Stroke / rotation range
Key selection specSource: general guidance
Mechanical fit and task envelope.
Linear stroke must match mechanism travel.
Actuators
Buyable rotary and linear motion units — servo modules, linear rods, smart joints, and industrial servo motors you replace or specify on a robot.
COMPONENTS DIRECTORY//PART::ACTUATORS
Qualitative pricing onlySpecialized supplyProcurement: HighOvernight unlikely — specialty or industrial lead timesSource: Partially verified
Actuators category hero
Verified media required — not AI product evidence. Photo Archivist / official sources only.
Placeholder — final asset pendingTECHNOLOGY VS COMPONENT
The Technology Library actuators page explains the concept. This page covers buyable actuator types, specs, sourcing, and replacement.
A physical motion component you procure, mount, wire, and maintain — distinct from the abstract technology of actuation.
When we say 'actuator' as a part, we mean the actual motor-and-gearbox unit (or linear rod) you buy and bolt onto the robot — not just the idea of motion.
Component actuators span hobby servos (see servos page), smart bus servos, linear actuators with lead screws, and industrial servo motor+reducer stacks. Sourcing, lead time, and spare strategy differ by class.
Produces controlled force and motion at a joint or axis — same physical role as servos or industrial servo motors depending on class.
- →Joint replacement on cobots
- →Custom linear lift stages
- →Humanoid leg module procurement
- •Industrial and collaborative arms
- •Humanoid joint modules
- •Linear axes on gantry bots
- •Mobile robot steering actuators
- •Replacement joints on maintained fleets
Qualitative spec selection guide — not live product values. Verify exact numbers on the manufacturer datasheet before ordering.
SKU-level comparison is not available yet — use this table to decide what to verify before ordering.
12 selection specs · 7 key for buying decisions
| Spec | Why it matters | Buyer warning |
|---|---|---|
Stroke / rotation range Key selection spec | Mechanical fit and task envelope. | Linear stroke must match mechanism travel. |
Force / torque Key selection spec | Replacement must meet or exceed OEM spec. Beginner: For arms, translate payload and reach to required joint torque. Advanced: Industrial ratings distinguish continuous vs peak — match duty cycle. | Undersizing causes stall and thermal damage. |
Speed Optional detail | Cycle time and safety limits. | Speed vs load tradeoff on linear units. |
Voltage V Key selection spec 12–24 V mobile; 48 V industrial | Bus must match drive and environment. | Industrial 48 V ≠ hobby 7.4 V. |
Current draw A Key selection spec | Drive and supply sizing. | Quote-driven on industrial class. |
Duty cycle Key selection spec | Thermal limits on continuous hold. | 100% duty on underrated unit fails. |
Feedback type Optional detail | Closed-loop tuning and replacement. | Open-loop DC actuators drift under load. |
Mounting style Key selection spec | Drop-in vs retrofit. | Bolt pattern mismatch forces mechanical rework. |
Ingress protection (IP) Optional detail | Environment sealing. | Indoor-rated unit fails outdoors. |
Load rating Key selection spec | Static and dynamic load limits. | Side load on linear rods causes binding. |
Backlash Optional detail | Precision tasks fail with wrong reducer. | Harmonic vs planetary vs cycloidal differ. |
Repeatability Optional detail | Pick-place and precision motion. | OEM-only spec — verify on datasheet. |
Force / torque
Key selection specSource: general guidance
Replacement must meet or exceed OEM spec.
Undersizing causes stall and thermal damage.
Beginner: For arms, translate payload and reach to required joint torque.
Advanced: Industrial ratings distinguish continuous vs peak — match duty cycle.
Speed
Optional detailSource: general guidance
Cycle time and safety limits.
Speed vs load tradeoff on linear units.
Voltage
V
Key selection specSource: general guidance
12–24 V mobile; 48 V industrial
Bus must match drive and environment.
Industrial 48 V ≠ hobby 7.4 V.
Current draw
A
Key selection specSource: needs review
Drive and supply sizing.
Quote-driven on industrial class.
Duty cycle
Key selection specSource: general guidance
Thermal limits on continuous hold.
100% duty on underrated unit fails.
Feedback type
Optional detailSource: general guidance
Closed-loop tuning and replacement.
Open-loop DC actuators drift under load.
Mounting style
Key selection specSource: general guidance
Drop-in vs retrofit.
Bolt pattern mismatch forces mechanical rework.
