What is the function of a motor controller or driver in a robotics system?

• A. It stores electrical energy
• B. It supplies and modulates power to the motor based on control signals, regulating speed and direction.
• C. It converts mechanical energy to electrical energy
• D. It filters noise in the control circuit

Answer: (B)

Motor controllers are the bridge between the robot’s control system and the motor. They receive control signals that specify how fast the motor should run and in which direction, and they regulate the power delivered to the motor to match those commands. This often involves techniques like PWM to vary speed and switching current to set direction, along with protections for overloads and overheating and features like braking or regen as needed. In short, they translate control commands into the actual motor action by modulating the power supplied to the motor. The other options describe energy storage, energy conversion, or noise filtering, which aren’t the primary role of a motor controller.