{"id":8706,"date":"2017-02-06T15:48:02","date_gmt":"2017-02-06T15:48:02","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.techopedia.com\/definition\/actuator\/"},"modified":"2025-02-10T10:56:22","modified_gmt":"2025-02-10T10:56:22","slug":"actuator","status":"publish","type":"definition","link":"https:\/\/www.techopedia.com\/definition\/17043\/actuator","title":{"rendered":"Actuator"},"content":{"rendered":"<h2><span id=\"what_is_an_actuator\">What Is an Actuator?<\/span><\/h2>\n<p>An actuator is a device that converts energy into a linear or rotary motion. Linear actuators extend or retract to push or pull something in a straight line or hold something in place. Rotary actuators rotate objects around an axis in order to turn, twist, open, or close something.<\/p>\n<div class=\"su-note\"  style=\"border-color:#e5e54c;border-radius:3px;-moz-border-radius:3px;-webkit-border-radius:3px;\"><div class=\"su-note-inner su-u-clearfix su-u-trim\" style=\"background-color:#FFFF66;border-color:#ffffff;color:#333333;border-radius:3px;-moz-border-radius:3px;-webkit-border-radius:3px;\">\n<h2><span id=\"key_takeaways\">Key Takeaways<\/span><\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li>Actuators are devices that convert energy into motion.<\/li>\n<li>Actuators can be characterized by their motion type and\/or energy source.<\/li>\n<li>Linear actuators are used to push, pull, or hold things.<\/li>\n<li>Rotary actuators are used to turn, twist, open, and close things.<\/li>\n<li>Actuators can be powered by a variety of energy sources, including electricity, hydraulic fluid, pneumatic pressure, and thermal energy.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<div>\n    <section class=\"toc-sticky w-100 bg-white \">\n        <div class=\"toc-sticky__container container\">\n            <div class=\"toc-sticky__open d-flex align-items-end\" data-bs-toggle=\"collapse\"\n                 aria-controls=\"multiCollapse1\"\n                 data-bs-target=\"#multiCollapse1\">\n                <button\n                        class=\"btn btn-primary collapse-action-btn p-1 rounded-circle\"\n                        type=\"button\"\n                >\n                    <i class=\"icon-chevron-up\"><\/i>\n                <\/button>\n                <span id=\"toc-current-title\" class=\"d-flex align-items-center\">\n                    Table of Contents\n                <\/span>\n                <span class=\"toc-main-title-permanent\">Table of Contents<\/span>\n            <\/div>\n            <div\n                    class=\"collapse my-3\"\n                    id=\"multiCollapse1\"\n            >\n                <ol class=\"StepProgress\">\n                                                                        <li class=\"StepProgress-item current\">\n                                                <div class=\"StepProgress-item__group\">\n                            <a data-id=\"what_is_an_actuator\"\n                               onclick=handleScrollToTitle(\"what_is_an_actuator\")\n                               class=\"StepProgress-item__link\" data-level=\"2\">What Is an Actuator?<\/a>\n                                                    <\/div>\n                                                <\/li>\n                                                                        <li class=\"StepProgress-item\">\n                                                <div class=\"StepProgress-item__group\">\n                            <a data-id=\"key_takeaways\"\n                               onclick=handleScrollToTitle(\"key_takeaways\")\n                               class=\"StepProgress-item__link\" data-level=\"2\">Key Takeaways<\/a>\n                                                    <\/div>\n                                                <\/li>\n                                                                        <li class=\"StepProgress-item\">\n                                                <div class=\"StepProgress-item__group\">\n                            <a data-id=\"actuator_components\"\n                               onclick=handleScrollToTitle(\"actuator_components\")\n                               class=\"StepProgress-item__link\" data-level=\"2\">Actuator Components<\/a>\n                                                    <\/div>\n                                                <\/li>\n                                                                        <li class=\"StepProgress-item\">\n                                                <div class=\"StepProgress-item__group\">\n                            <a data-id=\"how_actuators_work\"\n                               onclick=handleScrollToTitle(\"how_actuators_work\")\n                               class=\"StepProgress-item__link\" data-level=\"2\">How Actuators Work<\/a>\n                                                    <\/div>\n                                                <\/li>\n                                                                        <li class=\"StepProgress-item\">\n                                                <div class=\"StepProgress-item__group\">\n                            <a data-id=\"actuators_types_uses\"\n                               onclick=handleScrollToTitle(\"actuators_types_uses\")\n                               class=\"StepProgress-item__link\" data-level=\"2\">Actuators Types &amp; Uses<\/a>\n                                                    <\/div>\n                                                <\/li>\n                                                                        <li class=\"StepProgress-item\">\n                                                <div class=\"StepProgress-item__group\">\n                            <a data-id=\"the_future_of_actuators\"\n                               onclick=handleScrollToTitle(\"the_future_of_actuators\")\n                               class=\"StepProgress-item__link\" data-level=\"2\">The Future of Actuators<\/a>\n                                                    <\/div>\n                                                <\/li>\n                                                                        <li class=\"StepProgress-item\">\n                                                <div class=\"StepProgress-item__group\">\n                            <a data-id=\"10_tips_to_choose_the_best_actuator\"\n                               onclick=handleScrollToTitle(\"10_tips_to_choose_the_best_actuator\")\n                               class=\"StepProgress-item__link\" data-level=\"2\">10 Tips to Choose the Best Actuator<\/a>\n                                                    <\/div>\n                                                <\/li>\n                                                                        <li class=\"StepProgress-item\">\n                                                <div class=\"StepProgress-item__group\">\n                            <a data-id=\"actuator_pros_cons\"\n                               onclick=handleScrollToTitle(\"actuator_pros_cons\")\n                               class=\"StepProgress-item__link\" data-level=\"2\">Actuator Pros &amp; Cons<\/a>\n                                                    <\/div>\n                                                <\/li>\n                                                                        <li class=\"StepProgress-item\">\n                                                <div class=\"StepProgress-item__group\">\n                            <a data-id=\"the_bottom_line\"\n                               onclick=handleScrollToTitle(\"the_bottom_line\")\n                               class=\"StepProgress-item__link\" data-level=\"2\">The Bottom Line<\/a>\n                                                    <\/div>\n                                                <\/li>\n                                                                        <li class=\"StepProgress-item\">\n                                                <div class=\"StepProgress-item__group\">\n                            <a data-id=\"faqs\"\n                               onclick=handleScrollToTitle(\"faqs\")\n                               class=\"StepProgress-item__link\" data-level=\"2\">FAQs<\/a>\n                                                    <\/div>\n                                                <\/li>\n                                                                        <li class=\"StepProgress-item\">\n                                                <div class=\"StepProgress-item__group\">\n                            <a data-id=\"references\"\n                               onclick=handleScrollToTitle(\"references\")\n                               class=\"StepProgress-item__link\" data-level=\"2\">References<\/a>\n                                                    <\/div>\n                                                <\/li>\n                                    <\/ol>\n                <div class=\"toc-sticky__container__disperse\"><\/div>\n                <div class=\"toc-sticky__btn-top justify-content-center\">\n                    <button class=\"btn btn-link d-flex align-items-center\" onclick={btnTop()}><p>Show Full Guide<\/p><img decoding=\"async\"\n                                src=\"\/wp-content\/plugins\/table-of-contents\/assets\/images\/arrow-up-circle.svg\"\n                                alt=\"arrow-up-circle\">\n                    <\/button>\n                <\/div>\n            <\/div>\n        <\/div>\n    <\/section>\n    <div class=\"toc-sticky-list\">\n        <div class=\"toc-sticky__container container\">\n            <div class=\"toc-sticky__open d-flex align-items-end\" data-bs-toggle=\"collapse\" aria-controls=\"multiCollapse2\" data-bs-target=\"#multiCollapse2\">\n                <button class=\"btn btn-primary collapse-action-btn p-1 rounded-circle\"\n                        type=\"button\">\n                    <i class=\"icon-chevron-up up\"><\/i>\n                <\/button>\n                <span id=\"toc-current-title\" class=\"d-flex align-items-center\">\n                    Table of Contents\n                <\/span>\n            <\/div>\n            <div  class=\"collapse my-3\" id=\"multiCollapse2\">\n                <ol class=\"StepProgress\">\n                    \t\t\t\t\t \t\t\t\t\t                                                     <li class=\"StepProgress-item current \">\n                                                    <div class=\"StepProgress-item__group\">\n                                <a data-id=\"what_is_an_actuator\"\n                                   onclick=handleScrollToTitle(\"what_is_an_actuator\")\n                                   class=\"StepProgress-item__link\"\n                                   data-level=\"2\">What Is an Actuator?<\/a>\n                                                            <\/div>\n                                                    <\/li>\n                    \t\t\t\t\t \t\t\t\t\t                                                     <li class=\"StepProgress-item \">\n                                                    <div class=\"StepProgress-item__group\">\n                                <a data-id=\"key_takeaways\"\n                                   onclick=handleScrollToTitle(\"key_takeaways\")\n                                   class=\"StepProgress-item__link\"\n                                   data-level=\"2\">Key Takeaways<\/a>\n                                                            <\/div>\n                                                    <\/li>\n                    \t\t\t\t\t \t\t\t\t\t                                                     <li class=\"StepProgress-item \">\n                                                    <div class=\"StepProgress-item__group\">\n                                <a data-id=\"actuator_components\"\n                                   onclick=handleScrollToTitle(\"actuator_components\")\n                                   class=\"StepProgress-item__link\"\n                                   data-level=\"2\">Actuator Components<\/a>\n                                                            <\/div>\n                                                    <\/li>\n                    \t\t\t\t\t \t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t <span class=\"show_moretoc\">Show Full Guide<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t \t\t\t\t\t \t\t\t\t\t\t  \t\t\t\t\t                                                      <li class=\"StepProgress-item ms_hidetoc\">\n                                                    <div class=\"StepProgress-item__group\">\n                                <a data-id=\"how_actuators_work\"\n                                   onclick=handleScrollToTitle(\"how_actuators_work\")\n                                   class=\"StepProgress-item__link\"\n                                   data-level=\"2\">How Actuators Work<\/a>\n                                                            <\/div>\n                                                    <\/li>\n                    \t\t\t\t\t \t\t\t\t\t \t\t\t\t\t\t  \t\t\t\t\t                                                      <li class=\"StepProgress-item ms_hidetoc\">\n                                                    <div class=\"StepProgress-item__group\">\n                                <a data-id=\"actuators_types_uses\"\n                                   onclick=handleScrollToTitle(\"actuators_types_uses\")\n                                   class=\"StepProgress-item__link\"\n                                   data-level=\"2\">Actuators Types &amp; Uses<\/a>\n                                                            <\/div>\n                                                    <\/li>\n                    \t\t\t\t\t \t\t\t\t\t \t\t\t\t\t\t  \t\t\t\t\t                                                      <li class=\"StepProgress-item ms_hidetoc\">\n                                                    <div class=\"StepProgress-item__group\">\n                                <a data-id=\"the_future_of_actuators\"\n                                   onclick=handleScrollToTitle(\"the_future_of_actuators\")\n                                   class=\"StepProgress-item__link\"\n                                   data-level=\"2\">The Future of Actuators<\/a>\n                                                            <\/div>\n                                                    <\/li>\n                    \t\t\t\t\t \t\t\t\t\t \t\t\t\t\t\t  \t\t\t\t\t                                                      <li class=\"StepProgress-item