The Yaskawa Corporation has long been at the forefront of sophisticated robotics. This Japanese brand is consistently cited for its commitment to innovation, including some of the seminal mechanical control models and cable-routing designs that have helped make robotics far more reliable. Today, the Motoman line released annually by Yaskawa represents some of the world's most popular engineering solutions.

Servo motors lie at the heart of many such devices, offering nuanced feedback and truly precise controls across a full range of motion. Whether you are designing for powder coating or more involved bolt-threading and assembly, servo motors can help you design intuitive, efficient movements without having to parse each down to its machine language. The result is a suite of tools that act and feel more like the digits of skilled workers--without ever needing a break.

Today you can find Yaskawa products in a variety of locations, from industrial auctions through online hobbyist sites. Many collectors even gather on eBay to swap advanced tools such as these, including home designers, small businesses and more. Prices seem to drop as each new generation comes out, creating viable opportunities for real savings.

If you have been looking for a servo motor from the venerable Yaskawa brand, you may want to look into the power needs and installation protocols of each unit before you buy. Some servo motors are occasionally sold without their input devices, so watch out for deals that do not include the entire feedback loop in the package.