Motion control systems, which provide accuracy, efficiency, and speed, are advancing industrial automation, says Benedicta Chettiar.

Motion control technology has grown to be an essential component of industrial automation, improving productivity, accuracy, and production efficiency. The global motion control market is projected to grow at a CAGR of around 5.5% from 2024 to 2029, expected to reach US$ 21.6 billion by 2029, according to MarketsAndMarkets.

Motion control technology comprises a range of systems, including drives, sensors, actuators, and controllers, all of which are used to control motion in machinery, robotics, and manufacturing lines.

Main Components of a Motion Control System

There are a range of components of a motion control system, some of which are: controllers, drives, motors, feedback devices, actuators, power supply, mechanical components, HMI (operator interaction), communication interfaces (data exchange) and safety components.

Key market pain points of motion control in industry

Although motion control systems are essential for improving accuracy and productivity in industries, several issues prevent them from being widely used and functioning at their best. Here are some key market pain points of a motion content system in industry:

• Complex Integration with Existing Systems

Several companies still use outdated technology from before the advent of digitalization. Conventional machinery was not intended with digital interface in mind, hence motion control systems frequently need to be integrated into these preexisting setups. The adoption of new technologies is slowed down by the expense and difficulty of integrating modern systems into legacy ecosystems.

• Skills Gap in Automation Technologies

It takes skilled professionals who are familiar with industrial automation, programming, and system maintenance to operate motion control systems. This skills gap, in turn, generates the demand for specialised technical staff, leading to high personnel costs and slower adoption rates.

• Latency and Real-time Processing Demands

Latency can cause significant issues in production systems that operate at high speeds. Motion control systems must react quickly to ensure accuracy, particularly in settings such as semiconductor packaging or manufacturing, where even little delays can result in material waste or faults.

Any motion control system delay can cause wafer damage or misalignment in semiconductor manufacturing, for example, where wafer processing demands extremely precise measurements and can result in large financial losses.

While the technology has enormous potential for increasing productivity, precision, and efficiency, the accompanying issues of integration, cost, skills, latency, and environmental demands must be addressed to achieve long-term success.

Industry trends in motion control

Modern automation and robotics rely heavily on motion control systems, which propel productivity, accuracy, and creativity across a wide range of sectors. The need for precise, high-speed motion is growing, and this is driving the advancement of motion control technology.

Increased adoption of servo motors and drives

Servo motors are becoming cheaper and more efficient with enhanced control algorithms and better integration with advanced feedback systems. The increasing need for flexibility in manufacturing lines, where quick changes and customization are required, is supporting this trend. For example, the robotic industry.

Integration with IoT and Industry 4.0

Reducing downtime and increasing efficiency are top priorities for industries; therefore being able to remotely monitor motion control systems and anticipate possible issues before they happen is revolutionary. Motion systems can transmit operational data to cloud platforms through IIoT for analysis, helping engineers in making well-informed choices.

AI and machine learning for adaptive motion control, rising demand for multi-axis motion control, energy efficiency and sustainability, and enhanced safety protocols and compliance are some other trends.

Final thought

Motion control systems, which provide accuracy, efficiency, and speed, are advancing industrial automation. Industries can fully utilise these systems for efficient, sustainable operations by addressing market pain points and leveraging state-of-the-art technologies.

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Benedicta Chettiar is Director, IED Communications and Manager, Strategic Developments, Industrial Automation. Besides these roles, Beni, as she is known, is also actively managing the affairs of Jyothi Process, a state-of-the-art printing press. 

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