Instead of large motors, humanoid robotic applications use microdrives that brushless DC motor manufacturers design to give robots human traits and avoid making them excessively heavy. BLDC motor microdrives in a robot’s neck and waist, for example, allow it to be expressive. Actuators allow the torso and head to move independently and display different postures.

Microdrives aren’t just replicas of larger brushless DC motors. They provide high short-term overload capabilities without affecting lifespan, which is ideal for allowing a humanoid to exhibit certain gestures. The use of stepper motors allows for accurate positioning without the need for additional encoders. Furthermore, the motors run efficiently even with minimal supply voltages, making them a good choice for systems with battery backups that won’t fail in the event the voltage drops. Brushless DC motor manufacturers can set up microdrives to have custom, application-specific speeds, output torque and other specific variables with different gear motor combinations.

One of the greatest advantages of microdrives is the flexibility they offer. The BLDC motors are more dynamic, efficient and have a higher output despite their small size. As a result, frequent heavy loads are possible without affecting service life. This is beneficial for momentary actions that aren’t frequent. The overall advantages seen in robotic medical aids that use microdrives over the last few decades, such as motor-powered hand and leg prosthetics, demonstrates that custom BLDC motors can meet strict medical requirements.