Electromagnetic Actuators Featuring Multiple Degrees-of-Freedom: a Survey

Abstract

Nowadays, advanced applications of motion control often require a coordinated management of several mechanical degrees-of-freedom (DoF). This is conventionally achieved by using suitable mechanical devices and a separate actuator per each DoF. Electric actuators able to directly manage multiple DoF may provide appreciable benefits in terms of performances, volume, weight and cost. This paper aims to provide an overview of several configurations of multi-DoF electromechanical actuators considered in the recent technical literature and presently under study.