What are actuators? Why do we use them? What are their applications and types? You’ll be able to answer all these questions after completing this lesson. So let’s get started!
Actuators
In simpler terms, an actuator is a device that actuates another device. In other words, it is a component in a machine that absorbs energy – which can come from air, electricity, or a liquid – and uses it to enable the movement of something. The working of an actuator is analogous to how a human body works. They work in a machine to perform the movement, similar to muscles in the body that transform energy obtained from food into motion, such as arm movement.It should be evident why actuators are crucially based on the definition: they are the devices that transform any energy into movement, and we're surrounded by machines - be it escalators or a ceiling fan - all of them need actuators to move and accomplish their job.
Types of Actuators
Now that we know what actuators actually are let’s talk about their types. As far as electronics is concerned, there are four main types of actuators:
Electrical: These actuators convert electricity into rotational motion, linear motion, or both. These are mainly found in electric cars, robots, etc.
[caption id="attachment_49143" align="aligncenter" width="300"] https://kids.kiddle.co/Electric_motor[/caption]
Mechanical: These convert circular motion into linear (straight-line) motion. These are among the most widely used actuators, such as a pulley, gear, etc.
Hydraulic: These motors use liquids such as water or oil to produce motion. These can be found in cranes, bulldozers, etc.
Pneumatic: These actuators use energy obtained from compressed air or high pressure and convert it into motion. They are utilized when a machine must start or stop quickly—for instance, bus brakes, fitness equipment, etc.
[caption id="attachment_49355" align="aligncenter" width="600"] Source: www.wikihow.com[/caption]
Applications
The applications of actuators are endless. They are now a universal necessity in different industries, including automation, automobiles, manufacturing, etc. It's inconceivable to fathom getting anything done in industrial automation or robotics without actuators. They are also utilized extensively in heavy construction equipment with high performance to carry out various risky and tedious tasks, For example - bulldozers, cranes, transport carriers, etc.The robots we'll be building will also have an electric actuator - a servo motor. We must learn about it first because we will be dealing with it later while doing projects.
