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Electromechanical Actuators and Sensors Targeting Mechatronics in the Smart Industry
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Electromechanical Actuators and Sensors Targeting Mechatronics in the Smart Industry

A special issue of Electronics (ISSN 2079-9292). This special issue belongs to the section "Industrial Electronics".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 15 May 2025 | Viewed by 12320

Special Issue Editors

Prof. Dr. Junghwan Chang

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Electrical Engineering Department, Donga University, Saha-gu, Busan 49315, Republic of Korea
Interests: electric machines; actuators; special machine
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Dr. Sarbajit Paul

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Mechanism and Actuators Department, Control Technologies and Automation Components Division, ABB Corporate Research Center, 68526 Ladenburg, Germany
Interests: multiphysics; physical sensors; electromechanical actuators; industrial robots
Prof. Dr. Anindya Nag

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
1. Faculty of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Technische Universität Dresden, 01062 Dresden, Germany
2. Centre for Tactile Internet with Human-in-the-Loop (CeTI), Technische Universität Dresden, 01069 Dresden, Germany
Interests: flexible sensors; MEMS sensors; nanotechnology
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Industry 4.0 is beginning the digital transformation process in modern industrial production and smart manufacturing, where industrial robots or other cyber–physical systems are embedded with smart sensors to facilitate human–machine collaboration based on data-driven knowledge. Non-accessible, -interpretable data would deteriorate data-driven models or restrict the human role, while non-reliable, efficient actuators would lower the robotic performances, resulting in production losses and ineffective interaction. Developing smart sensors and reliable/efficient actuators for industrial robotics will be very important to enhance productivity, system reliability, parts quality and human welfare in smart factories. With the increasing research in smart sensor-actuator technologies establishing a comprehensive database of novel embedded sensors and actuators and emerging ICT technologies, such as the industrial Internet of things (iIoT), deep learning and deep analytics, artificial intelligence, intelligent robotics, cognitive computer vision and simulation are necessary to expand the frontiers in industrial robotics targeting Industry 4.0. This focused session serves this purpose, aiming to identify, address and disseminate state-of-the-art research work on smart sensors and actuator systems for factory robotics that can enhance the use of more to all electrically operated systems with an integrated intelligent architecture supported by artificial intelligence and big data analytics. The guest editorial team solicits original research papers with novel contributions in the above aspect.

The topics of interest include, but not restricted to:

  1. Electromechanical actuators including sensors mechanism for factory robotics; the use of more to all electric actuation principles to improve the production efficiency.
  2. Novel physical sensors targeting position, force and manipulation of factory robots.
  3. Innovative sensing strategies for process monitoring and the tracking of product history.
  4. Additive manufacturing of actuators for industrial robots and the integration of additive manufacturing in smart factories.
  5. Sensor-actuator integration, condition monitoring and big data analytics on industrial robots targeting factory automation and field robotics.
  6. Artificial intelligence coupled with sensor-actuator architecture for smart manufacturing.
  7. Energy harversting and self-powered actuator-sensor systems.

Prof. Dr. Junghwan Chang
Dr. Sarbajit Paul
Prof. Dr. Anindya Nag
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Electronics is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2400 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • electromechanical actuators 
  • novel physical sensors 
  • innovative sensing strategies 
  • industrial robots 
  • smart factories 
  • sensor-actuator integration 
  • smart manufacturing 
  • energy harversting 
  • self-powered

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Published Papers (7 papers)

