What is an actuator?

An actuator is a device that combines a source of motive power with mechanical components to perform mechanical operations. An electric motor is one example. The ability to control the force, speed, angle, and other parameters associated with operations performed by an actuator means these devices play an integral role in mechatronics^*1.

Actuators operate using a combination of a motor and mechanical drive mechanism. By transmitting motor torque to the drive mechanism, actuators can convert it to motion that include linear or helical motion, as well as rotation. This enables actuators to drive a wide variety of devices.

Actuators can be used to convert the rotation of a motor or other drive sources into different types of motion such as the following.

Waterwheels and windmills can also be thought of as actuators, and in this sense, the history of these devices go back to ancient times.

Nevertheless, the emergence of actuators in the modern sense did not occur until the industrial revolution was underway. The spread of the steam engine and the arrival of different types of internal combustion engines led to the development of various actuators for driving machinery.

Equipment such as press machines, elevators, and draw bridges operated by water pressure began appearing in the 19th century, accompanied also by growing use of pneumatics for things like the airbrakes in railway vehicles or to open and close automatic doors. Hydraulics entered use in the 20th century and the world's first wheelchair with electric actuators was invented in 1979, leading to applications in a wide range of fields.

Electric actuators driven by small electric motors are now commonplace, being found in a wide range of products such as robots, cars, and home appliances, and are underpinning our industry, society, and everyday life.

While many different types of actuators exist, they can be grouped into the following categories based on how they are driven.

Electric actuators

The electric motor is a typical example of an electrically driven actuator. As they can be reduced in size easily, they are suitable for use in a wide range of products.

Hydraulic actuators

These actuators are driven by the pressure of hydraulic fluid. Their ability to deliver large amount of power means they can be used in construction machinery and other heavy-duty equipment.

Pneumatic actuators

These actuators are driven by pressurized air. They feature both simple mechanical design and flexible operation.

Other types of actuators

Actuators are used for a wide variety of purposes and are incorporated into many different types of equipment and machinery.

The following are some examples of where ASPINA actuators are used.

Power-assist suits

These suits assist the wearer with bending and walking when carrying or relocating heavy objects, or moving up and down slopes. Along with its high power, ASPINA's actuator features a slim and lightweight design that does not impede the wearer's movements.

Mobility assist

This provides users with the ability to move about. Motorized wheelchairs, for example, reduce the burden on care-givers. As well as powering low-speed movement, the actuator can also be used to adjust the position and orientation of a wheelchair.

Simple automatic guided vehicles (AGVs)

These are autonomous vehicles used for transportation tasks. A four-wheel vehicle equipped with ASPINA actuators has a carrying capacity of about 300kg (including the vehicle itself) .

The range of applications for actuators is expanding as the devices improve in performance and become lighter and slimmer. These applications include power-assist suits and motorized wheelchairs for assisting human movement, service robots, and automatic guided vehicles (AGVs) .

Along with the actuators themselves, ASPINA also develops integrated systems that include drive circuits, communication technology, and other such features. We will continue to deliver further technical innovation to match your needs.