DC Motors vs. Servo Motors

​Rotates 360° very quickly. Best for movement. Not good for precision.

DC Motor

Unless otherwise specified, does not rotate 360°. Slow. Best for precision controlling of parts.

Servo Motor

Specialty motor that is used for highly precise movements that can be repeated over and over. We will not use stepper motors in this class.

Stepper Motor

DC motors take electricity and convert that into magnetic energy. This magnetic energy turns a shaft in the middle of the motor.

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​DC Motors

• Inaccurate

• Weak without a gear system

Cons

• Speed

• Good for continuous rotation

• Reduce voltage, reduce speed

• Can run for a long time without damage

Pros

Servos have a DC motor, but also a device called a position potentiometer. This reads exactly where the shaft has turned, and sends the data back to the computer.

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Servo Motors

• Most only rotate 180°

• Can only be turned electrically (NO PLAYING WITH THEM)

Cons

• Precision

• Higher torque (stronger)

• Great for highly accurate movements (grabbers!)

Pros

Neither. They're both needed to make robots. Each has its own use.