6 Different Types of Actuators in IoT With Real-World Examples

The Internet of Things is set to connect over 75 billion devices by 2025, shaping an immense ecosystem. But despite this tech’s ubiquity, IoT enthusiasts grapple with crucial choices — which types of actuators in IoT will truly shine in their systems and how to ensure a perfect pick.

That’s what we’re about to discuss in this article. Read on to learn more about the core types, real-life examples, and the must-know considerations when dealing with different types of actuators in IoT. We’ll also settle the confusion between the IoT sensors and actuators.

Having introduced actuators in our numerous projects, including 2Smart Standalone and Propuskator, WebbyLab experts are well-prepared to share a roadmap for selecting a suitable actuator. Let’s get these solutions straight in our detailed guide.

 The mobile interface and controller of the Propuscator access control system developed by Webbylab

How Are Actuators Used in IoT?

IoT actuators are mechanical or electromechanical devices that turn energy into motion. They combine electrical signals with energy sources, ultimately manipulating the physical world around them.

Actuators can open doors, close windows, raise blinds, or move objects to their intended positions. But how do IoT actuators work and what are the applications of actuators in IoT?  That’s a several-step process:

1. IoT sensors gather the data and send it to the IoT controller.
2. The controller transmits the electrical signal to the actuator.
3. The actuator interprets this signal and translates it into a physical movement.

The process sounds pretty straightforward. But is it that simple? Keep reading to learn more about the actuators’ specifics and their interconnection with IoT sensors.

What’s the Difference Between Sensors and Actuators in IoT?

In simple terms, actuators create movement while sensors observe the environment. Whether measuring temperature, detecting motion, or capturing light levels, sensor technology is the IoT solution’s eyes and ears. Actuators, in turn, make physical actions based on sensor input and subsequent controlled commands.

Here are the main distinctions between IoT sensors and actuators:

• Electrical signaling. Actuators use heat or motion energy to perform actions. Meanwhile, sensors rely on electrical signals to monitor environmental conditions.
• Conversion direction. Actuators turn electrical signals into physical actions. In turn, sensors transform physical characteristics into electrical signals.
• Inputs and outputs. Actuators follow machine outputs, while sensors capture environmental inputs.

Different Types of Actuators in IoT

IoT systems integrate with various actuator types leveraging the necessary connectivity technologies in IoT. Here are some of the examples of actuators and its types in IoT:

Hydraulic Actuators

Hydraulic actuators leverage hydraulic power for mechanical operations, activated by a cylinder or fluid motor. The actuator transforms mechanical motion into rotary, linear, or oscillatory, depending on the IoT device requirements. Professionals use them in heavy-duty machinery like construction equipment.

Pneumatic Actuators

Pneumatic actuators operate on compressed air or gas to perform a straight or circular mechanical motion. They are especially suitable for ignition or fire hazards, as they don’t cause sparks. Pneumatic actuators also close or open valves and regulate the passing airflow.

Electric Actuators

Electric actuators convert electrical energy into mechanical motion. They are suitable for home automation (e.g., smart locks), robotics equipment, and electric vehicles, providing accurate and reliable motion.

Thermal Actuators

Thermal actuators are non-electric devices. They’re made of temperature-sensitive material that triggers linear motion reacting to temperature changes. Thermal actuators are common for heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems.

Magnetic Actuators

Magnetic actuators utilize magnetic fields to deliver controlled motion. Their regular use cases include medical devices like MRI machines and precision manufacturing, where accuracy is critical.

Mechanical Actuators

Mechanical actuators convert motion from one type, such as rotary, to a different form, like linear motion. They highly depend on their components, such as rails, gears, or chains. Mechanical actuators suit racks, pinions, and braking mechanisms.

How to Choose the Right Type of IoT Actuators: Key Selection Criteria

Picking the appropriate actuators type is critical to ensure your IoT project’s efficiency. Before making your final decision, consider the following factors:

• Operating conditions and compliance. Define the conditions of use, safety requirements, and regulatory standards applicable to the actuator. Adhere to specific regulations based on the device’s environment, such as food industry compliance or outdoor usage specifications.
• Functional requirements. Analyze the working mechanism required for the device to perform its functions with the desired accuracy. Consider that different types of actuators have distinct accuracy levels and functional capabilities.
• Powering methods and integration. Evaluate the available and suitable power sources for the actuator. Choose options that seamlessly integrate with the device’s power supply without the need for separate power units. For example, when WebbyLab created the Propuskator controller for automatic gates and barriers, we focused on existing automation system outputs to power third-party devices.
• Spatial considerations. Consider the actuator’s physical dimensions to ensure a proper fit within the complete device.
• Control interface. Evaluate the control interface required for effective interaction with the PLC or management system. Aim for an integration that enables precise control and monitoring.

