16:02, 12 March 2026

Russian Scientists Develop Self-Tuning Algorithm for Electric Motors

The technology could help elevators and electric vehicles move more smoothly and precisely.

Scientists at Perm National Research Polytechnic University have developed a self-tuning algorithm designed to help elevators and electric vehicles operate without jerks, according to Russia’s Ministry of Science and Higher Education.

“Jerky elevator motion and delays when an electric vehicle accelerates occur not because of the motor itself, but because of its control system. Equipment of this type relies on a synchronous motor with a controller that ensures precise rotation. Standard algorithms are designed for averaged parameters, but in real operation weight or resistance can change suddenly, and the regulator does not correct the current quickly enough. This delay causes jolts and drops in speed. Such fluctuations not only create discomfort but also damage mechanical components: bearings wear out, failures occur, and energy consumption increases,” the ministry said.

The algorithm developed by the Perm researchers adapts the regulator to the motor’s real load conditions. The controller was trained to “sense” changes in operating conditions so the algorithm can instantly adjust the current supply, allowing the motor to run smoothly without jerks.

This allows the control system to adapt even to sharp changes in load.

“Digital Observer” in Action

Sergey Storozhev, associate professor at the Automation and Telemechanics department at Perm National Research Polytechnic University and a candidate of technical sciences, added that the regulator was enhanced with a special algorithm that functions as a “digital observer.”

“It constantly monitors the difference between the speed the motor should reach and the speed it is actually running at. If a difference appears, the program immediately adds a corrective signal to the commands of the standard regulator – allowing the system to adapt faster and more accurately,” the researcher explained.

The effectiveness of the development was tested through computer simulation, comparing the behavior of a conventional motor and a motor using the new algorithm when the load increased sharply.

While both controllers with baseline settings produced identical results under normal load, when conditions changed the classical regulator began operating unstably, whereas the adaptive system continued to control the motor precisely, quickly and smoothly returning it to the target speed, said Alexander Yuzhakov, head of the Automation and Telemechanics department at the university and a professor with a doctorate in engineering sciences.

The new algorithm improved control quality by nearly 15%. In the future, the development could make elevators and electric vehicles smoother, and washing machines quieter and more stable. This would require only a software update in an existing microcontroller.

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