ms_hidetoc\">\n                                                    <div class=\"StepProgress-item__group\">\n                                <a data-id=\"10_tips_to_choose_the_best_actuator\"\n                                   onclick=handleScrollToTitle(\"10_tips_to_choose_the_best_actuator\")\n                                   class=\"StepProgress-item__link\"\n                                   data-level=\"2\">10 Tips to Choose the Best Actuator<\/a>\n                                                            <\/div>\n                                                    <\/li>\n                    \t\t\t\t\t \t\t\t\t\t \t\t\t\t\t\t  \t\t\t\t\t                                                      <li class=\"StepProgress-item ms_hidetoc\">\n                                                    <div class=\"StepProgress-item__group\">\n                                <a data-id=\"actuator_pros_cons\"\n                                   onclick=handleScrollToTitle(\"actuator_pros_cons\")\n                                   class=\"StepProgress-item__link\"\n                                   data-level=\"2\">Actuator Pros &amp; Cons<\/a>\n                                                            <\/div>\n                                                    <\/li>\n                    \t\t\t\t\t \t\t\t\t\t \t\t\t\t\t\t  \t\t\t\t\t                                                      <li class=\"StepProgress-item ms_hidetoc\">\n                                                    <div class=\"StepProgress-item__group\">\n                                <a data-id=\"the_bottom_line\"\n                                   onclick=handleScrollToTitle(\"the_bottom_line\")\n                                   class=\"StepProgress-item__link\"\n                                   data-level=\"2\">The Bottom Line<\/a>\n                                                            <\/div>\n                                                    <\/li>\n                    \t\t\t\t\t \t\t\t\t\t \t\t\t\t\t\t  \t\t\t\t\t                                                      <li class=\"StepProgress-item ms_hidetoc\">\n                                                    <div class=\"StepProgress-item__group\">\n                                <a data-id=\"faqs\"\n                                   onclick=handleScrollToTitle(\"faqs\")\n                                   class=\"StepProgress-item__link\"\n                                   data-level=\"2\">FAQs<\/a>\n                                                            <\/div>\n                                                    <\/li>\n                    \t\t\t\t\t \t\t\t\t\t \t\t\t\t\t\t  \t\t\t\t\t                                                      <li class=\"StepProgress-item ms_hidetoc\">\n                                                    <div class=\"StepProgress-item__group\">\n                                <a data-id=\"references\"\n                                   onclick=handleScrollToTitle(\"references\")\n                                   class=\"StepProgress-item__link\"\n                                   data-level=\"2\">References<\/a>\n                                                            <\/div>\n                                                    <\/li>\n                                    <\/ol>\n            <\/div>\n            <div class=\"toc-sticky__container__disperse\"><\/div>\n        <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<script id=\"toc-js\">\n    window.addEventListener(\"DOMContentLoaded\", () => {\n        const header = document.querySelector(\".header_wrapper\");\n\n        const pageLegend = document.querySelector('#multiCollapse1');\n        const pageLegendList = document.querySelector('#multiCollapse2');\n        const pageLegendCollapse = new bootstrap.Collapse(pageLegend, {toggle: document.querySelector(\".toc-sticky\").classList.contains('sticky')});\n\n        \/**\n         * Changing current title\n         *\/\n        (function (pageLegend) {\n            const titleNodes = 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const headerHeightDifference = window.innerWidth < 992 ? -30 : -15;\n        window.scrollTo({\n            top: el.offsetTop - 60 - headerHeightDifference - 10,\n        });\n    }\n<\/script>\n\n<h2><span id=\"actuator_components\">Actuator Components<\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Actuators have the following <strong>components<\/strong>:<\/p>\n<div class=\"su-accordion su-u-trim\">\n<div class=\"su-spoiler su-spoiler-style-fancy su-spoiler-icon-plus\" data-scroll-offset=\"0\" data-anchor-in-url=\"no\"><div class=\"su-spoiler-title\" tabindex=\"0\" role=\"button\"><span class=\"su-spoiler-icon\"><\/span><strong>Power source<\/strong><\/div><div class=\"su-spoiler-content su-u-clearfix su-u-trim\"> Provides the necessary electricity, pressurized fluid, or