Aktuator
Also: Aktuatoren, Aktor, Aktoren, Stellglied, Stellantrieb, Antriebselement
AI-generated
An actuator is a technical component that converts electrical, pneumatic, or hydraulic control signals into mechanical movement or force. In intralogistics, actuators control conveyor belts, diverters, grippers, and lifting elements in automated systems.
Key facts
- An actuator converts control signals into mechanical movement and is therefore the executing element of every automated system.
- In intralogistics, electrical and pneumatic actuators dominate; hydraulic variants are relatively rare due to the complexity involved.
- Response time and switching frequency are critical performance parameters for use on high-throughput conveyor lines.
- Standardized form factors reduce maintenance times and ease spare parts pressure during ongoing operations.
- Intelligent actuators with integrated sensors can supply condition data, thereby supporting predictive maintenance concepts.
What is an actuator?
An actuator is the executing element in a control loop: it receives a signal from a controller or sensor and converts it into a physical action – typically a linear or rotary movement, a force, or a torque. Depending on the drive principle, a distinction is made between electrical actuators (e.g. servo motors, stepper motors, electromagnets), pneumatic actuators (cylinders, rotary actuators), and hydraulic actuators for particularly high loads. In modern intralogistics systems, almost exclusively electrical and pneumatic variants are used.
How do actuators work in practice?
In an automated warehouse, actuators work closely with sensors and programmable logic controllers (PLCs). As soon as a sensor – such as a light barrier array or an RFID reader – detects a container on the conveyor belt, the PLC sends a signal to the responsible actuator. This then activates, for example, a sorting flap, a stop cylinder, or a belt drive to direct the goods in the correct direction. The response time between signal and movement is often in the millisecond range and is critical for the throughput of the system.
Typical application areas in intralogistics include:
- Diverters and deflectors on sorting systems
- Lifting units in automated small-parts warehouses (AS/RS)
- Grippers and suction heads in order-picking robots
- Door openers, airlocks, and safety elements
- Drives for automated guided vehicles (AGVs)
What matters when making a selection?
Choosing the right actuator depends on several factors that are weighted differently depending on the system and vendor. First, the mechanical requirements are decisive: what load needs to be moved, how large is the stroke or the pivot angle, and how frequently does the actuator switch per hour? High-frequency applications require different components than occasionally operated safety airlocks.
Second, availability during ongoing operations plays a central role. Actuators are wear parts; short delivery times for spare parts and standardized interfaces considerably simplify maintenance. Many operators therefore prefer common form factors and deliberately avoid custom solutions, even if these would be technically superior. Third, integration into higher-level systems is becoming increasingly important: intelligent actuators with integrated sensors can supply condition data, enabling predictive maintenance. Whether this additional effort is justified depends on the size of the system and the existing IT infrastructure.
Related terms
- AGV
AGV (Automated Guided Vehicle) refers to driverless transport vehicles that automatically move goods in warehouses and production environments. They follow predefined or sensor-controlled routes without a human driver.
- AKL
An Automated Small Parts Warehouse (AKL) is a fully mechanized storage system for bins, trays, or cartons that automates the goods-to-person process using aisle-captive storage and retrieval machines or shuttles.
- Hochregallager
A high-bay warehouse is an automated storage facility with racking from approximately twelve meters in height, where stacker cranes automatically store and retrieve pallets.
- Kommissionierung
Order picking is the process of assembling individual items from warehouse stock to fulfill a specific customer order — the most labor-intensive step in the warehouse.