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Allegro MicroSystems

Overcoming Robot Actuator Design Challenges

Design next-generation robot joints with greater efficiency, precision and reliability

As robotic systems continue to evolve, engineers face increasing demands for higher power density, improved motion accuracy, and greater thermal efficiency. Three key trends are driving robotic actuator innovation: the adoption of 48V power architectures, the shift toward in-line current sensing, and the use of dual high-resolution position sensors within each joint.

In this whitepaper, Allegro MicroSystems explores the architectural decisions shaping modern robotic joint design and examines how advances in gate driving, current sensing, and position feedback technologies can help overcome common performance bottlenecks. Learn how these technologies work together to improve torque density, reduce heat generation, optimize PCB space, and deliver more precise motion control.

Whether you're developing humanoids, AMRs, robotics arms, or industrial automation platforms, this guide provides practical insights for designing efficient, high-performance actuator systems.

What You’ll Learn

  • Why 48V architectures are becoming the robotics industry standard
  • How configurable gate drivers balance efficiency and EMI performance
  • The limitations of traditional low-side current sensing approaches
  • Benefits of in-line TMR current sensing for FOC and torque estimation
  • How dual-sensor architectures improve positioning accuracy
  • Key considerations for sensor placement, bandwidth, and resolution
  • Strategies for reducing thermal challenges and maximizing actuator performance

Key Applications

  • Humanoid Robots
  • Collaborative Robots (Cobots)
  • Industrial Robotic Arms
  • Autonomous Mobile Robots (AMRs)
  • Service Robotics
  • Manufacturing Automation Systems
  • Precision Motion Control Platforms

Webinar: Optimizing the Robotic Actuator Signal Chain

Explore the latest semiconductor technologies for current sensing, position feedback, and motor/gate driving, and how they can help create smaller, more efficient, and reliable robotic actuators.

Register for the webinar

Allegro MicroSystems offers a portfolio of sensing and power solutions engineered to address the performance requirements of modern robotic platforms. From robust 48V gate drivers to in-line TMR current sensors and high-resolution position sensing technologies, Allegro solutions help engineers increase efficiency, improve control accuracy, and reduce system complexity.