Actuators: Electric, Linear and Rotary

• Actuators convert control signals into physical actions for movement or adjustments in systems.
• Actuators can be electric, hydraulic, or pneumatic, depending on their energy source.

Electric Actuators

• Electric actuators convert electrical energy into mechanical motion.
• They are used for precise control of movement, like rotation or linear displacement.
• An example use is electric motors in robotic arms for controlled object manipulation.
• They are used in robotic arms for accurate picking, placing, and assembling small parts in manufacturing.

Types of Electric Actuators

• Linear Actuator: Converts electrical energy into linear motion, used in robotics, manufacturing, and medical equipment.
• Rotary Actuator: Converts electrical energy into rotational motion. Found in valves, robotic arms, and automation systems.
• Solenoid Actuator: Uses electromagnetic force for short linear motion, found in locking mechanisms, relays, and fluid control systems.

Piezoelectric Actuator

• It offers ultra-precise motion at the micro and nano level.
• Used in precision instruments, optics, and medical devices.

Electro-Hydraulic and Electro-Pneumatic Actuators

• These are hybrid actuators using electricity to control fluid-based systems.
• They provide high force output for heavy-duty industrial applications.

Hydraulic Actuators

• These use pressurized fluid to produce mechanical motion, often providing high force output.
• Hydraulic cylinders in construction equipment enable heavy lifting and digging.
• They are found in excavators and cranes to lift heavy loads and perform construction tasks.

Types of Hydraulic Actuators

• Linear Hydraulic Actuators (Cylinders): Actuators that produce straight-line motion.
• Rotary Hydraulic Actuators: Actuators that produce rotational motion.

Pneumatic Actuators

• Pneumatic actuators are devices that convert compressed air into mechanical motion.
• An example is pneumatic pistons.
• They are used in automated production lines for pushing products along conveyor belts or opening/closing valves.

Types of Pneumatic Actuators

• Linear Pneumatic Actuators (Move in a straight line):
  • Single-Acting Cylinder: Moves in one direction, returns by a spring. Used in air hammers, punching machines.
  • Double-Acting Cylinder: Moves back and forth using air pressure. Used in robotic arms, industrial automation.
• Rotary Pneumatic Actuators (Create circular motion):
  • Vane Actuator: Rotates a small angle using air pressure. Used in valve control, small robots.
  • Rack-and-Pinion Actuator: Converts air-driven motion into rotation. Used in conveyor belts, packaging machines.

Shape Memory Alloy (SMA) Actuators & Soft Actuators

• SMA actuators use materials that "remember" their shape, changing form when heated or cooled.
• Soft actuators use flexible materials to mimic natural muscle movement.
• SMA wires or soft robotic grippers are examples.
• They are used in medical devices for minimally invasive surgery (SMA) and in soft robotic hands for safely handling fragile items like fruits (soft actuators).

Types of Shape Memory Alloy (SMA) Actuators & Soft Actuators

• Pneumatic Soft Actuators: Inflating chambers for robotic grippers, exoskeletons.
• Hydraulic Soft Actuators: Fluid-powered flexible movement in medical robots.
• Dielectric Elastomer Actuators (DEAs): Voltage-driven stretching, used in artificial muscles.
• Magneto-Active Elastomers (MAEs): Magnetic field-controlled motion for soft robotics.