to ensure efficient operation.

Briefs: Motion Control

Centimeter-Long Snail Robot Powered with Light

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.

Briefs: Photonics/Optics

Sustainable 3D-Printed Magnets

An alternative, environmentally friendly production method creates permanent magnets.

Briefs: Nanotechnology

NanoGear Molecular Gear

Oscillatory and rotational motions of different parts are combined to pave the way to developing super-miniaturized mechanical devices.

Briefs: Energy

“Flexoelectricity” in Soft Elastomers Could Improve Robot Movement

A connection between electricity and mechanical motion in soft, rubber-like materials could improve robot range.

Briefs: Materials

Coiled Linear Actuators for Soft Robotics

This artificial muscle technology enables more human-like motion.

Briefs: Aerospace

Soft Mate Lifting Device

This below-the-hook device enables gentle crane placement to decrease the risk of property damage.

Briefs: Aerospace

Shape Memory Alloy (SMA)-Enabled Actuators

SMA tube elements drive rotary and ring gear motion in compact, powerful actuators.

Briefs: Transportation

Periodic Wave Disc Brake Rotor

The lightweight brake rotor design with high heat dissipation uses novel surface cooling technology.

Briefs: Sensors/Data Acquisition

Algorithm Gives Robots a Faster Grasp

The algorithm speeds up the planning process robots use to adjust their grip on objects for picking and sorting or tool use.

Briefs: Robotics, Automation & Control

Servo Motion Improves Robot Operations

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

Briefs: Software

GPS-Enhanced Onboard Navigation System (GEONS)

The open-architecture flight software package provides solutions for onboard orbit determination.

Briefs: Photonics/Optics

3D Motion Tracking System for Autonomous Technology

The system could one day replace LiDAR and cameras in automated manufacturing, biomedical imaging, and autonomous driving.

Briefs: Manufacturing & Prototyping

Swimming Living Robots Can Self-Train

Biobots based on muscle cells can swim at unprecedented velocities.

Briefs: Wearables

AI and Wearable Cameras Combined in Self-Walking Robotic Exoskeletons

Exoskeleton legs are capable of thinking and making control decisions on their own using artificial intelligence technology.

Briefs: Mechanical & Fluid Systems

Chemically Driven Wheels “Morph” Into Gears

A catalytic reaction causes a two-dimensional, chemically coated sheet to spontaneously morph into a three-dimensional gear.

Briefs: RF & Microwave Electronics

Nanosized Foldable Robots

The machines fold themselves within 100 milliseconds and can flatten and refold thousands of times.

Briefs: Electronics & Computers

Air-Powered Robot Needs No Electronics

The walking quadruped is controlled and powered by pressurized air.

Briefs: Motion Control

Soft Tactile Sensor with Skin-Comparable Characteristics for Robots

The design could contribute to various applications in the robotics field such as smart prosthetics and human-robot interaction.

Briefs: Electronics & Computers

High Bus Voltage Stepper Motor Systems

New high bus voltage stepper motor systems avoid the complexity and expense of servo motors.

Briefs: Manufacturing & Prototyping

Transport of Mechanical Energy, Even Through Damaged Pathways

This work could lead to much more robust devices that continue to operate in spite of damage.

Briefs: Manufacturing & Prototyping

RFID-Based Rotary Position Sensor

Innovators have developed an RFID-based system for sensing the angular position of rotating systems. The RFID-Based Rotary Position Sensor can be used as a position/orientation sensor or implemented in a...

Briefs: Sensors/Data Acquisition

Accelerometer and Gyroscope Designs Based on Carbon Nanotube Tape

NASA Marshall Space Flight Center developed designs for two micro-electromechanical systems (MEMS) motion and position sensors: a single-axis accelerometer and a gyroscope....