Ingress protection (IP)
Optional detailSource: general guidance
Environment sealing.
Indoor-rated unit fails outdoors.
Load rating
Key selection specSource: general guidance
Static and dynamic load limits.
Side load on linear rods causes binding.
Backlash
Optional detailSource: general guidance
Precision tasks fail with wrong reducer.
Harmonic vs planetary vs cycloidal differ.
Repeatability
Optional detailSource: needs review
Pick-place and precision motion.
OEM-only spec — verify on datasheet.
Additional key specs (seed data)
Torque / force rating
Continuous vs peak; linear force for rods
Replacement must meet or exceed OEM spec.
Form factor / mounting
Bolt pattern, shaft diameter, stroke
Drop-in replacement vs mechanical retrofit.
Bus / electrical interface
EtherCAT, CAN, PWM, 480 V industrial
Controller compatibility gate.
Backlash / compliance
Harmonic vs cycloidal vs planetary
Precision tasks fail with wrong reducer class.
- Drop-in compatibility with existing controller
- Lead time and spare availability
- Thermal and duty cycle match
Prices vary by model, supplier, quantity, availability, and shipping speed. EAR pricing bands are guidance only unless tied to a sourced product record. Verify current pricing before ordering.
Prices vary by model, supplier, quantity, availability, and shipping speed. EAR pricing bands are guidance only unless tied to a sourced product record. Verify current pricing before ordering.
Hobby linear actuators
hobby_linear
Qualitative guidance onlyNeeds review
Small 12 V linear actuators for lifts and locks span a wide marketplace range. Stroke, force rating, and duty cycle drive real cost more than listing title.
Typical buyer
Hobby lifts, small mechanisms, STEM demos, light automation.
Examples
12 V DC linear actuators with limit switches, short-stroke hobby units.
What affects cost
- →Stroke length and force rating
- →Duty cycle and feedback (pot vs none)
- →Speed and IP rating
- →Marketplace seller quality
Price usually excludes
power supplycontroller/drivercables/connectorsmounting hardwareshippingtaxes/tariffssoftware/licenseintegration timesupport/warranty plan
Buyer caution
Marketplace actuators often overstate force. Verify datasheet, duty cycle, and end-stop wiring before load-bearing use.
Source basis
Category-level qualitative guidance — no SKU-linked distributor band yet.
Open research gaps
- Sourced USD band — hobby 12 V linear actuators by force/stroke — No sourced numeric band in EAR. Next: Distributor listing spot-check (Digi-Key, Mouser, Pololu, OEM)
Verify current pricing with supplier before ordering.
Industrial linear actuators
industrial_linear
Qualitative guidance onlyNeeds review
Industrial electromechanical actuators are specified for force, duty, and environmental sealing. Pricing is typically quote-based with lead times.
Typical buyer
Factory automation, medical/adjacent regulated environments, heavy doors/lifts.
Examples
Rod-style and rodless industrial electromechanical actuators.
What affects cost
- →Force, stroke, and duty cycle class
- →IP rating and materials
- →Integrated feedback and controller options
- →OEM vs integrator quote channel
Price usually excludes
power supplycontroller/drivercables/connectorsmounting hardwareshippingtaxes/tariffssoftware/licenseintegration timesupport/warranty planmounting fixturesexternal guides/rail systems
Buyer caution
Side-load and moment loads kill mis-specified actuators. Engineering review beats price comparison on marketplace look-alikes.
Source basis
Category-level qualitative guidance — no OEM quote verified in EAR.
Open research gaps
- Sourced USD band — industrial linear actuators by force tier — No sourced numeric band in EAR. Next: Distributor listing spot-check (Digi-Key, Mouser, Pololu, OEM)
Verify current pricing with supplier before ordering.
Rotary actuators
rotary
Qualitative guidance onlyNeeds review
Rotary actuators and gearmotor modules blend motor, gearing, and sometimes integrated drivers. Cost spans hobby servo-adjacent modules to industrial indexing tables.
Typical buyer
Indexing mechanisms, joint modules, valve-adjacent robotics, rotary tables.
Examples
Integrated rotary actuator modules, harmonic-drive-adjacent joints (non-cobot).
