What does servo mean?
A servo is a device that controls the movement or operation of a machine automatically, usually by comparing its actual position or speed with a desired value and making continuous corrections. This feedback-controlled action allows mechanisms to perform precise movements, maintain a set position, or respond smoothly to changing conditions. The most familiar example is the small motor in a remote-controlled car, television, camera, or robot, although servos are also used in aircraft, industrial machinery, and automation systems. In engineering language, "servo" may be used broadly for a servomechanism or more specifically for a servo motor or servo drive. The term is technical and usually belongs to engineering, electronics, robotics, or manufacturing contexts. Its name reflects the historical idea of a mechanism that carries out a controlling or serving function without requiring continual manual direction.
nounA device that uses feedback to control a machine or mechanism, automatically adjusting its operation to maintain a desired position, speed, or condition. The term is also commonly used in the names of specific components, such as servo motors and servo drives.
- A device that automatically controls the movement or operation of a machine using feedback.
- A servomechanism, especially a servo motor or servo drive.
"The robotic arm uses a servo to position the camera accurately."
"The camera is mounted on a small servo that adjusts its angle automatically."
"The engineer calibrated the servo so that the valve would respond smoothly to changes in pressure."
The plural is used for multiple servo devices or servo components.
"The robot contains several servos that coordinate its movements."
The name comes from the same Latin root associated with service and servitude: a servo was designed to do repetitive work under automatic control.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does servo come from?
The word derives from combining forms associated with the Latin root meaning "slave" or "servant," which underlies words such as servant and servile. The technical term "servomechanism" was developed in the early twentieth century from French and English elements connected with this root, describing a mechanism that uses an auxiliary control system to regulate a larger mechanism. The shortened form "servo" became common in engineering usage and later in electronics and computing.
Related word forms
How servo is actually used
In technical and engineering contexts, "servo" is often used as a shortened form of "servomechanism" and may appear in compound terms such as servo motor and servo control. In consumer electronics and computing, the word commonly refers specifically to a servo motor. It is generally technical rather than everyday vocabulary.
Easily confused with servo
A servo is a feedback-controlled mechanical or electromechanical device, whereas a server is a computer or software system that provides services to other computers or users.