compressed air to operate the actuator. <\/div><\/div>\n<div class=\"su-spoiler su-spoiler-style-fancy su-spoiler-icon-plus su-spoiler-closed\" data-scroll-offset=\"0\" data-anchor-in-url=\"no\"><div class=\"su-spoiler-title\" tabindex=\"0\" role=\"button\"><span class=\"su-spoiler-icon\"><\/span><strong>Control system<\/strong><\/div><div class=\"su-spoiler-content su-u-clearfix su-u-trim\"> Receives input signals from a switch, microcontroller, PLC, or <a href=\"https:\/\/www.techopedia.com\/definition\/4607\/computer\">computer<\/a> and manages the actuator&#8217;s movement. <\/div><\/div>\n<div class=\"su-spoiler su-spoiler-style-fancy su-spoiler-icon-plus su-spoiler-closed\" data-scroll-offset=\"0\" data-anchor-in-url=\"no\"><div class=\"su-spoiler-title\" tabindex=\"0\" role=\"button\"><span class=\"su-spoiler-icon\"><\/span><strong>Conversion mechanism<\/strong><\/div><div class=\"su-spoiler-content su-u-clearfix su-u-trim\"> Transforms the input energy into mechanical motion by using motors, pistons, gears, screws, or diaphragms. <\/div><\/div>\n<div class=\"su-spoiler su-spoiler-style-fancy su-spoiler-icon-plus su-spoiler-closed\" data-scroll-offset=\"0\" data-anchor-in-url=\"no\"><div class=\"su-spoiler-title\" tabindex=\"0\" role=\"button\"><span class=\"su-spoiler-icon\"><\/span><strong>Output shaft or moving element<\/strong><\/div><div class=\"su-spoiler-content su-u-clearfix su-u-trim\"> The part of the actuator that produces the actual movement. <\/div><\/div>\n<div class=\"su-spoiler su-spoiler-style-fancy su-spoiler-icon-plus su-spoiler-closed\" data-scroll-offset=\"0\" data-anchor-in-url=\"no\"><div class=\"su-spoiler-title\" tabindex=\"0\" role=\"button\"><span class=\"su-spoiler-icon\"><\/span><strong>Feedback system<\/strong><\/div><div class=\"su-spoiler-content su-u-clearfix su-u-trim\"> Used to be human-centric, but sensors are increasingly being used to gather data about actuator performance, and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.techopedia.com\/definition\/8181\/machine-learning-ml\">machine learning<\/a> (ML) <a href=\"https:\/\/www.techopedia.com\/best-machine-learning-algorithms\">algorithms<\/a> are being used to automatically adjust an actuator&#8217;s position, speed, or force. <\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<h2><span id=\"how_actuators_work\">How Actuators Work<\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Actuators work by converting an energy source into mechanical motion. Essentially, they receive signals from a control system and use conversion mechanisms to generate movement:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Control system<\/strong>: Responsible for how an actuator receives input signals, processes them, and executes movement to perform a specific task.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Conversion mechanisms<\/strong>: Bridge the gap between the energy source and the output movement and allow actuators to perform a wide variety of tasks.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Once the actuator receives an input, it processes the signal and determines the correct action. This process depends on whether the system is open-loop or closed-loop. In <strong>open-loop systems<\/strong>, the actuator follows a predefined command without checking to see if it is executed correctly. In <strong>close-looped control systems<\/strong>, the actuator continuously monitors its position, speed, and\/or force and adjusts movement based on feedback from sensors.<\/p>\n<p>When evaluating how well an actuator performs its job, it&#8217;s important to consider the following factors:<\/p>\n<div class=\"su-list\" style=\"margin-left:0px\">\n<ul>\n<li><i class=\"sui sui-check-circle\" style=\"color:#3CB371\"><\/i> How much force the actuator can generate to move or hold something<\/li>\n<li><i class=\"sui sui-check-circle\" style=\"color:#3CB371\"><\/i> How fast the actuator can move or respond<\/li>\n<li><i class=\"sui sui-check-circle\" style=\"color:#3CB371\"><\/i> How effectively the actuator can convert energy into useful work<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<p>An actuator&#8217;s <strong>force <\/strong>is typically measured in Newtons (N) or <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nist.gov\/glossary-term\/29611\" target=\"_blank\">pounds-force<\/a> (lbf); its <strong>speed<\/strong> can be measured in <a href=\"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/Calculate-Speed-in-Metres-per-Second\" target=\"_blank\">meters per second<\/a> (m\/s), inches per second (in\/s), or rotations per minute (RPM); and its <strong>efficiency<\/strong> can be expressed as a percentage that represents the ratio of output power to input power.