The motion control aspects can be part of a larger industrial control system, or the motion aspect can be the primary focus of the project. Analysis of emergency-stop for motion controllers is often an important aspect of forensic investigations, particularly when a system must remain energized during the e-stop situation.

Motion control components, such as linear motors and actuators, have been analyzed in regard to both patent infringement and product performance. Some of the investigations involved analysis of motion control systems in regard to industrial control and process control, while other studies involved motion control as an independent technology.