Start with a bunch of wires: Why does your next project need microservices?

Remember the last time you took apart that old piece of equipment? The cables were tangled up like a tangle, and if there was a problem with a certain module, the whole machine would have to be shut down for maintenance. We have been in the field of machinery and servo motors for too long. Isn't this kind of "one hair can affect the whole body" architecture a long time ago to be rethought?

A traditional system is like an old-fashioned machine—all the gears are connected together, and if one gets stuck, the whole machine stops. Do you want to upgrade the control accuracy of a certain servo? The entire software may have to be rewritten. Need to debug the response speed of a certain robot arm? Unexpected crashes in other parts of the system can drive you crazy.

What are microservices? Rather, tell me what it looks like

Think of Lego bricks. Each module is formed independently but fits together perfectly. Microservices are like this: break your system into small functional blocks, and each block only cares about its own business. Those who control the servo motors control the servo motors, and those who process the sensor data process the sensor data. They talk through clear interfaces, rather than being squeezed into the same code warehouse and stepping on each other's toes.

Someone asked: "Isn't this just tearing down a large system? What's new?" But the key lies in "independence" - independent deployment, independent upgrade, and independent expansion. Just like you change the equipment to a more sensitive steering gear, you don't have to stop the entire production line.

Why is everyone talking about this now?

Because needs have changed. Ten years ago, you might just need a set of control programs to run stably. What now? It may require real-time data monitoring, cloud remote debugging, quick adaptation to new models of motors, or mechanical modules to be quietly upgraded without affecting the overall situation. Monolithic architecture cannot sustain this pace.

Think about these scenarios:

• The production line needs to add a new quality inspection link. The traditional method is to shut down for two weeks to change the code. The microservice architecture may only need to connect a new module.
• The driving algorithm of a certain servo motor needs to be optimized, and you can iterate independently without affecting other parts.
• If the load on part of the system suddenly increases, you can only expand the relevant modules instead of upgrading the entire system hardware.

The flexibility it brings is like adding magnetic compartments to your toolbox - finding tools is faster and organizing them is much easier.

kpowerWhat do you think about this?

In the field of machinery and automation, we see too many systems that “just barely work.” They started out smoothly, but after two years they became a quagmire of technical debt. Microservices are not a silver bullet, but they offer a more sustainable path.

We are often asked: "Will it be painful to switch to microservices?" The truth is: there is an initial learning curve. But compared to walking on thin ice with every revision for the next three years, this investment is worth it. It's like doing preventive maintenance on equipment - taking the time to dismantle, clean and oil it is more cost-effective than a sudden failure that shuts down the entire line.

What do people care about when it actually comes to fruition?

"Will it be more complicated?" On the surface, the management cost seems to be higher if there are more modules. But a good microservice architecture is equipped with a mature tool chain - ready-made solutions for deployment, monitoring, and link tracking. Complexity is moved from "code-level entanglements" to "operations-level specifications", and the latter is easier to manage.

“What about performance?” Inter-module communication does have an overhead, but in industrial scenarios, network latency is often much smaller than the response time of mechanical components. Reasonable service division can separate bottleneck modules and improve overall efficiency.

"Is it suitable for small projects?" If your system may expand in the future, or requires frequent iteration of certain components, early adoption of microservice thinking will save a lot of later refactoring time. Just like the interfaces are reserved when building building blocks, you don't have to tear it down and start over when you want to add new modules.

Some non-linear ideas

Microservices are less like magic and more like a philosophy—acknowledge that systems will evolve, so design resilience for changes in advance. It doesn't guarantee success, but it reduces the risk of big changes.

In the fields of servo and mechanical control, hardware iteration cycles are getting shorter and shorter. The motor model used this year may have a better version next year. If the software cannot keep up with this pace, the advantages of the hardware will be compromised. Microservices allow software modules to be replaced, upgraded, and combined just like hardware modules.

Some people think this is "technology for technology's sake". But look at the results: For projects that adopt a reasonable microservice architecture, the average response speed when requirements change increases, the probability of unexpected system shutdowns decreases, and the friction in team collaboration decreases. These are all real engineering indicators.

Be honest

No one architecture fits all scenarios. If your system is extremely simple and never changes, monolithic may be more economical. But in reality, machinery and automation projects rarely have such ideal conditions.

The core value of microservices is "controllable complexity." It transforms the system from a giant concrete building into a set of interchangeable prefabricated rooms. Does a room need renovation? No impact on other residents. Want to add a balcony? Just find the right location to dock.

existkpower, we help clients evaluate this transition based on actual pain points. It is not to catch up with technological trends, but to make the system live longer, smoother and worry-free. After all, good technology should make people focus more on the beauty of machinery and the essence of engineering, rather than wandering in circles in the maze of code.

Next time you're faced with those tangled cables and coupled code, maybe think about this: Would your entire system be easier if each module could breathe its own air?

Established in 2005,kpowerhas been dedicated to a professional compact motion unit manufacturer, headquartered in Dongguan, Guangdong Province, China. Leveraging innovations in modular drive technology, Kpower integrates high-performance motors, precision reducers, and multi-protocol control systems to provide efficient and customized smart drive system solutions. Kpower has delivered professional drive system solutions to over 500 enterprise clients globally with products covering various fields such as Smart Home Systems, Automatic Electronics, Robotics, Precision Agriculture, Drones, and Industrial Automation.