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Actuators

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May 1, 2024 Updated May 27, 2025 18 minute read

Actuators: The Movers and Shakers of Modern Technology

Actuators are fundamental components in a vast array of systems and technologies, acting as the "muscles" that enable machines to interact with the physical world. At a high level, an actuator is a device that converts energy – typically electrical, hydraulic, or pneumatic – into mechanical motion. This motion can be as simple as opening a valve or as complex as the precise movements of a robotic arm. Without actuators, the automated systems that underpin modern life, from a car's cruise control to the intricate machinery in a manufacturing plant, simply wouldn't function. They are the unsung heroes that translate control signals into tangible actions, making them a cornerstone of engineering and automation.

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Reading list

We've selected six books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Actuators.
This textbook provides a comprehensive overview of actuators, covering the principles of operation, design, and applications of a wide range of actuator types. It is suitable for both undergraduate and graduate students in engineering and related fields.
Focuses on the design and applications of micromanipulators for cell and tissue engineering. It provides an overview of the principles of micromanipulation, as well as specific examples of micromanipulators that have been used for cell and tissue engineering applications.
Provides a comprehensive overview of the control of electric machines. It includes a chapter on actuators, which provides an overview of the different types of actuators used in electric machines.
Provides a comprehensive overview of mechatronics, which is the combination of mechanical and electrical engineering. It includes a chapter on actuators, which provides an overview of the different types of actuators used in mechatronics.
Provides a comprehensive overview of robotics, covering the principles of mechanics, planning, and control. It includes a chapter on actuators, which provides an overview of the different types of actuators used in robotics.
Provides a comprehensive overview of robot dynamics and control. It includes a chapter on actuators, which provides an overview of the different types of actuators used in robotics.
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