Industrial motion control traditionally uses three technologies: pneumatic systems, which use compressed air; hydraulic systems, which use pressurized fluid; and electric actuators powered by electricity. Pneumatics are known for their high-speed operation, especially in packaging. Hydraulics offer high force and are typically used in construction and industrial presses.
Historically, electric actuators occupied a narrow niche: providing precise, programmable control for tasks that required high accuracy. But they were largely limited to light-duty tasks. But as manufacturing shifts toward connected, data-driven operations aligned with Industry 4.0, electric actuators are gaining ground in applications traditionally dominated by fluid power.