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Research

16 pages, 5568 KiB  
Article
Absolute Photoelectric Encoder Based on Position-Sensitive Detector Sensor
by Liming Geng, Guohua Cao, Chunmin Shang and Hongchang Ding
Electronics 2024, 13(8), 1446; https://doi.org/10.3390/electronics13081446 - 11 Apr 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1023
Abstract
In response to the engineering, miniaturization, and high measurement accuracy requirements of encoders, this paper proposes a new type of absolute photoelectric encoder based on a position-sensitive detector (PSD). It breaks the traditional encoder’s code track design and adopts a continuous and transparent [...] Read more.
In response to the engineering, miniaturization, and high measurement accuracy requirements of encoders, this paper proposes a new type of absolute photoelectric encoder based on a position-sensitive detector (PSD). It breaks the traditional encoder’s code track design and adopts a continuous and transparent code track design, which has the advantages of small volume, high angle measurement accuracy, and easy engineering. The research content of this article mainly includes the design of a new code disk, decoding circuit, linear light source, and calibration method. The experimental results show that the encoder designed in this article has achieved miniaturization, simple installation and adjustment, and easy engineering. The volume of the encoder is Φ50 mm × 30 mm; after calibration, the resolution is better than 18 bits, and the accuracy reaches 5.4″, which further demonstrates the feasibility of the encoder’s encoding and decoding scheme. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Electromechanical Actuators and Sensors Targeting Mechatronics in the Smart Industry)
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18 pages, 17081 KiB  
Article
Optimization of Multi-Phase Motor Drive System Design through Thermal Analysis and Experimental Validation of Heat Dissipation
by Jun-Shin Park, Tae-Woo Lee, Jae-Woon Lee, Byoung-Gun Park and Ji-Won Kim
Electronics 2023, 12(19), 4177; https://doi.org/10.3390/electronics12194177 - 9 Oct 2023
Viewed by 1376
Abstract
In power semiconductor systems such as inverters, managing losses is critical for optimizing performance. Inverters, which convert DC to AC for applications such as renewable energy systems, motor drives, and power supplies, are significantly affected by the thermal performance of components such as [...] Read more.
In power semiconductor systems such as inverters, managing losses is critical for optimizing performance. Inverters, which convert DC to AC for applications such as renewable energy systems, motor drives, and power supplies, are significantly affected by the thermal performance of components such as metal-oxide-semiconductor field-effect transistors (MOSFETs). Efficient thermal management is critical for the longevity and performance of power electronic systems, especially in high-power applications. Designing effective thermal management strategies for inverters reduces losses, increases efficiency, and improves performance while considering space constraints and complex component interactions. In this study, power electronics simulations and computational fluid dynamics (CFD) thermal analysis were integrated to design the inverter. Using an integrated simulation, a thermal analysis was performed based on the inverter losses per module. A power electronics simulation was used to verify the validity of the loss values in the inverter design, and the CFD thermal analysis facilitated the visual analysis of the variables to be considered. The validity of the design was evaluated through experimental verification of the inverter system. A temperature saturation of 63.9 ℃ at 60Arms was recorded in the simulation, and a temperature saturation of 45 ℃ or less at 59Arms to 60Arms was obtained for each phase in the actual test. Considering the ambient temperature difference, it showed a difference of approximately 9.9 ℃. This conclusion allows us to reduce the high probability of risk derived by considering a small margin of safety for each variable in the design. This solution can be used to compactly design real inverters and solve complex thermal problems in power semiconductor-based systems. Finally, this study analyzes the similarities and differences between CFD simulations, power electronics simulations, and real-world experimental validation, highlighting the importance of thermal management in improving the efficiency of power electronic systems, particularly inverters. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Electromechanical Actuators and Sensors Targeting Mechatronics in the Smart Industry)
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15 pages, 7852 KiB  
Article
Establishment of Real-Time Simulation Test Environment for Electric Propulsion System of Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Using KDECAN Communication
by Mingwan Gwon, Kichang Lee, Junshin Park and Jangmok Kim
Electronics 2023, 12(14), 3008; https://doi.org/10.3390/electronics12143008 - 9 Jul 2023
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1141
Abstract
