Revolutionizing Automation and Robotics: Electric Linear Actuator Solutions

Two aspects play a crucial role in robotics and automation - sensing and motion. While sensing is performed by sensors in robots, they are fitted with actuators that facilitate the required motion. This motion requires extreme precision in terms of velocity, manipulating obstacles, bending at certain angles, and more. This drives the role of electric linear actuators in robotics and automation. Robots have been used in manufacturing units to automate mundane and repetitive tasks for many decades. However, automating the whole manufacturing process and employing AI-based robots are a result of new technologies leading to advancements in electronics, mechatronics, instrumentation, actuation systems, and more. This post discusses the significance of advancements in electric linear actuation systems, artificial intelligence, powerful sensing solutions, and more that are revolutionizing automation and robotics and transforming the manufacturing landscape.

Working of Electric Linear Actuators

Electric actuators convert electric power into linear motion. They comprise an electric motor, nut, and screw. The electric motor provides energy for the linear movement of the nut and the rotational movement of the screw. This forms the core of how actuators facilitate movement. Nowadays, advanced electric actuators offer precision and control, and can be integrated along with electronics for enhanced functionalities. These actuators can be made in various sizes and custom configurations. They find application in robotics and automation systems.

Discover more about how linear actuators work by visiting our website's blog: How Does a Linear Actuator Works?

Uses of Electric Linear Actuators in Automation and Robotics

Linear actuators convert rotary motion into linear motion, while also considering bending angles, movement distances and directions, and so on. Today, they can facilitate precision motion with tight tolerances in automation systems and machines with multiple axes. Such machines are required to perform complex motion, and can be commonly seen in a range of segments from CNC machining, fabrication, and welding to pick and pack, and packaging operations. Manufacturers can customize these systems to match the requirements, which leads to the required tolerances, precision, as well as structural fitment.

Key Features and Advantages of Electric Linear Actuators in Robotics

Here are some key beneficial features of electric linear actuators that have lead to increased usage in robotics and automation systems.

• These actuators play the role of muscles in robots that convert the stored energy into motion. Robots cannot move even an inch without these actuation systems. A simple task such as picking up items and placing them in the required rack requires precision and hence premium-quality actuators.
• Aside from movement, advanced robots have sensing and control systems that enable working unattended while using artificial intelligence in a dynamic environment. When moving around, robots may have obstacles that need to be sensed. This can be done by using sensors and communicated feedback to the controller. The actuators receive this signal and change their direction or positioning as required. This can be achieved using electric actuators that offer precision and just the right commands for movement.
• Electric linear actuators also offer high speed as well as smooth and quick movements. This is useful for automated assembly lines in industries.
• Being able to control the speed if required is an equally important feature in such systems. Electric actuators can achieve this control with integrated electronics that facilitate instant control and feedback mechanisms. This is generally achieved using pulse width modulation (PWM) for precision control.
• Electric actuators can be made compact which allows their integration into tightly constrained machine work envelopes or existing industrial systems as part of their expansion.
• They can operate silently, without much vibration, and hence are suitable in environments with less tolerance to noise.

Applications of Electric Linear Actuators in Automation and Robotics

Robotics and automation systems have evolved over the years with the inclusion of machine vision, robust sensing systems, speech recognition, advanced mechanics pertaining to movement and control, and so much more. Electric linear actuators have a huge role here, not just in the movement but also for supporting electronics in an integrated system. Here are some technological advancements in these automation and robotics and how electric linear actuators contribute to them.

1. RPA: Robotic process automation (RPA) software robots are designed to mimic human interactions with software systems. Electric linear actuators are used in physical robot systems to automate repetitive tasks, such as sorting packages, opening doors, and assembling products.
2. Soft Robots: As the name suggests, these robots are made from flexible materials that can interact with delicate objects and humans safely. Soft robots are widely employed in healthcare for rehabilitation. They are also used in industries where gentle handling is important. These robots utilize electric linear actuators that provide gentle motion needed to handle delicate materials.
3. Swarm Robots: These feature multiple robots working together to produce coordinated movements that mimic collective behavior in swarm applications, such as search and rescue operations, environmental monitoring, surveillance, agricultural monitoring, and so on. Electric linear actuators facilitate coordinated movements in these robots. They help perform tasks such as closing, lifting, opening, or shaping objects.
4. 3D Printers: 3D printing is an additive manufacturing technique that has gained immense popularity in recent years due to time and flexibility related advantages. This equipment uses electric linear actuators to control the movement of the platform and the print head with high precision.
5. Advanced Vision Systems: These systems are used in robotics to change viewpoints, adjust focus, and track moving objects. Electric linear actuators provide the necessary movement for these functions.
6. Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmented Reality (AR) Systems: The AR and VR systems are used in manufacturing facilities to improve productivity, reduce operational costs, and optimize workflows. They are used for assembly line optimization, remote assistance, product process visualization, training and simulation, and so on. Electric linear actuators are used in these systems to simulate physical interactions.

The role of electric linear actuators in robotics and automation can not be over stated, and most certainly will evolve further as engineering research and development progresses. Precision, smooth functioning, repeatability, and quality are important aspects when selecting actuators.

Manufacturers must consider complex motion control, variety of stroke lengths, durability, and various other parameters in accordance with their system design before making a decision. Additionally, it is important to consult a reliable player in this segment with expertise in advanced actuation systems.