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Published 2026-03-06
Are you also wondering whether to choose a seriesservoor a parallelservo? Looking at those complicated parameters and videos, I feel like my head is spinning. In fact, this question is not that difficult. Today we will explain it clearly so that you can understand it in your mind.
For a tandem servo, you can think of it as a chain. Each joint is an independent steering gear, one is connected to the other, and the power is passed down step by step. This structure is very intuitive. If you look at those robotic arms, one section after another, it is a typical series connection.
Compared with other servos, parallel servos are completely different. It presents a unique shape, like an extremely stable triangle, with several servos working together to support a platform. Take those high-precision motion simulators as an example. There are several poles at the bottom that exert force at the same time to achieve specific functions. This is a typical parallel structure. This unique design makes the entire system particularly solid and has high stability and reliability.
If you want to shoot the kind of fast-moving, smooth-action video, tandem servos may make you a little anxious. Because it is driven one by one, the end movement will always be half a beat slower, just like you use a long pole to reach something. The longer the pole, the harder it is to control.
The parallel servo has shown extremely excellent performance in this regard. When several servos work together at the same time, their response speed is unusually fast, and their movements are clean and neat, without any sense of delay. ️ Just imagine, if you are shooting videos that require rapid changes in direction or high-frequency movements, the advantages of parallel servos will be fully demonstrated. It can make the picture look more hand-held, as if it perfectly matches the photographer's operation, without the feeling of sluggish, slow and inconsistent movements, and adds smooth and wonderful visual effects to the video.
Speaking of accuracy, the inherent trouble with tandem servos is that errors accumulate. The first joint is a little off, and the last joint may be off a lot. Just like when you draw a line with chalk, if your hand shakes a little, the drawing will become crooked at the back.
There is no such problem with parallel servos. Multiple servos control each other, and errors are evenly shared, resulting in exceptionally high accuracy. And its load capacity is stronger because it distributes the weight. ️ If the items you want to make need to carry heavy objects or have high requirements for movement accuracy, then parallel servos are obviously more reliable.
For those who are just getting started, the tandem servo is definitely a good friend. Its control logic is very simple. Whichever joint you ask it to move, it will move. It is very intuitive to debug. When writing a program, we also control joint by joint, and we can move it however we want it to move.
The situation with parallel servos is much more complicated. You need to calculate exactly how much each servo should turn because they have to work together. Each aspect of position calculation, speed matching and collaborative control needs to be considered comprehensively and carefully. However, many manufacturers currently provide ready-made algorithm libraries, which encapsulate these complex contents so that they will not be too difficult to use in practice.
When the tandem servos are used for a long time, you will notice that the front servos get tired easily. This is because it needs to drive all the joints at the back and bears the heaviest load. For example, when you lift a heavy object, the joint closest to the heavy object bears the greatest force and wears out the fastest. In view of this, it may need to be replaced or repaired after a period of use.
For tandem servos, as the use time increases, the front servos are prone to becoming particularly tired. The reason is that it drives all subsequent joints and has the heaviest burden during the entire operation. Just like when you are carrying something, the joint closest to the heavy object receives the most significant force and naturally wears out the fastest. Therefore, after a period of use, it is likely to need to be replaced or repaired.
Parallel servos generally have a longer life. Because the power is shared, the burden on each steering gear is similar, and there will be no situation where one component is particularly tired. This is like several people lifting something together. Everyone contributes a little bit, so everyone is not tired and can work longer.
If the thing you are making requires a wide range of motion, such as a bionic robot or a multi-joint robotic arm, a series servo is more suitable. It has a large range of motion, flexible movements, and simple controls, which can help you quickly create ideas.
But if you are pursuing high precision, large load or super stability, such as in application scenarios such as making camera stabilizers and high-precision positioning platforms, then you have to turn your attention to parallel servos. Parallel servos have unique advantages in these areas with specific needs. Although the debugging process is relatively troublesome, it performs satisfactorily in actual use. ️ You need to think clearly about what your core needs are first. Is range of activity more important, or is accuracy and strength the key?
What projects are you working on now? In what scenario do you plan to use it? Speak up and let's chat together. Maybe I can help you come up with some ideas and save you some detours. If you find the article useful, please give it a like and share it with more friends who need it!
Update Time：2026-03-06
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