Hobby Motors For Robotics

Stepper motors are ubiquitous in hobby robotics projects: If you make a robotics or automation project today, it is very likely you will use them. Almost all DIY projects from 3D printers and CNC mills, to various custom robots and automation solutions use them. However in industrial automation, brushless servomotors have taken over, and it's clear why: They don't lose steps, are much more powerful, efficient, and silent.



Brushless motors are not unique to expensive industrial automation equipment. In fact, you can get some very powerful and cheap motors at hobby shops. The electronics to drive these motors are also dirt cheap. So how come virtually no non-industrial automation systems use them?



To be honest, I have no idea. Seriously, a driver that allows this should clearly exist.

But since it didn't, I decided to make one.



And you are invited!

This project is open source, both in hardware and software, and I warmly welcome anyone who wants to join.

- Oskar Weigl