Introduction to Robotics
Top 3
3 actuator facts for your exam
The 3 actuator facts most likely on your robotics exam
Quick check · tap an answer to continue
Lesson notes
Key points
- 3. Pneumatic actuators: Compressed air is cheap and fast, but compressible, so precise position control is hard.
- 2. Hydraulic actuators: Incompressible oil gives huge force for its size, which is why heavy mining excavators use hydraulics.
- 1. Electric motors + gears: Most robot arms use electric servomotors; gearing trades speed for torque by the gear ratio.
Takeaway: Pneumatic: cheap; hydraulic: force; electric: precise and most common.
Quick check: Why is accurate position control difficult with pneumatic actuators?
- Air is compressible
- Air is too heavy
- Air conducts current
Compressible air acts like a spring, so the piston position drifts under load.
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