How can a single electrical motor control a robot? or even a mechanical arm?

In summary, connecting a mechanical arm to an electric motor allows for a variety of movements due to the use of multiple motors, actuators, servos, and sensors working together. This process involves control systems and the use of computer technology to create coordinated movements. It is also possible to design a single-motor system using clever gears and mechanisms, and hydraulics offer another alternative. Inspiration for such designs can be found in the book "Ingenious Mechanisms for Designers and Inventors".
  • #1
Femme_physics
Gold Member
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So an electrical motor converts electrical energy to mechanical one. But an electric motor can just produce a single motion in of itself. How come connecting a mechanical arm to it allows a diversity of movements like rotation, verticial and horizontal motions to both directions!?
 
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  • #2
Becuase it's not a single motor that creates the movement. You'll have many motors, linear actuators, servos and sensors all working together.

It also involves the mucky, horrible world of control systems.
Controls engineers use computer jargon and witchcraft to magically create a set of signals which creates a well choreographed movement of all the actuators.
 
  • #3
I'm guessing that with a clever enough set of gears and mechanisms you can make a robot that can preform mechanical movement which can consist of movements in a few directions and speeds using a single motor. Like those toy robots that walk and stuff, of course they have no control system and there movements have to be predetermined.
 
  • #4
That is a very interesting concept.
 
  • #5
*smacks forehead* I realized the answer an hour after making this thread after I saw really tiny motors were possible. :) Thanks.
 
  • #6
berko1 said:
I'm guessing that with a clever enough set of gears and mechanisms...
Yep. Hydraulics offer another option for a single-electric-motor design.

I've seen some truly amazing all-mechanical systems. A good source for inspiration is the book, "Ingenious Mechanisms for Designers and Inventors".
 

Related to How can a single electrical motor control a robot? or even a mechanical arm?

1. How does a single electrical motor control a robot or mechanical arm?

A single electrical motor controls a robot or mechanical arm through a combination of mechanical components and software programming. The motor provides the necessary power to move the robot's or arm's joints, and the software controls the motor's speed and direction based on input from sensors or programming commands.

2. What type of motor is used to control a robot or mechanical arm?

The most commonly used motor for controlling robots and mechanical arms is the DC motor. DC motors are able to provide precise control over speed and direction, making them ideal for tasks that require fine movements and adjustments.

3. How does the motor communicate with the robot or arm's software?

The motor communicates with the software through a series of sensors and feedback mechanisms. These sensors provide information about the motor's speed, position, and direction, which the software uses to make adjustments and control the motor's movements.

4. Can multiple motors be used to control a single robot or mechanical arm?

Yes, multiple motors can be used to control a single robot or mechanical arm. In fact, many robots and arms use multiple motors to achieve more complex movements and tasks. Each motor can be controlled independently, allowing for more precise and coordinated movements.

5. How is the motor's power supply managed in a robot or mechanical arm?

The motor's power supply is managed through a power management system that regulates the amount of electricity provided to the motor. This system ensures that the motor receives the appropriate amount of power for its movements without causing damage or draining the robot's or arm's battery too quickly.

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