Motion systems← Back to overview
Eight architectures.
One engineering method.
Different loads demand different ways of making motion. Each architecture pairs a motor with a transmission, feedback and an output structure chosen for the job it has to do.
01 / Power paths comparedInput to output
How each one moves power.
The route from inverter to output decides stiffness, backdrivability, efficiency and where heat is generated.
| Architecture | Type | Power path |
|---|---|---|
| Strain-wave actuator | Integrated rotary joint | Inverter → PMSM rotor → wave generator → flexspline → output flange |
| Quasi-direct-drive actuator | Outer-rotor joint actuator | Inverter → outer rotor → sun gear → planets → output carrier |
| Planetary servo actuator | Geared servo actuator | Servo motor → sun → planet gears → carrier → output |
| Cycloidal actuator | Eccentric reduction architecture | Motor → eccentric → paired discs → output pins → flange |
| Direct-drive torque motor | Gearless rotary axis | Servo drive → electromagnetic torque → rotor / output |
| Frameless motor | Stator–rotor component kit | External servo drive → stator field → permanent-magnet rotor |
| Electric linear | Servo screw actuator | Servo motor → coupling → screw → guided nut → rod |
| Electro-hydrostatic | Self-contained hydraulic actuation | Servo motor → reversible pump → hydraulic circuit → piston / rod |
02 / Where each one fitsApplication to architecture
The machine defines the motion.
The architectures most relevant to each application area. Final selection depends on load, duty cycle, space and qualification.
| Application | Strain-wave actuator | Quasi-direct-drive actuator | Planetary servo actuator | Cycloidal actuator | Direct-drive torque motor | Frameless motor | Electric linear | Electro-hydrostatic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Humanoid & legged robotics | Not typical | Not typical | Not typical | Not typical | Not typical | |||
| Industrial robots & cobots | Not typical | Not typical | Not typical | Not typical | Not typical | |||
| Factory automation | Not typical | Not typical | Not typical | Not typical | Not typical | |||
| Machine tools | Not typical | Not typical | Not typical | Not typical | Not typical | |||
| Aerospace & defence | Not typical | Not typical | Not typical | Not typical | Not typical | |||
| Mobile robotics & logistics | Not typical | Not typical | Not typical | Not typical | Not typical | Not typical | ||
| Special-purpose machinery | Not typical | Not typical | Not typical | Not typical | Not typical | Not typical |
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architecture fits?
Describe the load, duty cycle, space, environment and control interfaces. We will help you choose.
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