European semiconductor maker ST Microelectronics is working with Swiss precision motor manufacturer Maxon Motor to develop precision motor control systems designed specifically for robotics and industrial automation. The two companies have developed a plug-and-play servo control development kit to support robotics and automation applications.

The EVALKIT-ROBOT-1 is a plug-and-play solution aimed to help users easily approach the world of precise positioning and high-end motion in servo drives and robotics. A Maxon 100-Watt BLDC motor with built-on 1024-pulse incremental encoder is included in the kit, embodying the company’s expertise in magnetic design in motors that ensures smoothness and balance to allow fine control even at low rotor speeds.

The servo control board supplied with the kit contains ST’s STSPIN32F0A intelligent 3-phase motor controller and a complete inverter stage built with ST power transistors ready to connect to the motor. Motor-control firmware is also included, making it easy for users to start the motor and begin sending commands.

“Our motors are trusted worldwide to deliver high quality, precision, and accuracy,” said Felix Herger, Head of Business Development Industrial Automation, Maxon Motor. “Teaming with ST has created a platform that makes these attributes more easily accessible to a wider variety of product designers.”

“Designing high-end motion controls with accurate positioning capabilities is complex and time-consuming, demanding specialist skills. Working with Maxon, we have now put those skills in a box for our customers,” said Branimir Ivetic, Motion Control Product Marketing Manager, ST Microelectronics. “The EVALKIT-ROBOT-1 kit accelerates development of next-generation robotics and automation that delivers advanced capabilities and dexterity with excellent reliability and ease of use.”