<\/p>\n<h2><span id=\"actuators_types_uses\">Actuators Types &amp; Uses<\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Actuators are often <strong>characterized by their energy source <\/strong>and have a large number of use cases in a wide range of industries:<\/p>\n<div class=\"su-tabs su-tabs-style-default su-tabs-mobile-stack su-tabs-vertical\" data-active=\"1\" data-scroll-offset=\"0\" data-anchor-in-url=\"no\"><div class=\"su-tabs-nav\"><span class=\"\" data-url=\"\" data-target=\"blank\" tabindex=\"0\" role=\"button\"><strong>Electric actuators<\/strong><\/span><span class=\"\" data-url=\"\" data-target=\"blank\" tabindex=\"0\" role=\"button\"><strong>Hydraulic actuators<\/strong><\/span><span class=\"\" data-url=\"\" data-target=\"blank\" tabindex=\"0\" role=\"button\"><strong>Pneumatic actuators<\/strong><\/span><span class=\"\" data-url=\"\" data-target=\"blank\" tabindex=\"0\" role=\"button\"><strong>Piezoelectric actuators<\/strong><\/span><span class=\"\" data-url=\"\" data-target=\"blank\" tabindex=\"0\" role=\"button\"><strong>Thermal actuators<\/strong><\/span><span class=\"\" data-url=\"\" data-target=\"blank\" tabindex=\"0\" role=\"button\"><strong>Virtual actuators<\/strong><\/span><\/div><div class=\"su-tabs-panes\"><div class=\"su-tabs-pane su-u-clearfix su-u-trim\" data-title=\"&lt;strong&gt;Electric actuators&lt;\/strong&gt;\">\n<p>Use alternating current (AC) or direct current (DC) power to generate motion.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Uses<\/strong>: Commonly used in <a href=\"https:\/\/www.techopedia.com\/definition\/32836\/robotics\">robotics<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.techopedia.com\/definition\/32099\/automation\">automation<\/a>, and consumer electronics.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"su-tabs-pane su-u-clearfix su-u-trim\" data-title=\"&lt;strong&gt;Hydraulic actuators&lt;\/strong&gt;\">\n<p>Use oil or other pressurized fluids to generate motion.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Uses<\/strong>: Widely used in construction equipment, aircraft and automotive designs, and industrial machinery in the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.techopedia.com\/definition\/33015\/industrial-internet-of-things-iiot\">Industrial Internet of Things<\/a> (IIoT).<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"su-tabs-pane su-u-clearfix su-u-trim\" data-title=\"&lt;strong&gt;Pneumatic actuators&lt;\/strong&gt;\">\n<p>Use compressed air to produce motion.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Uses<\/strong>: Commonly used for factory automation and lightweight industrial applications where quick movements are needed.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"su-tabs-pane su-u-clearfix su-u-trim\" data-title=\"&lt;strong&gt;Piezoelectric actuators&lt;\/strong&gt;\">\n<p>Use electric fields created by the<a href=\"https:\/\/www.nanomotion.com\/nanomotion-technology\/the-piezoelectric-effect\/\" target=\"_blank\"> piezoelectric effect<\/a> to produce motion.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Uses<\/strong>: Commonly used for microscopy, medical devices, and precision positioning applications.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"su-tabs-pane su-u-clearfix su-u-trim\" data-title=\"&lt;strong&gt;Thermal actuators&lt;\/strong&gt;\">\n<p>Use thermal energy to produce motion.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Uses<\/strong>: Often found in <a href=\"https:\/\/www.techopedia.com\/definition\/smart-home\">smart home<\/a> thermostats, biomedical devices, and aerospace applications.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"su-tabs-pane su-u-clearfix su-u-trim\" data-title=\"&lt;strong&gt;Virtual actuators&lt;\/strong&gt;\">\n<p>Used to simulate the behavior of a physical actuator in a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.techopedia.com\/definition\/604\/digital-definition\">digital<\/a> environment before it is deployed in real hardware.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Uses<\/strong>: They enable the optimization of digital systems in industries like IoT, training, automation, and cybersecurity.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<h2><span id=\"the_future_of_actuators\">The Future of Actuators<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.techopedia.com\/definition\/190\/artificial-intelligence-ai\">Artificial intelligence<\/a> (AI) is transforming the development and use of actuators by enabling more efficient and adaptive motion control in real world applications.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.techopedia.com\/ai\/best-ai-coding-tools\">Low code AI programming tools<\/a> are becoming increasingly important because they make it easier and faster for engineers to develop intelligent control systems that can process feedback data from sensors in real time and make decisions autonomously.