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: Imaging
Exoskeleton legs are capable of thinking and making control decisions on their own using artificial intelligence technology.
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Briefs: Photonics/Optics
The system could one day replace LiDAR and cameras in automated manufacturing, biomedical imaging, and autonomous driving.
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Briefs: Mechanical & Fluid Systems
A catalytic reaction causes a two-dimensional, chemically coated sheet to spontaneously morph into a three-dimensional gear.
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Briefs: Semiconductors & ICs
The machines fold themselves within 100 milliseconds and can flatten and refold thousands of times.
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Briefs: Robotics, Automation & Control
The walking quadruped is controlled and powered by pressurized air.
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Briefs: Motion Control
The design could contribute to various applications in the robotics field such as smart prosthetics and human-robot interaction.
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Briefs: Electronics & Computers
New high bus voltage stepper motor systems avoid the complexity and expense of servo motors.
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Briefs: Motion Control
This work could lead to much more robust devices that continue to operate in spite of damage.
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Briefs: Mechanical & Fluid Systems

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

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Briefs: RF & Microwave Electronics

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...

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Briefs: Mechanical & Fluid Systems
The new hinge is the key to get loadbearing, large quadrotors to climb a few dozen feet in seconds.
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Briefs: Materials
Potential applications include parachutes, hot air balloons, weather balloons, blimps, sails, and parasails.
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Briefs: Sensors/Data Acquisition
Emerging robotics technology may lead to better buildings in less time.
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Briefs: Motion Control
These robots could perform basic healthcare tasks to support the work of doctors and nurses.
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Briefs: Motion Control
Shape and environment can cause materials to move without motors or hands.
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Briefs: Motion Control
These actuators can compete with electrical and pneumatic systems.
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Briefs: Mechanical & Fluid Systems
A prototype version could be demonstrated on a large cargo lunar lander.
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Briefs: Motion Control
A new type of control system may broaden robots’ range of tasks and allow safer interactions with people.
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Briefs: Aerospace
The tiny device accurately measures acceleration in smaller navigation systems and other devices.
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Briefs: Motion Control
Hundreds of drones can recharge autonomously on unmanned ground vehicles.
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Briefs: Electronics & Computers
Equipment designers can simplify design efforts and adjust controller platforms as needed when they standardize on electronic input/output products.
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Briefs: Motion Control
Onboard cameras can be used to keep damaged quadcopters in the air and flying stably, even without GPS.
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Briefs: Sensors/Data Acquisition
A stretchable system can harvest energy from human breathing and motion.
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Briefs: Materials
A technique enables manufacturing of minuscule robots by interlocking multiple materials in a complex way.
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Briefs: Materials
This system can track the motion of the entire body with a small sensory network.
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Briefs: Mechanical & Fluid Systems
The integrated tool eliminates the need for manual operators or additional custom fixtures.
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Briefs: Robotics, Automation & Control
Applications include aiding patients with impaired hand muscle strength and in manufacturing for operating tools for extended periods of time.
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Briefs: Motion Control
This partially superconducting machine can be used as a motor or generator.
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Briefs: Motion Control
Applications include retractable covers and awnings, camera booms, and spacecraft and astronaut positioning.
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