Issues of AC electric drive are considered, methods of asynchronous motor control are described. Some features of open and closed automatic control of AC electric drive are disclosed. Particular attention is paid to modern and promising control methods, a method of frequency control of speed in systems "frequency converter - asynchronous electric motor" is considered. Features of automated electric drive application in standard production mechanisms, for example, in metalworking equipment, transport and storage systems, industrial robot manipulators, drilling rigs and other mechanisms are considered.