<\/p>\n<p>AI-empowered <a href=\"https:\/\/www.techopedia.com\/exploring-the-potential-of-digital-twins\">digital twins<\/a> are also helping to accelerate the development of new types of <a href=\"https:\/\/www.firgelliauto.com\/blogs\/news\/what-are-some-popular-micro-actuator-use-cases\" target=\"_blank\">micro-actuators<\/a> and bio-inspired actuators by allowing engineers to simulate, evaluate, and optimize actuators virtually before they are physically implemented.<\/p>\n<h2><span id=\"10_tips_to_choose_the_best_actuator\">10 Tips to Choose the Best Actuator<\/span><\/h2>\n<p>When engineers are trying to decide what type of actuator to use for a specific application, they should ask themselves the following ten questions:<\/p>\n<div class=\"su-note\"  style=\"border-color:#e5e54c;border-radius:3px;-moz-border-radius:3px;-webkit-border-radius:3px;\"><div class=\"su-note-inner su-u-clearfix su-u-trim\" style=\"background-color:#FFFF66;border-color:#ffffff;color:#333333;border-radius:3px;-moz-border-radius:3px;-webkit-border-radius:3px;\">\n<ul>\n<li>What type of motion is required?<\/li>\n<li>What power source(s) are available?<\/li>\n<li>How much force or torque will be required to move or hold the load?<\/li>\n<li>How fast does the actuator need to move or respond?<\/li>\n<li>What environmental conditions will the actuator be exposed to?<\/li>\n<li>How energy-efficient does the actuator need to be?<\/li>\n<li>What level of control is required?<\/li>\n<li>How much space is available for mounting the actuator?<\/li>\n<li>How much maintenance is needed?<\/li>\n<li>What is the best cost vs. performance trade-off?<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<h2><span id=\"actuator_pros_cons\">Actuator Pros &amp; Cons<\/span><\/h2>\n<p>There are some general pros and cons of actuators that apply across all types, regardless of their specific application:<\/p>\n<div class=\"su-row\"><div class=\"su-column su-column-size-1-2\"><div class=\"su-column-inner su-u-clearfix su-u-trim\">\n<h3>Pros<\/h3>\n<div class=\"su-list\" style=\"margin-left:0px\">\n<ul>\n<li><i class=\"sui sui-check-circle\" style=\"color:#3CB371\"><\/i> Can be powered by several types of energy sources<\/li>\n<li><i class=\"sui sui-check-circle\" style=\"color:#3CB371\"><\/i> Come in a wide range of sizes and price ranges<\/li>\n<li><i class=\"sui sui-check-circle\" style=\"color:#3CB371\"><\/i> Actuators that can be controlled remotely can be used in hazardous environments<\/li>\n<li><i class=\"sui sui-check-circle\" style=\"color:#3CB371\"><\/i> Smart actuators can optimize movement, reduce energy consumption, and predict failures using real time data and AI-driven algorithms<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<div class=\"su-column su-column-size-1-2 pros_icons_\"><div class=\"su-column-inner su-u-clearfix su-u-trim\">\n<h3>Cons<\/h3>\n<div class=\"su-list\" style=\"margin-left:0px\">\n<ul>\n<li><i class=\"sui sui-remove\" style=\"color:#e31f28\"><\/i> Have moving parts that can degrade over time<\/li>\n<li><i class=\"sui sui-remove\" style=\"color:#e31f28\"><\/i> Some need advanced control systems, sensors, or feedback mechanisms for precise operation<\/li>\n<li><i class=\"sui sui-remove\" style=\"color:#e31f28\"><\/i> High-precision actuators can be expensive to purchase, install, and maintain<\/li>\n<li><i class=\"sui sui-remove\" style=\"color:#e31f28\"><\/i> Actuator failures can lead to operational downtime and\/or safety risks<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<h2><span id=\"the_bottom_line\">The Bottom Line<\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Actuators, by definition, convert energy into motion. Physical actuators enable movement in everything from tiny medical devices to large industrial robots and everything in between. Virtual actuators mimic or simulate the behavior of a physical actuator and are often used to test and optimize control algorithms before deploying them to real hardware.<\/p>\n<h2><span id=\"faqs\">FAQs<\/span><\/h2>\n<div class=\"man_faq_sec\" itemscope itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/FAQPage\"><\/time><section class=\"ms_faq ms_card \" ><div itemscope itemprop=\"mainEntity\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/Question\"><div class=\"accordionButton\"><h3 itemprop=\"name\">What is an actuator in simple terms?<\/h3> <\/div>\n<div class=\"accordionContent\" itemscope itemprop=\"acceptedAnswer\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/Answer\" style=\"display:none;\"><p itemprop=\"text\">An actuator, meaning a device that converts energy into motion, can be used to manage the way mechanical components move.<\/p>\r\n                <\/div><\/div><\/section>\n<section class=\"ms_faq ms_card \" ><div itemscope itemprop=\"mainEntity\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/Question\"><div class=\"accordionButton\"><h3 itemprop=\"name\">What is an actuator used for?