What affects cost
- →Output torque and backlash class
- →Integrated driver vs bare gearmotor
- →Feedback resolution
- →Industrial vs hobby sourcing channel
Price usually excludes
power supplycontroller/drivercables/connectorsmounting hardwareshippingtaxes/tariffssoftware/licenseintegration timesupport/warranty plan
Buyer caution
Backlash and thermal limits are rarely obvious from photos. Request torque-speed curve and duty rating before substituting.
Source basis
Category-level qualitative guidance — no SKU-linked distributor band yet.
Open research gaps
- Sourced USD band — rotary actuator modules by torque tier — No sourced numeric band in EAR. Next: Distributor listing spot-check (Digi-Key, Mouser, Pololu, OEM)
Verify current pricing with supplier before ordering.
Smart integrated actuators
smart_integrated
Qualitative guidance onlyNeeds review
Integrated smart actuators bundle motor, drive, encoder, and fieldbus. Unit cost is high; ecosystem and cable plant dominate integration quotes.
Typical buyer
Cobot builders, humanoid joints, modular robot OEMs.
Examples
Fieldbus-integrated joint modules, smart linear axes with built-in controllers.
What affects cost
- →Torque/force tier and fieldbus type
- →Encoder resolution and safety features
- →Volume and OEM relationship
- →Spare joint vs full arm module pricing
Price usually excludes
power supplycontroller/drivercables/connectorsmounting hardwareshippingtaxes/tariffssoftware/licenseintegration timesupport/warranty planfieldbus cabling plantOEM software licenses
Buyer caution
Smart actuators lock you into firmware, calibration, and bus topology. Verify controller compatibility and spare availability before multi-unit buys.
Source basis
Category-level qualitative guidance — no SKU-linked distributor band yet.
Open research gaps
- Sourced USD band — smart integrated actuator joints — No sourced numeric band in EAR. Next: Distributor listing spot-check (Digi-Key, Mouser, Pololu, OEM)
Verify current pricing with supplier before ordering.
Hydraulic / pneumatic actuator systems
fluid_power
Qualitative guidance onlyNeeds review
Fluid-power systems price as cylinders plus valves, pumps, hoses, and safety infrastructure — rarely as a single SKU. EAR does not publish numeric bands without sourced system quotes.
Typical buyer
Heavy industrial robotics, presses, legacy automation retrofits.
Examples
Pneumatic cylinder + valve islands, hydraulic axis packages.
What affects cost
- →Bore, stroke, and pressure class
- →Valve and manifold complexity
- →Food-grade or hazardous environment ratings
- →Integrator labor vs catalog components
Price usually excludes
power supplycontroller/drivercables/connectorsmounting hardwareshippingtaxes/tariffssoftware/licenseintegration timesupport/warranty plancompressor/pump planthoses and fittingsvalve manifoldsfluid maintenancesafety interlocks
Buyer caution
Fluid-power BOM is systems pricing. A cylinder listing price excludes the valve, compressor, and safety chain required to run it.
Source basis
Category-level qualitative guidance — no integrator quote verified in EAR.
Open research gaps
- Sourced USD band — pneumatic cylinder + valve entry systems — No sourced numeric band in EAR. Next: Distributor listing spot-check (Digi-Key, Mouser, Pololu, OEM)
Verify current pricing with supplier before ordering.
Representative product records for orientation — not endorsements.
EAR compatibility guidance is category-level unless a specific product record is sourced. Always verify voltage, current, connectors, signal type, documentation, and manufacturer limits before ordering.
EAR compatibility guidance is category-level unless a specific product record is sourced. Always verify voltage, current, connectors, signal type, documentation, and manufacturer limits before ordering.
Needs product-specific checkConfidence: lowSource: partially verified
Build chains
Actuator chain
- →Some actuators are simple two-wire DC devices.
- →Some have feedback potentiometers or encoders.
- →Some need dedicated controllers.
- →Load, duty cycle, speed, and mounting geometry matter.
