In this back-to-basics primer, we outline the essential elements of an automated motion system … whether it’s a piece of robotics or machine design dedicated to a specific routine. All motion systems are electric-motor-driven designs built around two kinds of components: Mechanical power-transmission components — including gears and gearsets, kinematic linkages, belt and pulley sets, […]
Editor Blogs
PSA: Self-locking gearmotors aren’t brakes
Fractional-horsepower gearmotors must satisfy unique application requirements. In some cases, OEM design engineers specify gearmotors containing worm gearing to leverage the self-locking nature of this gear type. However, the locking characteristic of worm gears is often misunderstood and misapplied. Some engineers think, “If I get a self-locking gearbox, when I cut power, the axis […]
Servomotors bring realtime motion control to parallel-kinematics platform
To showcase the performance of a line of servomotors, a parallel platform was recently built to control the motion of a ping-pong ball in realtime. Complementing the synchronized servo actuation are visual feedback and realtime kinematic computation. Charan Bhamra · Mechatronics engineer | Monolithic Power Systems A new three-axis parallel platform demonstrates the performance advantages […]
Update on robotics-related motion software, vision, and safety
In two previous articles, we detailed example integrations of motion control and robotics as well as peripheral motion systems that complement robotics. Robot-related software today offers cross-compatibilities to take mechanical concepts into validated robotic motions and deployable control code. To begin work, robot-controller simulation and programming defines joint and cartesian trajectories, kinematics, motions, singularity handling, […]
The enduring use of pneumatic grippers
In two previous articles, we detailed example integrations of motion control and robotics as well as peripheral motion systems that complement robotics. In fact, end effectors are another motion design for robotic workcells. The Design World library has more information on end-of-arm tooling (EOAT) such as process tools (for welding, for example) and inspection sensors […]
Example integrations of motion control and robotics
Garnering much attention these days are industrial robotics and their integration of motion components and incorporation into workcells with other motion-based automated equipment. Such robotic workcells also feature conveyors, vision systems, and machines to automate specific tasks. So, what makes a motion system a robot or machine? In other words, what’s the distinction between motion […]
Motor torque to tiny tech at MD&M West 2026
It’s hard to believe I’ve attended various iterations of MD&M West for more than two decades with just a few years missed. In fact, I was just reminiscing about the first-ever tradeshow of any type I attended in our industry — the 2002 National Manufacturing Week at Chicago’s McCormick Place. I was so young that I’d […]
Trends in software ecosystems for motion
Some of the latest developments in software ecosystems aim to make motion systems easier to design and commission. Artificial intelligence (AI) has made rapid inroads here. For motion systems specifically, the trend is to use AI for: Servotuning — before a system is put into service. Predictive maintenance — when a system is running in […]
The top motion control stories of 2025
Here at motioncontroltips.com, the editors have once again sifted through the data to see what you, our readers, viewed and read the most in 2025. Alongside some perennial hot topics that year after year continue to be go-to sources for engineers, there was strong interest in more newsy pieces highlighting big stories in automation and […]
A simple PID loop tuning technique: Part 1 of 2
Proportional, integral, derivative (PID) position servo-loop tuning can be daunting. However, one simple technique works well for most systems. Chuck Lewin • Founder and CEO | Performance Motion Devices Inc. There are two types of servomotors commonly used for positioning motion control applications — the dc brush motor (which uses mechanical brushes to commutate the […]
