What types of dynamic and control challenges can Nobleo Technology help solve?
We help solve challenges that limit the accuracy, stability, and performance of mechatronic systems. Our work typically starts with a thorough root cause analysis to identify the underlying mechanisms behind unwanted behaviour, rather than focusing solely on the symptoms. By combining numerical simulations with experimental testing and validation, we gain a deep understanding of system behaviour and develop practical, effective solutions. Whether supporting a new development, troubleshooting performance issues in ana existing machine, or improving an operational system, we help identify the critical factors and implement the most impactful improvements.
How does Nobleo Technology identify the root cause of vibration and motion performance issues?
Every challenge starts with a structured problem analysis. Using a structured approach, we systematically investigate potential causes and focus on the facts that have the greatest impact on system performance. We combine numerical simulations, experimental modal analysis, and practical measurements to understand how the system behaves under real operating conditions. This allows us to determine whether performance limitations originate from the mechanical design, motion control strategy, environmental influences, component interfaces, or the interaction between these factors. Our approach is pragmatic: we gather the insights needed to identify the root cause and define effective improvements, without adding unnecessary complexity. This ensures that effort is focused where it delivers the most value.
Can system dynamics be improved for existing mechatronic systems as well as new machine designs?
Yes. Our expertise in system dynamics can be applied throughout the entire machine lifecycle, from early-stage development to performance improvement of existing systems in the field. By understanding how mechanical, control and dynamics effects interact at the system level, we identify the factors that limit performance and define the most effective improvements. Depending on the challenge, this may involve changes to the machine architecture, structural design, motion control strategy, damping concepts, or system interfaces. Whether developing a new machine or optimising an existing one, our goal is the same: improving system performance in terms of accuracy, throughput, stability and robustness.
Why does Nobleo use numerical simulations and experimental validation in their engineering approach?
At Nobleo, we combine numerical simulations with experimental validation to build confidence in design decisions and reduce development risks. Numerical simulations allow us to predict a system’s dynamic behaviour before physical prototypes or design chances are implemented. This helps identify potential issues early, avoid costly redesigns, and accelerate convergence towards an optimal solution. However, simulations alone are not enough. Many of our clients operate in demanding real-world environments where performance must be proven under actual operating conditions. Experimental validation is therefore used to verify simulation results, confirm that risks have been effectively mitigated, and ensure the system performs as expected in practice. By combining simulation and testing, we gain a comprehensive understanding of system behaviour, enabling well-founded engineering decisions, reduced development risk, and more reliable products.
When should damping solutions be consiered in a mechatronic system?
Damping solutions are considered when unwanted vibrations limit system performance or stability. By analysing the dynamic behaviour of the system, we determine what the most suitable solution is. A range of damping techniques can be applied, including passive damping, active damping, constrained layer damping, eddy current damping, tuned mas damping and robust mass damping. The optimal choice is driven by the system characteristics, vibration mechanisms, and performance objectives. By selecting and implementing the appropriate damping strategy, we reduce vibrations and improve overall machine performance.
How do I identify the right system control strategy for my challenge?
The best control strategy is not always the most advanced one. Often, a carefully tuned PID controlled combined with feedforward control is all that is needed to meet performance targets. For more challenging applications, we leverage advanced techniques such as robust control, iterative learning control, and modal control. Our goal is always the same: achieving the required performance with the simplest and most effective solution.
What factors have the biggest impact on the dynamic performance of a mechatronic system?
There is rarely a single factor that determines the dynamic performance of a mechatronic system. In most cases, performance is influenced by the interaction between mechanical design, component interfaces, structural dynamics, motion control, disturbance sources, and environmental conditions. Rather than focusing on individual components in isolation, we analyse the complete system to identify the critical perofrmance-limiting factors. This system-level approach helps us determine where improvements will have the greatest impact and ensures that optimisation efforts are focused on the real bottlenecks.
How does Nobleo Technology improve control performance in high-precision motion systems?
Achieving high accuracy at high speeds requires more than a well-designed system alone. At Nobleo, motion control is considered a crucial factor in overall system performance and is addressed from the earliest stages of system design. By jointly optimising the mechanical design, system dynamics, actuator selection, sensing, and control architecture, we create systems that are inherently easier to control and capable of achieving higher performance levels. Out engineers have experience with a wide range of actuation technologies, including voice coil actuators, linear motors, BLDC motors, and stepper motors. Depending on the application, we apply advanced control techniques such as feedforward control, disturbance rejection, force control, motion compensation, iterative learning control, modal control, and robust control strategies. This integrated approach enables us to improve positioning accuracy, increase throughput, reduce settling times, and maintain robust performance under varying operating conditions.