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.
Components of Robots as a System 85

