microservice architecture vs monolithic

Microservices Architecture vs Monolith: WhykpowerThe steering gear project required a different design approach

Imagine you are designing a new mechanical project and servo motors and servos are key components. You cram all the functionality—control logic, communication modules, data processing—into a huge monolithic program. At first, everything seemed to be in order. But soon, when you try to modify a small feature, the whole system starts to shake, like trying to change a tire on a moving car. To make matters worse, upgrading means retesting everything, which is incredibly time-consuming. This is not just a software problem; it affects everything from the response speed of the robotic arm to the stability of the entire production line.

This is a common dilemma in many projects: a seemingly solid monolithic design can end up becoming unwieldy and difficult to adapt to changes.

Is there a more flexible way? Let’s talk about microservice architecture. Rather than packaging everything together, it splits the system into a series of independent small services. Each service is like a small team of professionals responsible for a specific task, such as steering servo position calibration, or managing torque feedback from a servo motor. These services communicate with each other in a lightweight manner and run independently of each other.

This split brings real benefits. For example, if you need the response of a servo, you only need to update the corresponding small service without touching other parts of the system. It's like servicing a machine and replacing just one gear instead of disassembling the entire engine. Project iterations naturally speed up and testing becomes more targeted because you can focus on the functionality of a single module.

Microservice architecture can better cope with changes in scale. When demand for a feature increases, you can scale that service individually without having to scale up the entire system. This is similar to being in a factory and strengthening just one busy production line rather than upgrading the entire shop floor. Resource utilization is more efficient and cost control is easier.

Of course, this doesn’t mean microservices are a panacea. If the project itself is small and has simple functions, the simplicity of the monolithic architecture may be more advantageous. The key is to ask yourself: Does your project require frequent adjustments? Will more complex functions be added in the future? If the answer is yes, then a modular design for microservices might be worth considering.

return tokpowerHow do we actually apply these concepts on steering gear-related projects? The point is not to blindly choose trendy technology, but to find a design that matches your needs.

Start sorting out the core functions. Which parts are relatively stable and which may change frequently? For example, the basic motor drive logic may be relatively fixed, but the user interaction interface or data analysis module may evolve with needs. Separating volatile parts into independent services reduces the risk of future modifications.

Think about team collaboration. Microservices allow teams to focus on developing specific modules, which is possible in complex projects. Just like a mechanical team, there are people who specialize in the transmission system and others who control the system, each performing their own duties and working together.

A gradual implementation is more feasible than a one-time rewrite. You can pilot a function from a single entity first, verify the effect, and then expand the scope. This reduces the risk of transition and smoothes the learning curve.

One may ask, will this architecture increase complexity? It's true that managing multiple services requires more careful coordination, but for dynamic projects, this upfront investment often pays off in long-term flexibility. It makes the system more like a set of precise mechanical components, where each part can be independent while the overall operation remains smooth.

In the field of machinery and automation, details determine success or failure. A design that can quickly adapt to changes often means less downtime and higher reliability. No matter which path you choose, having a clear understanding of your needs is the starting point. After all, the best architecture is not the most advanced, but the one that best suits your current goals.

kpowerFocusing on this adaptive design in related projects helps integrate coordination from the servo motor to the overall system. If you're exploring a similar direction, start by evaluating the flexibility of your existing structure to see where you can make it more agile. After all, good design always makes the future easier.

Established in 2005, Kpower has 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.