Selection Guide

Motor Selection Guide

Choose the Right Motor for Your Project

Comparison Table

Motor Type Best For Torque Precision Cost
DC Motors Speed control, variable direction Low-Med Low Low
Servo Motors Precise angle control (0-180°) Medium High ±1° Low-Med
Stepper Motors Exact positioning, open-loop High Very High Medium
Brushless DC High speed, efficiency, long life High Medium High

Decision Guide

🎯
Need precise angle control?
↓
Servo Motor
🔄
Need continuous rotation with speed control?
↓
DC Motor
📐
Need exact positioning without sensors?
↓
Stepper Motor
⚡
Need high efficiency and long life?
↓
Brushless DC

Applications by Motor Type

DC Motors: Wheeled robots, fans, pumps, conveyors, simple automation
Servo Motors: Robotic arms, camera gimbals, steering mechanisms, RC vehicles
Stepper Motors: 3D printers, CNC machines, plotters, precise positioning
Brushless DC: Drones, electric vehicles, high-speed applications, industrial

Power Considerations

⚠️ Important Power Rules
DC Motors: Direct Arduino control possible ONLY for very small motors (<50mA). Most require driver boards.
Servos: Typically 4.8-6V, can draw 500mA+ under load. Single servo OK from Arduino, multiple need external power.
Steppers: ALWAYS require driver board (A4988, DRV8825, ULN2003). Cannot be directly driven by Arduino.
Critical: Always use external power for motors. Share ground with Arduino (common ground).
• Robotics Reference Cards • 2024