Metrology Glossary: Servo

What Is A Servo?

A servo, short for “servomechanism,” serves as a sophisticated feedback control system integral in numerous applications to achieve precise control over the position of a mechanical system. This mechanism operates through a calibrated potentiometer, a specialized variable resistor, and a wiper arm. The potentiometer is intricately linked to the wiper arm, responsible for gauging the potentiometer’s resistance as it moves. This resistance modulation plays a crucial role in directly influencing the voltage supplied to the connected motor.

What Are Servos Used For?

Industrial automation: Servos play a crucial role in orchestrating the precise positioning of diverse components within machinery, managing tasks ranging from controlling assembly lines, packaging lines, and other manufacturing processes.
Medical devices: Servos find application in certain medical devices requiring exact positioning and control, such as robotic surgery arms and systems facilitating precise drug delivery.
Fluid control: Servos prove instrumental in regulating the flow of fluids by overseeing valves and pumps, ensuring precise control over fluid dynamics.
Temperature control: Servos are employed to adjust the positioning of dampers and vents, enabling precise control over the temperature in diverse environments.
Solar panels: Servos are used to dynamically track the sun’s movement, adeptly adjusting the angle of solar panels to optimize energy generation.