actuators

Devices causing movement

Actuators are mechanical or electrical devices that convert energy into motion.

They make things move in response to control signals—opening valves, rotating motors, extending pistons.

In robotics and automation, actuators are the components that perform physical actions: The robot's actuators control its arm movements.

The singular actuator refers to any individual such device.

mechatronics

servos

Feedback-controlled motors

drives · controllers · feedback · encoders · sensors · robotics · automation · PLCs · microcontrollers · stepper motors

electric

motors

Machines that produce motion

piezoelectric · relays · DC motors · AC motors · brushless · gearboxes · encoders · PWM · amplifiers

pneumatic

cylinders

Circular-based solid shapes

pistons · diaphragms · grippers · bellows · flow control · exhaust · double-acting · single-acting

hydraulic

cylinders

Circular-based solid shapes

  • pistonsForce-transferring engine cylinders
  • pumpsLaceless dress shoes
  • ramsAdult male sheep

valves · reservoirs · accumulators · seals · hydraulic fluid · heavy machinery · excavators · presses

industrial

valves

Flow-controlling mechanisms

flow control · throttling · modulating · fail-safe · instrumentation · calibration · feedback · PID · manufacturing · assembly lines

Categories
Opposites
function in control systems

actuatorssensors

Devices that detect input

detectors · transducers · input devices · probes · receptors

causal role

actuatorssensors

Devices that detect input

receivers · indicators · monitors · observers · responders

Family

actuator

Familiarity
Top 500,000
Profile
Used worldwide · Timeless · Concrete · Rated G