Fail-Safe Electromagnetic Motor Brakes

Fail-safe electromagnetic motor brakes are undergoing development for use in joints of robot arms. The brakes are needed for both static holding and emergency stopping. In the present context, "fail-safe" signifies that a brake disengages (that is, allows motion) when electric power to the brake is turned on and engages (restrains against motion) when the power is turned off. These fail-safe brakes are intended to replace commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) electromagnetic brakes that are large, complex, power-hungry, and hot-running.