How Intelligent Motors Improve Motion Control

In modern motion control applications, AC and DC motors with varying levels of intelligence offer many productivity benefits. The consequences of motor failure and downtime can be significant, directly costing manufacturers through drained productivity and repair or replacement.

Whether it’s improving the consistency of performance or preventing motor failure, when intelligent devices and software are combined with electric motors, the result is often greater visibility into operations, lower energy consumption, and higher levels of motor uptime. Intelligent motors for motion control have many benefits.

The Benefits of Intelligent Motors for Motion Control

First and foremost, intelligent sensors and devices for monitoring and communicating motor performance support operations in several ways. They help avoid overloading, unbalanced power, high ambient temperatures, rotor failure, and damaged bearings, among many other common points of motor failure.

Oftentimes these systems offer seamless communication and remote monitoring for enhanced visibility into motor performance. Not only does this allow manufacturers to detect and avoid potential causes of downtime, it can lead to greater energy efficiency, faster troubleshooting and resolve of problems. All of this information also facilitates ongoing performance optimization for industrial motors.

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Taking the Next Step to Artificial Intelligence in Motors for Motion Control

New products in development aim to introduce the power of artificial intelligence (AI) to motors for advanced motion control. In one example, embedded algorithms can be used, based on a wealth of information provided by intelligent sensors, to compensate for faults in motors.

Essentially, these systems can compare a data-based model of motor performance with real time analytics to correct performance issues with voltage commands, generating near-normal torque when phase faults arise. The goal of these systems is to minimize the impact from phase faults, making them more manageable, especially in critical safety situations.

Intelligent motors take motion control performance to the next level. By improving efficiency, uptime, and energy consumption, manufacturers stand to gain significant productivity benefits from intelligent motors.