The future of servo technology in the industry
Industrial automation is developing at a breathtaking pace, and servo technology is at the heart of many high-precision applications. What once began as a specialized niche product is now an indispensable part of modern manufacturing and production processes. But what does the future hold for this technology? One clear trend is emerging: integrated motion will fundamentally change the way we think about servo systems.
Traditionally, servo systems consisted of several discrete components: a servo motor, an external servo drive and a higher-level controller. Each of these components had to be individually wired, configured and coordinated. This often led to complex installations, increased space requirements and higher maintenance costs. But this era is coming to an end.
FROM THE INDIVIDUAL COMPONENT
TO THE INTEGRATED SOLUTION
The term integrated motion describes the convergence of these individual components into compact, high-performance units. Instead of a separate servo drive in a control cabinet, we are increasingly seeing servomotors in which the servo drive is integrated directly into the motor housing. These "on-motor drives" are revolutionizing machine architecture.
The advantages of this integration are manifold:
- Reduced cabling effort: Fewer cables mean simpler installation, fewer sources of error and faster commissioning. This not only saves time, but also considerable costs.
- More compact machines: By eliminating external servo drive cabinets, valuable space can be saved in machine construction. This enables slimmer designs and a higher machine density in production halls.
- Improved performance and dynamics: The direct integration of the servo drive into the motor enables optimized tuning and shorter signal paths, resulting in improved control quality and dynamics. This is crucial for applications that require maximum precision and fast movements.
- Increased robustness and reliability: Protection against electromagnetic interference and improved heat dissipation are further advantages resulting from integration. The entire unit is often better protected against external influences.
- Decentralized intelligence: With the integration of the servo drive into the motor, part of the intelligence also moves closer to the process. This paves the way for decentralized control concepts and increased autonomy of the individual motion axes.
SERVO DRIVE AND INTEGRATED
The servo drive as the centerpiece of servo technology will not disappear, but will transform its form and function. Instead of a stand-alone device, it will increasingly become an integral part of a larger unit that is seamlessly integrated into higher-level control systems via intelligent interfaces. This development towards integrated motion is a decisive step towards Industry 4.0 and the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT).
The future is networked and intelligent
The next generation of servo technology will not only be integrated, but also highly networked and intelligent. We will increasingly see how servo systems:
- Condition monitoring: Integrated sensors provide data on temperature, vibrations and power consumption to enable predictive maintenance and minimize downtime.
- Artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML): Algorithms will optimize movement sequences, detect deviations and adapt independently to changing conditions.
- Easy configuration and parameterization: intuitive software and plug-and-play capabilities will facilitate commissioning even for non-experts.
Conclusion
The future of servo technology in the industry is bright and promising. The trend towards integrated motion, where the servo drive is integrated directly into the motor, is not just a technical evolution, but a revolution in machine architecture. This will lead to more efficient, compact, robust and intelligent production systems that meet the requirements of an increasingly complex industrial landscape. If you want to invest in the future of industrial automation, Integrated Motion should be a key technology.