<\/h3> <\/div>\n<div class=\"accordionContent\" itemscope itemprop=\"acceptedAnswer\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/Answer\" style=\"display:none;\"><p itemprop=\"text\">An actuator is used to make something move.<\/p>\r\n                <\/div><\/div><\/section>\n<section class=\"ms_faq ms_card \" ><div itemscope itemprop=\"mainEntity\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/Question\"><div class=\"accordionButton\"><h3 itemprop=\"name\">What happens when an actuator fails?<\/h3> <\/div>\n<div class=\"accordionContent\" itemscope itemprop=\"acceptedAnswer\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/Answer\" style=\"display:none;\"><p itemprop=\"text\">When an actuator fails, the movement it controls may become unpredictable or unresponsive.<\/p>\r\n                <\/div><\/div><\/section>\n<section class=\"ms_faq ms_card \" ><div itemscope itemprop=\"mainEntity\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/Question\"><div class=\"accordionButton\"><h3 itemprop=\"name\">What device is an actuator?<\/h3> <\/div>\n<div class=\"accordionContent\" itemscope itemprop=\"acceptedAnswer\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/Answer\" style=\"display:none;\"><p itemprop=\"text\">Motors, pistons, and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.tlxtech.com\/articles\/solenoid-101-what-is-a-solenoid\" target=\"_blank\">solenoids<\/a> are all examples of actuators.<\/p>\r\n                <\/div><\/div><\/section>\n<section class=\"ms_faq ms_card \" ><div itemscope itemprop=\"mainEntity\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/Question\"><div class=\"accordionButton\"><h3 itemprop=\"name\">What is an actuator on a vehicle?<\/h3> <\/div>\n<div class=\"accordionContent\" itemscope itemprop=\"acceptedAnswer\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/Answer\" style=\"display:none;\"><p itemprop=\"text\">On a vehicle, an actuator is a component that is used to control a mechanical function such as adjusting the throttle or lowering a window.<\/p>\r\n                <\/div><\/div><\/section>\n<section class=\"ms_faq ms_card \" ><div itemscope itemprop=\"mainEntity\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/Question\"><div class=\"accordionButton\"><h3 itemprop=\"name\">Can a bad actuator drain the battery?<\/h3> <\/div>\n<div class=\"accordionContent\" itemscope itemprop=\"acceptedAnswer\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/Answer\" style=\"display:none;\"><p itemprop=\"text\">Yes, a bad actuator can drain a battery-powered energy source if it gets stuck in an active state.<\/p>\r\n                <\/div><\/div><\/section>\n<div class=\"reference-content\">\n<div class=\"reference-heading reference-content-collapsible-heading\">\n<h2><span id=\"references\">References<\/span><\/h2>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"reference-content-body\">\n<ol>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nist.gov\/glossary-term\/29611\" target=\"_blank\">Pound-force\/lbf<\/a> (NIST)<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/Calculate-Speed-in-Metres-per-Second\" target=\"_blank\">3 Ways to Calculate Speed in Metres per Second<\/a> (wikiHow)<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nanomotion.com\/nanomotion-technology\/the-piezoelectric-effect\/\" target=\"_blank\">The Piezoelectric Effect &#8211; Piezoelectric Motors &amp; Motion Systems<\/a> (Nanomotion)<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.firgelliauto.com\/blogs\/news\/what-are-some-popular-micro-actuator-use-cases\" target=\"_blank\">What are some Popular Micro Actuator Use Cases<\/a> (FirgelliAuto)<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.tlxtech.com\/articles\/solenoid-101-what-is-a-solenoid\" target=\"_blank\">Solenoid 101: What is a Solenoid?<\/a> (TLX Tech)<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>What Is an Actuator? An actuator is a device that converts energy into a linear or rotary motion. Linear actuators extend or retract to push or pull something in a straight line or hold something in place. Rotary actuators rotate objects around an axis in order to turn, twist, open, or close something. Actuator Components [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":7813,"featured_media":378190,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_lmt_disableupdate":"no","_lmt_disable":"","om_disable_all_campaigns":false,"footnotes":""},"definitioncat":[274],"class_list":["post-8706","definition","type-definition","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","definitioncat-robotic-engineering"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO Premium plugin v24.2 (Yoast SEO v24.5) - https:\/\/yoast.com\/wordpress\/plugins\/seo\/ -->\n<title>What is an Actuator? 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