Motion Trends: New motor breeds are smart, connected, and compact

Electronically commutated (EC) motors or ECMs — also known as bldc motors — are indispensable in an array of motion designs needing long life and top efficiency.

Brushless dc motors are trending to provide multiple options to cover a broader spectrum of applications. New designs are being tailored for speed, torque, or a combination of both. Slotless motors are adapting designs to be multi-polar for additional torque or optimizing magnetic design for higher speeds. Some applications — industrial hand tools, for example — are demanding both within their operating range – free run and tightening phases.

Recently, we’ve seen more use of outrunner-type bldc motors in medical equipment and industrial applications. In smaller-scale robotics, digital servomotors commonly are used. These motors are cost effective and (with feedback) provide precise movement through PWM. We also see a lot of planetary gearheads paired with bldc motors — for speed reduction and increase in torque. With tactical robotic systems, planetary gearheads are best for high-torque and high efficiency as well as heavy load-carrying capacity.

Home appliances traditionally powered by brushed motors are increasingly using brushless dc motors — Benefits include higher power efficiency, compatibility with battery power, and longevity. Nearly all motors in room air conditioners, refrigerators, washing machines, and vacuum cleaners are (or will be) replaced by brushless dc motors.

Electrification of automobiles — Migration from internal-combustion engines to electric motors is progressing rapidly … and myriad other previously engine-powered components are being replaced by versions driven by electric motors.

Proliferating robots (including collaborative robots), Most are equipped with motors as well as speed reducers. . In fact, it’s predicted the world population will reach nine billion with three service robots for every human by 2050.

Replacement of manual tasks in logistics and agriculture — The potential for drones in logistics and agriculture is especially high, though new breakthroughs and regulations are still needed.

Regarding brushless motors, there is an interesting trend driven by the drone market. While typically in industrial applications we’ve seen mainly seen inrunner motors  .We now see more and more outrunners that generate an impressive amount of torque at really low cost. Typically, they have a higher pole count then the traditional inrunners … resulting in smaller transmission ratios for gearboxes. They haven’t yet arrived in traditional industrial machinery, but they’re used in a lot of warehouse-automation systems as well as some collaborative robot projects.