Design and analysis of a brushless DC motor for applications in robotics

Abstract

This study presents the design of a three-phase slotless brushless DC (BLDC) motor for use as an electromagnetic actuator in robotics. To achieve the high torque-to-inertia and torque-to-weight ratios required for fast response in robotic applications, genetic algorithms (GAs) are used to optimise the initial motor design within a reasonable geometry. We examine the machine performance using 3-D finite element analysis (FEA) and validate them by experimental measurement.