What are Actuators and Their Role in Industrial Automation

December 11, 2023
Silinder Pneumatik untuk Industrial Automation

Actuators are crucial devices in automation or industrial automation systems and find widespread use in daily life. They power automatic doors, irrigation systems, autonomous vehicles, and HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning) systems. These devices enable effective and rapid control over various mechanisms.

Actuators are widely used in commercial and industrial settings to increase efficiency and productivity significantly. 

This article will discuss the basics of introducing actuators, their applications in daily life, and their role in industrial automation.

A Brief History of Actuators

Before delving deeper into actuators, let us first explore their historical origins. Despite seeming futuristic and advanced technology to many, actuators have existed since the 19th century. The first actuators were integral components of hydraulic and pneumatic systems, primarily used in agricultural machinery and industrial equipment.

As time progressed, the technology behind actuators advanced rapidly, gaining widespread adoption across various industries. Actuators evolved from their humble beginnings in the 19th century, becoming integral to enhancing productivity in the industrial sector.

Some examples of actuator applications in the 19th century include:

  1. Steam Engine: Utilized steam power to move a piston, driving a wheel or propeller (Hills, 1989).
  2. Mechanical Transmission: Gears and levers convert rotary motion into linear motion (Uicker, 2003).
  3. Hydraulic Devices: Hydraulic actuators, introduced at the end of the 19th century, used fluid pressure to generate movement (Watton, 1989).

Actuators from the 19th century until today have undergone rapid reforms, leading to innovations and technological advancements in the modern era.

Also Read: Different types of actuators and their functions that you need to know

Components and Operation of Actuators

Understanding the importance of actuators in daily life and automation systems requires knowledge of their internal components. In its simplest form, an actuator is a device that transforms energy (electric, hydraulic, or pneumatic) into physical or mechanical motion.

The primary components of an actuator include a motor (electric/mechanical) and hydraulic or pneumatic systems, depending on the type of actuator. The motor then converts the provided energy into mechanical motion by moving a shaft or piston.

For effective functioning, actuators require control. Like the human brain directing muscles, control receives signals and regulates the motor, the primary driver of the actuator.

Mechanical components within an actuator, such as shafts, gears, and bolts, support the conversion of motor movement into either linear or rotary motion, depending on industrial applications.

Rotary pneumatic-actuator illustration-by Realpars
Rotary pneumatic actuator (Image by Realpars)

Applications of Actuators in Daily Life

Actuators play a crucial role in our daily lives, often without us realizing it. These devices are integral to various functionalities, from automatic doors to washing machines and automobiles, enhancing our convenience and efficiency.

For instance:

  1. Automatic Doors: Widely used in shopping centers, train stations, and airports, these actuators open doors automatically upon detecting nearby individuals.
  2. Power-Operated Recliner Chairs: Linear actuators assist users in transitioning from sitting to standing.
  3. Smart Refrigerators: Some advanced models use actuators to open and close doors automatically, as seen in LG’s Signature Refrigerators.
  4. Irrigation Systems: Actuators regulate water valves, ensuring efficient water flow control.
  5. Autonomous Vehicles: Actuators are integral to braking, steering, and gas pedal systems in vehicles like Maruti Swift and Innova Crysta.
  6. HVAC Systems: Actuators are crucial in controlling airflow and temperature in Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning systems.

The list above provides just a glimpse of the myriad applications of actuators in daily life.

The Role of Actuators in Pneumatic Systems

In the modern era, actuators are vital in pneumatic systems, converting air pressure into mechanical motion. These systems find application in various industries, from simple packaging machines to complex car manufacturing processes.

In the automotive production line, pneumatic actuators are essential for assembling components, participating in painting processes, and manufacturing car engines. Similarly, in the food and beverage industry, these actuators move conveyors, lift heavy loads, and manage doors and packaging processes precisely and quickly.

The pharmaceutical industry also relies on pneumatic actuators for tasks such as moving materials, sorting, cutting, forming, and packaging within Biotechnology and Pharmaceutical Manufacturing.

The Future of Actuators and Emerging Technologies

The development of actuators shows no signs of slowing down. The future appears promising, with numerous actuators, such as pneumatic, hydraulic, and piezoelectric actuators, already implemented across industries.

Emerging technologies, particularly electromagnetic and piezoelectric actuators, offer new possibilities for precision control and efficiency. Electromagnetic actuators, commonly used in relays and solenoids, find applications in various industries. Piezoelectric actuators, on the other hand, are prevalent in high-precision control systems, such as scanning electron microscopes (SEM).

The future promises further innovations and advancements in actuator technology, leading to more intelligent and adaptable devices. As sensor and control technologies advance, actuators are expected to respond and adapt to environmental changes, contributing to increased efficiency and precision.

In conclusion, actuators are integral to daily life and automation systems, enabling precise control and movement in various applications. Despite being often overlooked, understanding their significance enhances our appreciation for their pivotal role in improving efficiency and convenience. 

Further exploration of specific applications and types of actuators can deepen one’s understanding of these essential devices.


This article was written in collaboration with Romanta Pinrih Linuwih, an expert in Pneumatic Automation Systems, to ensure accuracy and high quality.


REFERENCES

Hills, Richard L. Power from Steam: A History of the Stationary Steam Engine. Cambridge University Press, 1989.

Uicker, John J., et al. Theory of Machines and Mechanisms. Oxford University Press, 2003.

Watton, John. Hydraulic and Pneumatic Power for Production. Industrial Press Inc., 1989.

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