Precise, stable motion is at the heart of effective robotic systems, and that precision begins at the motor level. In this post, we explore the building blocks of low-level control: from how motors are sensed and driven to the algorithms that govern their behavior. This is essential knowledge for anyone building robots that must interact precisely and robustly with the real world.
Actuators are the muscles of robots — the components that enable motion and interaction with the environment. Whether it’s a robotic arm assembling electronics, a humanoid walking, or a drone flying through a warehouse, actuation systems are at the heart of robotic function. In this post, we explore two fundamental actuation technologies: electric motors and hydraulic actuators, along with the transmission mechanisms that link them to joints, and the modeling techniques used to simulate and control their behavior.