Works with
Required companion parts
- →Matching motor driver or actuator controller amplifier
- →Power supply rated for load, duty cycle, and voltage class
- →Mechanical mounting hardware matched to form factor
Optional companion parts
- →Limit switches or feedback encoders
- →Relay or contactor for high-power switching where applicable
- →OEM-rated cables and connectors
Common interfaces
ISO flange patternsLinear trunnion mountsOEM fieldbus connectors
EtherCATCANopenCiA 402Analog ±10 VPWM on simple DC actuators
Voltage / current / power
- →Simple two-wire DC actuators: match bus voltage and driver range
- →Industrial joints: 24 V / 48 V common — not hobby BEC territory
- →400 V AC class on large industrial servo systems
- →Load, duty cycle, speed, and thermal limits are application-specific
- →Quote-driven sizing — not guessable from category alone
- →Some actuators are simple two-wire DC devices
- →Some need dedicated controllers separate from hobby GPIO
- →Industrial actuators rarely interchangeable across OEM arms
Software & controller
- →Some actuators include feedback potentiometers or encoders requiring closed-loop tuning
- →OEM robot controllers vs ROS industrial stacks — integration project
- →Dedicated controllers required for many linear and industrial rotary units
Mechanical
- →Stroke length, rotation range, mounting geometry, and backlash matter
- →Drop-in replacement vs mechanical retrofit on cobot arms
- →Ingress protection for environment
Buyer mismatch warnings
- Assuming hobby servos replace industrial joint modules
- Third-party reducers on certified cobots without OEM approval
- Ordering actuator without matching drive amplifier
- Ignoring duty cycle and thermal limits on linear actuators
Emergency substitution notes
- →Identify OEM part number before failure — industrial spares are rarely generic
- →Smart research-class modules may substitute within same bus family only
Open research gaps
- OEM actuator ↔ drive compatibility · Needs product-specific check
- Precision reducer lead times · Anecdotal only
Product-specific compatibility still needs verification.
Full cross-component view: Compatibility overview
EAR does not currently verify live stock or delivery speed. Use this guide to avoid ordering the wrong part, then verify stock, shipping, compatibility, and datasheets with the supplier before purchase.
EAR does not currently verify live stock or delivery speed. Use this guide to avoid ordering the wrong part, then verify stock, shipping, compatibility, and datasheets with the supplier before purchase.
Guide: needs reviewNeeds product-specific check
Urgency summary
Actuator emergencies are rarely solved by generic off-the-shelf rush orders — load, stroke, mounting, duty cycle, and drive pairing must match first.
Check stock and shipping live before ordering.
Urgent questions
- →Is it linear or rotary?
- →What load/force/torque is required?
- →What stroke length or rotation range is needed?
- →What voltage/current?
- →Is feedback required?
- →Does it need limit switches?
- →What mounting style?
- →What duty cycle?
- →Indoor/outdoor/IP rating?
Non-negotiable specs
- →Linear vs rotary actuation type
- →Load / force / torque rating
- →Stroke length or rotation range
- →Voltage and current draw
- →Feedback requirement (encoder, pot, limit switches)
- →Mounting style and bolt pattern
- →Speed at rated load
- →Duty cycle and thermal limits
- →IP / environment rating for install location
Acceptable substitutions (category-level)
- →OEM spare part number from authorized channel
- →Same bus family module with verified firmware support (research class only)
Dangerous substitutions
- Undersized load rating
- Wrong stroke length
- Wrong mounting geometry
- Ignoring duty cycle
- No feedback where position is required
- Wrong environmental rating
- Wrong controller/driver pairing
Suppliers to check first
Digi-Key · supplier targetMouser Electronics · supplier targetServoCity · supplier targetRobotShop · supplier targetMcMaster-Carr · supplier targetGrainger · supplier targetAutomationDirect · supplier targetAmazon · marketplace caution
Full supplier directory →Local pickup targets (verify stock)
- →Grainger / McMaster — industrial linear; SKU and stock vary by region
- →OEM service channel — often fastest path for cobot arm joints
Marketplace cautions
- →Amazon: industrial actuators rarely match OEM cobot specs from marketplace listings
- →Marketplace may omit duty cycle, thermal limits, and feedback requirements
Before you order
- →Record OEM part number before failure if possible
- →Confirm drive amplifier compatibility
- →Verify lead time — precision reducers can be 8+ weeks
- →Check authorized service for certified cobot fleets
After arrival — bench test
- →Bench-test at reduced load before full integration
- →Verify feedback signal if closed-loop required
- →Thermal check at expected duty cycle
If you get it wrong
- →Joint cannot hold rated load
- →Thermal overload in continuous duty
- →Mechanical mismatch forces costly retrofit
- →Certification void on cobot if non-OEM part
Open research gaps
- OEM expedited service paths · Anecdotal
Industrial actuators are rarely interchangeable across OEM arms. Document part numbers before failure, not after.
