March 20, 2018 Fundamentals of a Motion Control System

With the rise of the modern industrial revolution, motion control systems became an integral part of the CNC (Computer Numerical Control) machines and robotics. The development of Artificial Intelligence and Big Data lead to the demand and rise of precise motion control applications across various industries ranging from automobile to medicine. It marked the beginning of intelligent motion control systems. They are more flexible than mechanical systems.

Globalization is one of the driving forces behind the rapid growth of the motion control market. As the global economy continues to expand, the demand for high-precision motion control systems in semiconductor and electronics, food and beverage, electrical, and automotive industries is also expected to increase. Motion control systems have also found a growing use in improving industrial safety. Robots with intelligent motion control systems such as collaborative robotics or cobots are proving to be a game-changer for the manufacturing sector.

The software technology is also making it easier to integrate motion control equipment with the existing production line, further fueling the market demand. The Industry 4.0 is also responsible for the accelerated proliferation of motion control systems. If you have a passion for designing and problem-solving, motion control seems to be a promising field of engineering.

We have come a long way since the eighteenth century when motion control was practically non-existent. Although the modern motion control systems have achieved new levels of uptime, adaptability, and productivity, the fundamentals of the design have remained virtually the same over the years. In other words, you will need to be well-versed with the fundamental principles of designing to build a modern motion control systems.

Usually, a typical motion control set up consists of an amplifier, a controller, and a motor. The controller is equivalent to the CPU of a computer. It performs the necessary physical movements according to the instructions. The motor produces the torque required for the movement. The amplifier acts on command from the controller to produce the current required to operate the motor. Modern motion control systems also come with the operating software, a user interface, and a feedback device or position sensor.

The following infographic will help you understand the fundamentals of a motion control system. You will also get valuable insights into the designing and working principles of various motion control components.

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