Actuator: what it means.
Robotic motion can be produced by electric, pneumatic or hydraulic actuators. The actuator changes supplied energy into motion or force. Sensors and control electronics can be added to observe and regulate the resulting behavior. (University of Rochester: actuators)
An actuator, a driver and a controller are different roles. The controller decides what response is wanted; the drive system supplies the necessary actuation; the mechanical device moves. Products may integrate roles, so inspect the implementation. (University of Rochester: actuators)
Put the definition to work.
An actuator is not necessarily an IC. A robot’s electronics sense, compute, and drive; the actuator is the physical mechanism that performs the movement. (University of Rochester: actuators)
Questions to ask next.
Use these questions as a reading checklist, not as a device-selection recommendation. Exact manufacturer documentation takes priority over a general definition.
- Motion or force requirement
- Energy source and drive arrangement
- Feedback and mechanical operating limits
For the broader explanation, explore the electronics inside robots. This page defines the term; the companion guide connects it to the rest of the system.
Common Actuator questions.
Is every actuator an electric motor?
No. Motors are one important actuator type, but pneumatic and hydraulic mechanisms also produce physical work. Choose terminology that matches the energy source and mechanism. (University of Rochester: actuators)