Motion Control

Motors & Drives

Browse the innovative developments in motors and drives technologies. Access the technical briefs and applications that are trending in variable-frequency drives, AC motor-based drive systems, direct drive solutions, and servo motors.

Blog: Motion Control
Create the Future 2021: A Universal E-Kit Provides Power Boost to Non-Motorized Vehicles
Application Briefs: Mechanical & Fluid Systems
Machine Condition Monitoring Keeps a Factory Running
Briefs: Mechanical & Fluid Systems
Hydrodynamic Effect Helps Motorized Objects Navigate Inclines
Articles: Software
Drive-Based Platforms Provide Flexible Concepts for Machine Safety
Products: Electronics & Computers
New Products: October 2021 Motion Design
subscribe to magazine
Get the latest breakthroughs from NASA & other technology sources.

Top Stories

Blog: Energy

Create the Future 2021: A Universal E-Kit Provides Power Boost to...

Blog: Green Design & Manufacturing

With Enzymes, A 'Create the Future' Winner Builds Self-Destructing Plastic

Articles: Sensors/Data Acquisition

What Will 5G Do for the IoT/IIoT?

Blog: Automotive

When to Expect a Hydrogen Fuel Cell Truck

INSIDER: Energy

More Efficient Electricity Distribution Thanks to New Insulation Material

Blog: Aerospace

Answering Reader Questions: NASA Prepares for Return to the Moon

Latest Briefs & News

Articles: Mechanical & Fluid Systems
The Fundamentals of Applying Electrohydraulic Valves
Learn seven key design considerations for implementing electrohydraulic valves.
Blog: Mechanical & Fluid Systems
Intelligent Robots Pick, Prune in the Peach Orchard
An intelligent robot being uses A.I. and sophisticated navigation to find good peaches and remove them from trees.
Briefs: Robotics, Automation & Control
AI and Wearable Cameras Combine 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
Moving Platform for 3D Printing Reduces Waste and Costs
A low-cost, dynamically controlled surface for 3D printers reduces waste and saves time.
Briefs: Mechanical & Fluid Systems
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: Manufacturing & Prototyping
Sustainable 3D-Printed Magnets
An alternative, environmentally friendly production method creates permanent magnets.
Special Reports: Sensors/Data Acquisition
Medical Robotics - September 2021

Self-propelled nanobots that deliver drugs inside the human body...novel sensors that improve the safety and precision of industrial robots...a dynamic hydrogel material that makes building soft robotic...

Supplements: Motion Control
2021 Motion Control Product Directory
Explore manufacturers and products in over 25 motion-design categories.
Articles: Electronics & Computers
Bipolar and Unipolar Drives for Stepper Motors: A Comparison
Learn the differences between bipolar and unipolar motors, their driving methods, and advantages and limitations.
Articles: Mechanical & Fluid Systems
Making High-Duty-Cycle Industrial Automation Affordable
A new generation of long-life electric linear actuators has emerged to give designers more flexibility.
Briefs: Motion Control
NanoGear Molecular Gear
Oscillatory and rotational motions of different parts are combined to pave the way to developing super-miniaturized mechanical devices.
Products: Motion Control
New Products: August 2021 Motion Design
Linear motion bearings, magnetic angle encoders, isolation valves, and more.
Briefs: Motion Control
Coiled Linear Actuators for Soft Robotics
This artificial muscle technology enables more human-like motion.
Application Briefs: Electronics & Computers
Back to Basics: Improving Your Drives Investment
An OEM must think about how to build a machine that will work on any kind of power system.
Briefs: Materials
Shape Memory Alloy (SMA)-Enabled Actuators
SMA tube elements drive rotary and ring gear motion in compact, powerful actuators.
Briefs: Motion Control
Periodic Wave Disc Brake Rotor
The lightweight brake rotor design with high heat dissipation uses novel surface cooling technology.
Articles: Sensors/Data Acquisition
Products of Tomorrow: August 2021
A new COVID test, a "ChromoUpdate," and NASA's brake rotor.
On-Demand Webinars: Motion Control
Auto, Aero and Defense Electrification: Optimizing Induction Motor Design for Manufacturing

As the demand for electrification continues to grow globally, the automotive, aerospace, and defense markets face unprecedented challenges. New technologies are placing greater demands on motors in terms of operating speeds, temperatures, and...

Briefs: Communications
Servo Motion Improves Robot Operations
Servo motion control delivers powerful, fast, and precise movement onboard robots and for associated equipment.
Application Briefs: Mechanical & Fluid Systems
New Hybrid Concept for Actuating Subsea Valves
A valve actuator has deep-sea applications.
Articles: Mechanical & Fluid Systems
Linear Bearings: What You Need to Know
Learn the distinct forms that linear bearings take, and where the bearings are being used today.
Articles: Motion Control
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.
Briefs: AR/AI
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.
Products: Motion Control
New Products: June 2021 Motion Design
Encoders, quick disconnects, automation systems, and more.
Briefs: Robotics, Automation & Control
Chemically Driven Wheels “Morph” Into Gears
A catalytic reaction causes a two-dimensional, chemically coated sheet to spontaneously morph into a three-dimensional gear.
Technology Leaders: Motion Control
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.
Briefs: Motion Control
High Bus Voltage Stepper Motor Systems
New high bus voltage stepper motor systems avoid the complexity and expense of servo motors.
Briefs: Mechanical & Fluid Systems
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.
Articles: Transportation
Simulation Applications Streamline the Development of Electric Vehicle Motors
See how simulation software is being used to is automate the test process for vehicle rotors.

Webcasts

On-Demand Webinars: Automotive

Technical Ceramics: Reshaping the Possible in Electric Vehicles

Upcoming Webinars: Software

Getting Started with Multiphysics Simulation in the Cloud with...

Upcoming Webinars: Medical

Sensors, Apps, and Wearables: The Future of Medical Diagnostics

Upcoming Webinars: Automotive

The Art of EV Propulsion System Design

Upcoming Webinars: Automotive

Solutions for Automotive Interior Colors

Upcoming Webinars: Automotive

Latest Enhancements for ADAS Sensor Testing and Simulation

Trending Stories

NASA Spinoff: Mechanical & Fluid Systems

Nanotechnology Repairs Engine Damage in Cars

Articles: Mechanical & Fluid Systems

Executive Roundtable: Cloud Software

Articles: Motion Control

Reduce Compressed Air Costs with Proper Air Cylinder Sizing

Articles: Motion Control

Pneumatics for Mechanical Motion

Articles: Electronics & Computers

Bipolar and Unipolar Drives for Stepper Motors: A Comparison

Articles: Mechanical & Fluid Systems

Basic Pneumatic Circuits

Videos