The Linear Axis positioning system includes a brushed dc servo motor (an optional brushless dc servo motor is available), a belt mechanism, and two optical encoders (one on the motor and the other on the travel cart).

Various dynamic variables can be modified: friction, loading, and backlash. An inertia wheel can be mounted directly on the motor shaft or used as a load on the travel cart. Backlash experiments can be performed by loosening the main strap and implementing control using either the motor encoder or the travel cart encoder. The travel cart straps can be easily disengaged from the motor shaft when students need to experiment only with the motor.