Electromechanical Actuators Provide the Precise Control Required in Industrial Automation
Power & Motion spoke with Thomas Lotz, Schaeffler Americas Vice President for Linear Motion, about the rising use of electromechanical actuators in industrial applications. These actuators are capable of providing the high level of precision and control required in many industrial automation applications which has led to their increased use in recent years.
“The more automation happens, the more precise control is needed and usually with electromechanical actuators you can position them very well,” said Lotz.
As such, there is a growing trend within industrial automation applications to use electromechanical actuators instead of pneumatic or hydraulic options. “The controllability and the positioning performance is a lot better,” compared to fluid power solutions he said, helping to drive continued use of electromechanical actuators.
However, Lotz noted the actuation technology chosen will vary by application. There will remain instances in which a fluid power solution is the better fit due to cost, installation or other application requirements.
Watch this interview with Lotz to learn more about why electromechanical actuators are a good fit for industrial automation, when hydraulic or pneumatic options might be a better fit, and the trends he sees influencing future actuator technology developments.
About the Author
Sara Jensen
Executive Editor, Power & Motion
Sara Jensen is executive editor of Power & Motion, directing expanded coverage into the modern fluid power space, as well as mechatronic and smart technologies. She has over 15 years of publishing experience. Prior to Power & Motion she spent 11 years with a trade publication for engineers of heavy-duty equipment, the last 3 of which were as the editor and brand lead. Over the course of her time in the B2B industry, Sara has gained an extensive knowledge of various heavy-duty equipment industries — including construction, agriculture, mining and on-road trucks —along with the systems and market trends which impact them such as fluid power and electronic motion control technologies.
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