Page 87 - Robotics and AI class 10
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• Aerospace and Space Exploration: Actuators are used in robotic systems for aerospace applications, including
              space exploration, satellite deployment, and aircraft control surfaces. They provide precise control and movement in
              critical tasks, such as satellite deployment, payload manipulation, or Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) flight control.
               • Autonomous  Vehicles: Actuators play  a  crucial  role in autonomous vehicles, including self-driving  cars,
              Unmanned Ground Vehicles (UGVs), and drones. They control the motion of wheels, steering mechanisms, and
              propulsion systems, enabling autonomous navigation, collision avoidance, and adaptive driving behaviour.
               • Entertainment and Humanoid Robots: Actuators are used in animatronics, humanoid robots, and robotic
              toys. They bring robots to life by providing movement and expression, enhancing human-robot interaction and
              entertainment experiences.
               • Research and Education: Actuators are used in research laboratories and  educational settings to study
              robotics, develop new control algorithms, and explore novel applications. They enable researchers and students
              to experiment with various robotic configurations, control strategies, and motion planning techniques.

            Types of Actuators

            Actuators can be broadly classified into two main categories based on the type of motion they produce: linear
            actuators and rotary actuators.

                                                           Actuators

                                                   Linear                   Rotary












            Linear Actuators

            The linear actuators are designed to produce motion in a straight line or linear path. They convert electrical,
            hydraulic, or  pneumatic energy into  linear motion linear actuators are commonly used  in  applications  that
            require linear movement or positioning. The examples of linear actuators include extending and retracting
            robotic arms, opening and closing grippers, or sliding mechanisms. Electric, hydraulic, and pneumatic actuators
            can all be used to achieve linear motion. Here are some common types of linear actuators:
               • Electric Linear Actuators: These actuators use electric motors to generate linear motion. They typically consist
              of a motor, lead screw or ball screw mechanism, and a sliding carriage. As the motor rotates, the screw mechanism
              converts the rotational motion into linear motion, causing the carriage to move along the screw. Electric linear
              actuators are widely used due to their precise control, compact size, and ease of integration.
               • Hydraulic Linear Actuators: Hydraulic linear actuators use hydraulic fluid to generate linear motion. They
              employ a piston or cylinder mechanism where the fluid pressure pushes or pulls the piston, resulting in linear
              movement. Hydraulic actuators are known for their high force capabilities, making them suitable for heavy-duty
              applications.
               • Pneumatic Linear Actuators: Pneumatic linear actuators utilise compressed air or gas to create linear motion.
              They consist of a piston or diaphragm mechanism that is driven by the pressure of the compressed air. Pneumatic
              actuators are commonly used when quick and relatively low-force linear motion is required.





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