This paper proposes the construction of a real-time simulation testing environment for the electric propulsion systems of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) using a real-time simulator and KDECAN communication equipment. The proposed real-time simulation environment enables the testing of flight controllers and control algorithms [...] Read more.
This paper proposes the construction of a real-time simulation testing environment for the electric propulsion systems of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) using a real-time simulator and KDECAN communication equipment. The proposed real-time simulation environment enables the testing of flight controllers and control algorithms using real-time control communication commands that are identical to those used during actual flight. The KDECAN protocol is analyzed and utilized in the proposed real-time simulation environment for control communication. A reduced-size lift–cruise UAV with eight lift motors (for takeoff) and one cruise motor (for cruising) is used as the target hardware for real-time simulation. This is used to verify the construction of the real-time simulation environment. The final goal of this work is to construct a real-time simulation environment for the stable application of propeller-driven devices, and the findings confirm the independent operation of the lift and cruise motors in the constructed testing environment. Additionally, the real-time monitoring of the state of the electronic speed controllers is verified, suggesting that the testing environment can be utilized as a verification tool for the control algorithms and system design data of electric propulsion systems in actual devices in the future. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Electromechanical Actuators and Sensors Targeting Mechatronics in the Smart Industry)
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16 pages, 15550 KiB  
Article
The DC Inductor Current Ripple Reduction Method for a Two-Stage Power Conversion System
by Hyeong-Jin Kim, Yong-Min Park, Yung-Deug Son, Jae-Beom Kang, Ji-Young Lee and Jang-Mok Kim
Electronics 2023, 12(14), 3005; https://doi.org/10.3390/electronics12143005 - 8 Jul 2023
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1679
Abstract
This paper proposes a method for minimizing the inductor current ripple of a DC–DC converter in a two-stage power conversion system consisting of a grid-connected PWM converter and an interleaved multiphase three-level DC–DC converter. To reduce the output voltage ripple, the three-level DC–DC [...] Read more.
This paper proposes a method for minimizing the inductor current ripple of a DC–DC converter in a two-stage power conversion system consisting of a grid-connected PWM converter and an interleaved multiphase three-level DC–DC converter. To reduce the output voltage ripple, the three-level DC–DC converter is configured in parallel and operated interleaved. However, a circulating current generated by the interleaved operation increases the inductor current ripple of each DC–DC converter and causes system loss and inductor saturation. In this paper, the inductor and output current ripple of the interleaved three-phase three-level DC–DC converter is mathematically analyzed and the effect of the DC–DC converter’s duty ratio and output voltage on each current ripple is described. Based on this analysis, a method is proposed for controlling the optimal DC link voltage through the PWM converter, so that the DC–DC converter is controlled with the duty ratio that minimizes the inductor current ripple. The simulation and experimental results under various operating conditions are presented to verify the feasibility of the proposed control method. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Electromechanical Actuators and Sensors Targeting Mechatronics in the Smart Industry)
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17 pages, 11541 KiB  
Article
Performance Validation of High-Speed Motor for Electric Turbochargers Using Various Test Methods
by Tae-Woo Lee and Do-Kwan Hong
Electronics 2023, 12(13), 2937; https://doi.org/10.3390/electronics12132937 - 4 Jul 2023
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2080
Abstract
As environmental regulations on automotive exhaust gas are gradually strengthened to cope with climate change, internal combustion engines, including those in hybrid electric vehicles, are continuously being downsized. Supercharging technologies are essential to compensate for the reduced engine power. One of the supercharging [...] Read more.
As environmental regulations on automotive exhaust gas are gradually strengthened to cope with climate change, internal combustion engines, including those in hybrid electric vehicles, are continuously being downsized. Supercharging technologies are essential to compensate for the reduced engine power. One of the supercharging technologies, the turbocharger, has a response delay in the low-speed region, which is known as turbo lag. Various technologies have emerged to reduce turbo lag. Recently, electric supercharging technologies capable of reducing turbo lag using high-speed motors have been developed and commercialized. However, they are difficult to obtain for high-speed motors because of the cost of load performance test equipment. For this reason, many previous studies have compared analysis and experiment results under no-load conditions, or they have estimated performance in the high-speed region from results at low speed with light loads. This makes it difficult to know exactly how the performance of the motor is affected under loads applied to an actual system. In this study, performance test evaluation was conducted using a high-speed torque sensor, eddy current brake, and inertial dynamometer. Input/output power and efficiency were calculated using the measured voltage, current and output side torque and speed, and the results were compared. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Electromechanical Actuators and Sensors Targeting Mechatronics in the Smart Industry)
