servo system: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2Technical / Engineering
Quick answer
What does “servo system” mean?
A closed-loop control system that automatically adjusts its output based on feedback to accurately position, move, or regulate a mechanism.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A closed-loop control system that automatically adjusts its output based on feedback to accurately position, move, or regulate a mechanism.
A combination of devices, including a motor (servomotor), feedback sensor, and control electronics, designed to achieve precise mechanical control of position, velocity, or acceleration in industrial, automotive, and robotics applications.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning or usage. Spelling remains consistent. Terminology used identically in technical fields across both regions.
Connotations
Neutral technical term in both variants.
Frequency
Equally low-frequency, specialized term in both British and American English, confined to engineering contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “servo system” in a Sentence
The [Noun] uses/incorporates/integrates a servo systemA servo system controls/regulates/positions [Noun]The servo system in the [Device] ensures [Result]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “servo system” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The engineer servoed the actuator using a custom controller. (Note: 'servo' as a verb is highly non-standard and jargonistic)
American English
- The technician servoed the mechanism to test its response. (Note: same non-standard usage)
adverb
British English
- The valve moved servo-quickly to its setpoint. (Note: highly contrived, not standard usage)
American English
- The arm positioned itself servo-precisely. (Note: highly contrived, not standard usage)
adjective
British English
- The servo-system controller needed recalibration.
- The robotic arm uses servo technology.
American English
- We replaced the old servo-system amplifier.
- The design incorporates servo-control principles.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rarely used; may appear in procurement or technical specification documents for manufacturing equipment.
Academic
Common in engineering, robotics, mechatronics, and control theory textbooks, papers, and lectures.
Everyday
Extremely rare. Unlikely to be used outside of a hobbyist (e.g., RC models) or specific technical discussion.
Technical
Core, standard term in fields like automation, industrial robotics, aerospace (flight controls), and precision machining.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “servo system”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “servo system”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “servo system”
- Using 'servo' as a verb (e.g., 'servo the arm'). The term is a noun modifier. 'Actuate via the servo system' is correct.
- Confusing 'servo system' (the entire control loop) with just the 'servomotor' (the output actuator component).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Essentially yes, in most technical contexts they are synonymous. 'Servo system' may slightly emphasize the integration of multiple components into a cohesive unit.
In industrial robots, CNC machines, automated manufacturing lines, flight control systems in aircraft, steering systems in cars (power steering), and even in radio-controlled models for precise control.
A typical servo system comprises a controller (which issues commands), an amplifier (to drive the motor), a servomotor (the actuator), and a feedback sensor (like an encoder or resolver) that reports the actual position/speed back to the controller.
No, it is not an acronym. It is derived from the Latin 'servus' meaning 'slave', reflecting the device's role in following a control command. It is a shortened form of 'servomechanism'.
A closed-loop control system that automatically adjusts its output based on feedback to accurately position, move, or regulate a mechanism.
Servo system is usually technical / engineering in register.
Servo system: in British English it is pronounced /ˈsɜː.vəʊ ˌsɪs.təm/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈsɝː.voʊ ˌsɪs.təm/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[None directly associated with this technical term]”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a SERVant (SERVO) who constantly checks (feedback) and corrects (control) a task to serve you perfectly – that's a SERVO SYSTEM.
Conceptual Metaphor
A CONSTANTLY CORRECTING ASSISTANT or an AUTOMATIC PILOT.
Practice
Quiz
What is the defining characteristic of a servo system?