Robotics Knowledge Hub
The definitive engineering guides covering the three indispensable physical pillars of modern robotics: Motors & Actuation, Sensors & Perception, and Power & Energy Systems.
Featured Knowledge Topics
Click on any topic tile to read the complete technical guide with comparison tables, formulas, and code.
Motors in Robotics
Beginner-friendly guide to DC brushed, BLDC, stepper, and servo actuators with H-bridges, FOC, and torque-speed matching.
- How Electric Motors Work (Simple Core Physics)
- DC Brushed Motors (Simple 2-Wire Workhorse)
- Brushless DC Motors (BLDC & Drone Power)
- Stepper Motors (Extreme Precision Steps)
- RC Servos & Smart Serial Actuators
- Motor Drivers, H-Bridges & Circuit Safety
Sensors in Robotics
Master robotic perception: Proprioceptive IMUs and encoders alongside exteroceptive LiDAR, ultrasonic, depth cameras, and Kalman sensor fusion.
- Proprioceptive vs Exteroceptive Architecture
- Optical & Magnetic Encoders + 6/9-DOF IMUs
- Ultrasonic (HC-SR04) & Time-of-Flight (VL53L0X)
- 2D & 3D LiDAR (Triangulation vs ToF for SLAM)
- RGB-D Depth Cameras & Kalman Filter State Estimation
Power System in Robotics
Design reliable energy architectures: LiPo, LiFePO4, 18650/21700 cells, C-ratings, BMS cell balancing, DC-DC Buck/Boost regulation, and PDB protection.
- Battery Chemistries (LiPo, LiFePO4, Li-ion 18650)
- C-Rating, Discharge Curves & Power Budgeting
- Battery Management Systems (BMS) & Cell Balancing
- Switch-Mode DC-DC Buck/Boost Regulators vs LDOs
- Power Distribution Boards (PDB), Ground Loops & E-Stops
How the Three Pillars Connect in a Robot
Every autonomous system operates as a closed loop: Power provides clean electrical rails, Sensors capture environmental and joint telemetry, and Motors translate software commands into physical force.
1. Power System (Energy Bus)
Provides raw high-current battery power (12V–48V) to motor inverters while stepping down to ultra-stable 5V/3.3V logic rails with star grounding to prevent noise injection.
Explore Power Architecture2. Sensors & Telemetry (Perception)
Encoders measure wheel rotation ticks, IMUs quantify angular acceleration, and LiDAR + Depth Cameras map obstacles for real-time Kalman filter state estimation.
Explore Sensor Suite3. Motors & Drivers (Actuation)
H-Bridges, ESCs, and FOC inverters convert software PWM and velocity commands into mechanical torque, driving wheels, joints, and end-effectors with high efficiency.
Explore Actuation SystemsReady to apply this knowledge in hands-on projects?
Explore our 8 career roadmaps or build one of our 12 complete open-source robots with schematics and BOMs.