The Motor Revolution: Powering the Future of Affordable and Useful Robots

Daily Technology

06/02/2026

The dream of sophisticated, human-like robots capable of performing complex tasks with grace and efficiency hinges on a critical, often overlooked component: the motor, or actuator. Current robotic actuators, while functional, fall short of the precision, efficiency, and responsiveness needed to transition robots from clunky machines to truly useful and affordable partners in various industries and daily life.

Key Takeaways

Advancements in actuator technology are crucial for making robots more practical and accessible.
Existing DC motors are often ill-suited for the nuanced movements required by robots.
New actuator designs are exploring greater precision, energy efficiency, and back-driveability.
Companies and researchers are developing innovative solutions, including soft robotics and elastomer-based actuators.

The Limitations of Current Actuators

For decades, roboticists have relied on direct current (DC) motors, which excel at high-speed, low-torque applications like spinning a fan. However, human movement, and by extension, the desired movement for advanced robots, requires significant force and torque for lifting and pushing. Furthermore, safety is a major concern; robots need actuators that can instantly reverse motion or stop on command, a capability lacking in many current designs. This lack of "back-driveability" makes them akin to manual transmission cars that cannot simply shift into reverse.

Another significant hurdle is energy efficiency. Robots often run out of battery power quickly, a problem exacerbated by inefficient electric motors. Additionally, miniaturizing traditional electric motors for smaller robots leads to overheating issues, posing further design challenges.

Innovations Driving Robotic Motion

To overcome these limitations, a new generation of actuators is being developed. Companies like Germany's Schaeffler are working on highly energy-efficient and precisely controlled actuators for humanoid robots, aiming to enable safe human-robot collaboration in industrial settings. Their approach involves actuators that provide rich data on their position and function, allowing for real-time computer adjustments.

Similarly, Hyundai Mobis, a South Korean automotive parts manufacturer, is supplying Boston Dynamics with new actuators. These systems integrate motor controllers and reduction gears, drawing on automotive expertise to ensure quality and reliability crucial for human safety.

Exploring New Frontiers in Actuation

Beyond traditional metal and plastic components, researchers are exploring novel materials and designs. At the University of California San Diego, scientists are experimenting with air-driven "soft robots" made from materials like elastomers. These robots can withstand significant abuse, are waterproof, and move with a fluidity that mimics biological muscles. By applying voltage to sandwiched elastomers, researchers aim to create actuators that contract and expand, offering a more natural and efficient form of motion.

While these pioneering approaches, including those using "variable springs" that can dynamically absorb load, are still in development, they hold the promise of enabling robots to move with the grace and efficiency currently seen only in nature. The ultimate goal is to move beyond "stumble-bots" to truly balletic machines, making robots more useful, affordable, and integrated into our lives.

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