Artificial intelligence (AI) and its applications have been around for a while. However, we’ve only recently seen significant developments in this area. Now that there is a big surge of interest in AI and machine learning, startups are rushing to apply it for various purposes.
However, AI and robotics rely on proven, tried, and tested actuators. In this article, you will learn how electric actuators work in robotics, including how they differ from artificial intelligence, their application type, and their most common uses. There are many different types of actuators, so there is much to consider before choosing an actuator for a robotics project.
What Are Electric Actuators and Where Do We Find Them?
An electric actuator is a device that moves an object, such as an arm or a limb, when an electric input is provided. Actuators also play a crucial role in cars, regulating airflow to control fuel consumption and speed.
As a result, they are ubiquitous in our world, from small objects like electric switches to household items like recliners and TV lifts. Moreover, they are so widely used that they are a common component in autonomous vehicles.
What is the Difference Between Actuators and AI?
An actuator is an external part of a system that can be controlled by an engine or other power source and move in response to a change in the input signal. In contrast, an AI is a software system that uses reasoning to make decisions based on data and information. Actuators can control various mechanical systems and can be built into robots and vehicles as they convert energy into motion.
Using actuators in robotics has several advantages. First, they help in movement. Depending on the type of actuator used, you can achieve a certain amount of lifting and movement for a robot. Second, actuators are sold in different stroke lengths and load capacities. The stroke length determines how far an object can move. In addition, the range of movement is based on the stroke length.
The Use of Actuators in Robotics
Generally, robots require a control interface to move and perform actions. Actuators can be either hydraulic, pneumatic, or electric. The type of actuator you use will affect several aspects of the robotics system, including speed, accuracy, repeatability, and load capacity. New technologies are constantly being developed to meet the increasing demands of the field. Actuators are essential devices for robotics and are commonly used in industrial applications.
Typical actuator performance metrics include torque, speed, durability, volume, mass, and operating conditions. Torque is the most important performance metric. The force of an actuator determines the length it can move an object. The length of a stroke is a different metric to consider when choosing an actuator. However, when choosing an electric actuator, ensure it’s suitable for your application. For example, a linear actuator has a fixed stroke length, while a rotary one has a variable length.
Today, actuators are a common component of many robotic systems. They help robots move and manipulate objects, among other tasks.
Typically, full electronic actuators are fitted with servo systems, eliminating the need for an additional servo amplifier. The input component of electric actuators accepts integrated circuits and complex or mixed circuits. They also undergo aging, wear, and tear, making them highly suitable for robotic applications.
The performance of an actuator can be measured by evaluating its torque and speed. Linear actuators exert a mechanical force, whereas rotary actuators produce circular motions. These metrics help determine the best actuator for a given application.
If you’re considering an electric actuator, you should consider your robot’s power source, the amount of movement required, and the level of precision. A manual actuator can be used when the operating conditions are safe for human operators. However, it is nearly impossible to use manual actuators for continuous operations.
Different mounting techniques have their advantages and disadvantages. Therefore, when selecting the mounting technique, it is important to know the features and benefits of the actuators. For instance, the dual-pivot mounting method allows a linear electric actuator to pivot on both sides of its axis, providing two pivot points in the application. In addition, this mounting method has advantages, such as allowing the actuator to move on a fixed path.
Conclusion
As the use of robotics has increased, the need for efficient energy management has increased, too. As a result, the use of actuators may be a viable solution. Nevertheless, the limitations of feedback sensors and the comparatively large actuators pose a challenge to their use in some robotics applications.
Despite their potential, these problems limit the current state of electric actuator technology. Nevertheless, actuators, robotics, and AI go hand in hand, and we will see more of them as time goes on.