Chapter 22Using DC Motors
DC motors are the mainstay of robotics. A surprisingly small motor, when connected to wheels through a gear reduction system, can power a hefty robot seemingly with ease. A flick of a switch, a click of a relay, or a tick of a transistor, and the motor stops in its tracks and turns the other way. A simple electronic circuit enables you to gain quick and easy control over speed—from a slow crawl to a fast sprint.
This chapter shows you how to apply continuous DC motors (as opposed to stepping or servo motors) to power your robots. The emphasis is on using motors to propel a robot across your living room floor, but you can use the same control techniques for any motor application, including gripper closure, elbow flexion, ...
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