EAR does not currently show live inventory. Always verify stock, shipping speed, compatibility, and authorized-channel status before ordering.
EAR does not currently show live inventory. Always verify stock, shipping speed, compatibility, and authorized-channel status before ordering.
Best sources to check first for actuators
Smart actuator modules via robotics specialists. Industrial linear and electromechanical actuators via industrial suppliers — often quote-driven with long lead times.
Check first
- •Trossen Robotics
- •ServoCity
- •AutomationDirect
- •Grainger
Also check
- •Digi-Key
- •Mouser Electronics
- •RobotShop
Use with caution
- •Amazon
- •AliExpress
- •eBay
Trossen Robotics
SupplierRobotics specialistU.S. shipping: typically availableOvernight: shipping needs live checkAuthorized: partial — verify by manufacturer
Supported categories
servosactuatorskits
Likely category source for Dynamixel-class smart servos and actuator modules
Buyer caution
Premium pricing vs hobby servos
Smart actuator modules
Verify stock and shipping before ordering.
AutomationDirect
SupplierIndustrial supplierU.S. shipping: typically availableOvernight: varies by itemAuthorized: partial — verify by manufacturer
Supported categories
motor driversactuatorspowersensorslidarcamerasimus
Industrial motor drives and motion components
Buyer caution
Not hobby robotics curated
Industrial motion components
Verify stock and shipping before ordering.
Grainger
SupplierIndustrial supplierU.S. shipping: typically availableOvernight: varies by itemSame-day pickup: store locations onlyAuthorized: partial — verify by manufacturer
Supported categories
actuatorsmotor driverspowermechanical
Commercial accounts and industrial motion SKUs
Buyer caution
Robotics hobby parts poorly represented
Industrial linear actuators — SKU varies
Verify stock and shipping before ordering.
Digi-Key
SupplierAuthorized distributorU.S. shipping: typically availableOvernight: varies by itemAuthorized: partial — verify by manufacturer
Supported categories
controller boardsmotor driversservosactuatorspowerconnectorssensorslidarcamerasimus
Broad authorized catalog for semiconductors and modules
Buyer caution
Not optimized for hobby servo bundles — check robotics specialists first
Some modular motor lines — verify authorization
Verify stock and shipping before ordering.
Mouser Electronics
SupplierAuthorized distributorU.S. shipping: typically availableOvernight: varies by itemAuthorized: partial — verify by manufacturer
Supported categories
controller boardsmotor driversservosactuatorspowerconnectorssensorslidarcamerasimus
Wide semiconductor and module selection
Buyer caution
Less hobby-robotics curated than Pololu or ServoCity
Shipping verification needed
Verify stock and shipping before ordering.
Browse all suppliers in the Supplier Directory. See what works together in the Compatibility Matrix.
Overnight availability needs live supplier verification. EAR does not track live inventory.
STOCK & SHIPPING
Overnight availability: needs live supplier verification. EAR does not track live inventory.
For rush-order decision checklists, see Emergency sourcing guide above.
Likely supplier targets to check first
See Who sells it above for supplier targets and sourcing guidance — then verify stock and shipping live before ordering.
Emergency sourcing checklist
- □Identify OEM part number before failure
- □Contact OEM authorized service for cobot arms
- □Smart actuator spares via authorized robotics distributors
- □Do not assume industrial joints ship overnight
Reducer wear and backlash drift
- ×Reducer wear and backlash drift
- ×Thermal overload in continuous duty
- ×Encoder or cable fatigue at joint flex
Replacement parts risk
High — precision actuators may have 8–20+ week lead times; fleet operators should stock critical joints.
Technology page explains concepts; this page is for procurement. Industrial actuators are quote-driven with long lead times on precision reducers.
Technology page explains concepts; this page is for procurement. Industrial actuators are quote-driven with long lead times on precision reducers.
- !Third-party reducers without OEM validation on certified cobots
- !Underspecifying IP rating for environment
- !Assuming hobby servos replace industrial joint modules
- Rebuild vs replace per OEM policy
- Design change to different joint module
OPEN RESEARCH GAPSComponent view linked to technology page — OEM pricing pending
pricing
Industrial actuator USD bands
CURRENT STATUS
Needs sourced range
NEXT EVIDENCE TARGET
Authorized distributor quotes
lead_time
Precision reducer lead times
CURRENT STATUS
Anecdotal only
NEXT EVIDENCE TARGET
Procurement disclosures