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11 pages, 4432 KiB  
Article
Effects of Material Deformation Due to Aging of Electrical Steel on the Brushless Wound-Field Synchronous Generator
by Jae-Beom Kang, Ji-Young Lee, Tung Nguyen, Hyeong-Jin Kim and Ji-Heon Lee
Electronics 2023, 12(10), 2279; https://doi.org/10.3390/electronics12102279 - 18 May 2023
Viewed by 1482
Abstract
This study analyzes the material deformation of electrical steel with aging and its effects on the electromagnetic and thermal characteristics of a Brushless Wound-Field Synchronous Generator (BL-WFSG). First, in order to confirm the material deformation of electrical steel applied to the BL-WFSG, magnetic [...] Read more.
This study analyzes the material deformation of electrical steel with aging and its effects on the electromagnetic and thermal characteristics of a Brushless Wound-Field Synchronous Generator (BL-WFSG). First, in order to confirm the material deformation of electrical steel applied to the BL-WFSG, magnetic property tests are performed on the core sheets of the old and new generators. Those two generators are made of the same material, so there was no difference except for their usage time. Based on the results of the magnetic property tests, an electromagnetic field analysis is performed on the old and new generators, and analysis results are compared in order to confirm the effects of material deformation on the electromagnetic characteristics of BL-WFSG. Then, a thermal analysis is performed on the old and new generators using losses calculated by electromagnetic field analysis as heat sources, and analysis results are compared in order to confirm the effects of material deformation on the thermal characteristics of BL-WFSG. Finally, an additional electromagnetic analysis is performed on both the old and new generators, using the exact winding resistances that were calculated in the thermal analysis for each respective generator in order to calculate and compare the efficiency of the old and new generators. Through this process, the authors confirmed the effects of material deformation of the rotor and stator cores due to aging on the electromagnetic and thermal characteristics of the BL-WFSG. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Electromechanical Actuators and Sensors Targeting Mechatronics in the Smart Industry)
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23 pages, 8712 KiB  
Article
System-Level Consideration and Multiphysics Design of Propulsion Motor for Fully Electrified Battery Powered Car Ferry Propulsion System
by Vu-Khanh Tran, Sarbajit Paul, Jae-Woon Lee, Jae-Hak Choi, Pil-Wan Han and Yon-Do Chun
Electronics 2023, 12(6), 1491; https://doi.org/10.3390/electronics12061491 - 22 Mar 2023
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2233
Abstract
The Korean government is facing growing concern over the increasing levels of fine dust. A significant contribution to this problem comes from coastal vessels. To mitigate this, an electric ship propulsion system has been proposed as a solution to reduce air pollution. The [...] Read more.
The Korean government is facing growing concern over the increasing levels of fine dust. A significant contribution to this problem comes from coastal vessels. To mitigate this, an electric ship propulsion system has been proposed as a solution to reduce air pollution. The application of a fully electric propulsion system in a ship is challenging due to size, capacity limitations, and the cost investment of the battery system. To address the challenges of battery limitation and initial investment costs, the development and supply of removable battery supply systems (RBSSs) for fully electrified battery powered (F-EBP) car ferries are studied. A permanent magnet synchronous motor (PMSM) for the F-EBP car ferry using a roll-on/roll-off-type RBSS is developed in this work. Firstly, the concept of the F-EBP car ferry is discussed, and the specifications of the electric car ferry propulsion system are provided. Secondly, motor design and electromagnetic analysis are performed using finite-element analysis (FEA), where the heat sources including copper loss, core loss, and PM loss are calculated. Mechanical loss is also considered. Finally, a thermal network of the motor is built considering the lumped-parameter model. The results of the thermal analysis indicate that the motor operates within the safe region and can perform well in rated working conditions. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Electromechanical Actuators and Sensors Targeting Mechatronics in the Smart Industry)
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