WebbyLab Use Cases of Application of Actuators in IoT

As a company with profound expertise in IoT controllers and their firmware, we view all types of actuators as controlled devices.

In most cases, our primary goal is to select the appropriate control method based on the actuator type, whether through a current supply or a specific physical bus interface. Then, we program the corresponding control scenarios.

Handling actuator management is straightforward, whether on IoT devices or within broader IoT systems. It serves as a tool for addressing specific objectives, such as the following:

• Opening doors or windows
• Unlocking locks
• Rotating certain mechanisms
• Initiating mechanical movements

Dwelling on our expertise, we have found that building an IoT solution with an actuator combined with several types of sensors is highly effective. A decent illustration is the automation of room ventilation by using actuators alongside temperature and humidity sensors. It allows for control of window and door openings, launching a ventilation, heating, cooling, or humidification system.

On top of that, actuators are versatile even without sensors. They can integrate with remote or wireless control panels. For example, a remote control panel within a designated zone can open or close all hotspots or vents in an entire building or area with a single click. Alternatively, you can execute this management remotely through a mobile app.

Here are several examples of our projects that leverage the Internet of Things actuators.

Actuator Control Through Propuskator

One of applications of actuators in IoT is Propuskator, our access control system, essentially operates as an actuator controller. It lets you manage various access points. They include gates, barriers, elevators, and more — all of which require motion or altering the position of their components. The process involves linking them to Propuskator controllers through dry contacts or direct current supply. It enables the transmission of control commands to initiate their functions.

The scheme of connecting the managed devices to the controller

The controller makes decisions about signaling prompted by server or user application commands. It may occur following actions like pressing the exit button, raising a physical tag to the tag reader, or using biometric methods (fingerprint or facial recognition).

Electric lock (actuator) controlled by a 12V DC power supply

Smart Home or Greenhouse Automation with 2Smart Standalone

When building smart home and greenhouse solutions, WebbyLab used electric actuators for ventilation.

Typically, greenhouse windows should open to a specific height, enabling air circulation within the building. A 12V direct current supply controls the electric actuators we utilized. The polarity of the current determines their movement. The duration of the current supply governs the actuator’s change in height. More specifically, a longer supply duration results in a greater distance the actuator covers.

To manage these actuators, we employed Modbus relays with normally open and closed contacts. By configuring the relay connections, one relay block could effectively control the actuator in upward and downward directions. While the actuators lack speed control or precise level adjustments, they have automatic stop features at limit levels, protecting against prolonged current supply.

Controlling the smart greenhouse with Modbus relay WP8025ADAM for lighting, Modbus RTU Relay Waveshare to manage electric actuators for window opening, and a Zigbee pump for watering, along with a Propuskator controller for electric lock operation

Our solutions also allowed for the simultaneous connection of multiple actuators to a single relay block or individual control of each actuator. We implemented automation scenarios to achieve automatic ventilation and temperature control using internal and external sensors. Additionally, we configured manual ventilation control options through Zigbee wireless remotes, web apps, and mobile solutions.

On top of that, an electric wire actuator, controlled by Modbus relays, resets the water leak sensor upon receiving a command from Zigbee sensors. The automation system responds, sending a command to another Zigbee actuator. Thus, it effectively shuts off the water supply.

Servo Motors in Surveillance Robots

Servo motors are a distinct category of actuators. Specialists frequently use them in robotics and various IoT devices to initiate specific movements in designated components. We applied servo motors in a noteworthy internal project — a home security robot. Leveraging such an actuator enabled the robot to maneuver with precise speed and direction. Also, it supported controlled adjustments to the camera angle at desired orientations.

A home security robot created by WebbyLab

Actuators for Automated Testing

We frequently leverage actuators for automated testing. For instance, we designed a so-called robot during the testing phase of the Propuskator ACS’s readers and controllers. It simulated the application of RFID tags to the reader. With its help, we could assess the system’s performance under authentic and demanding scenarios, including peak times. Besides, servo motors were crucial in precisely attaching tags to the reader at specific intervals.

Our professional expertise extends to designing a device for cleaning air conditioning systems featuring a valve functioning as an actuator. It facilitates the controlled liquid dispensing into the AC system for effective cleaning.

Actuator Management in MyBox

Within the MyBox charging stations — another significant project WebbyLab handled — multiple actuators serve distinct purposes. One locks and unlocks the charging gun in the car during the charging process. Meanwhile, another actuates the locking mechanism of the device cover. A central controller manages both actuators, occasionally receiving instructions from the vehicle.

Select the Right IoT Actuators with WebbyLab

Actuators are indispensable in a performant IoT ecosystem. They translate sensor data into tangible actions, automating smart home processes, optimizing industrial monitoring systems, and beyond.

If you want to implement actuators in IoT projects but don’t know which one is your perfect fit, contact WebbyLab for further assistance. Having delivered numerous custom IoT solutions, we’re ready to provide tailored insights and guidance.