The electric motor is the fundamental building block of almost all robotic projects but, without some form of feedback, it lacks the precise positional control required for the task. Small servos from ...

If you have a motor and you’d like to know where the shaft position is, you are likely to turn to an optical encoder scheme. However, as [lingib] points out, you can also use a magnet and a ...

Stepper motor linear actuators (SMLAs) combine a stepper motor, precision lead screw and nut in one compact envelope, providing a highly configurable, customizable and robust system for linear motion.

I want to write about something a little different this time. I removed the mechanical scroll wheel rotary encoder from a discarded optical mouse and used it in a little project. I really liked the ...