K. Kahlen

Westfälische Hochschule, RWTH Aachen University

Papers

Total Citations

146

H-Index

About

K. Kahlen is a pioneering researcher in the field of advanced electrical machine design, with a specialized focus on spherical motor technology and multi-degree-of-freedom drive systems. Their most influential work centers on the development and control of spherical machines — innovative motors capable of combining three degrees of freedom in a single compact unit, offering a compelling alternative to conventional series- or parallel-connected rotating and linear drives used in robotics and machine tools. Kahlen's most celebrated contribution, "Torque Control of a Spherical Machine With Variable Pole Pitch" (2004), has garnered 120 citations, establishing it as a landmark reference in the field. This work introduced sophisticated torque control strategies for permanent magnet rotor sphere designs with variable pole pitch, addressing one of the central challenges in making spherical motors practically viable. Complementing this, their 2002 paper on current regulators for multi-phase spherical machines demonstrated novel power converter architectures capable of independently controlling individual stator coils — a critical enabler for precise multi-axis motion. Kahlen's research has meaningfully advanced the prospect of simplified, highly integrated robotic joint actuators, influencing ongoing work in robotics, mechatronics, and unconventional electric machine design.