Robotics and automation applications of drives and converters

The current design limits of power electronics have a significant effect on robotics and automation applications of drives and converters. This paper treats the major design limits that include dynamic range, reliability of p ower electronics, precision engineering and reliability, productivity and r eliability and drive motion control standards. For each of these limits. th e paper identifies and discusses the salient issues and relates them to pro mising new technologies and, thus, to the future challenges in power electr onic systems.