Actuators Market Trends

Introduction

Actuators market is a significant market which is experiencing a significant transformation in the coming years. It is driven by the confluence of the macroeconomic factors such as rapid technological advancements, increasing regulatory pressures, and changing customer behavior. The integration of automation and smart technology in various industries is reshaping the demand for the actuators. Industry players are looking for enhanced efficiency and precision in their operations. Regulations aimed at promoting energy efficiency and sustainability are pushing the manufacturers to introduce the new products. These trends are important for the companies to understand in order to remain competitive and to align themselves with the market.

Top Trends

1. Increased Automation in Manufacturing
   The Industry 4.0 movement has led to a huge increase in automation, and companies like Siemens are now putting intelligent actuators into their production lines. According to industry reports, over 70 per cent of all manufacturers are investing in automation. This trend has improved efficiency and reduced costs, and it has led to a shift towards increasingly sophisticated automation solutions. Future developments may include smart, self-learning automation systems that are able to process real-time data.
2. Sustainability and Energy Efficiency
   Energy-saving solutions are required by the governments all over the world, and the demand for low-consumption electric drives is increasing. The Green Deal, for example, is an EU initiative to reduce emissions, and it has inspired Honeywell to develop more eco-friendly drives. Energy-saving drives can save up to 30 percent of operating costs. This trend will probably lead to more demanding regulations and innovations in the field of sustainable drive technology.
3. Integration of IoT in Actuator Systems
   Internet of Things is revolutionizing the field of automation. It enables remote control and monitoring. Rexroth, for example, is developing smart, IoT-based drive systems that can be used to analyze and optimize data in real time. In some cases, IoT can increase system availability by up to 25 percent. This trend will continue, leading to even smarter and more interconnected drive solutions that can optimize operations.
4. Advancements in Electric Actuators
   Electric valves are increasingly used because of their precision and low maintenance. Consequently, companies such as Parker Hannifin are developing new electric actuation systems. They can reduce response times by up to 40 per cent compared with pneumatics. In the future, we may see even more electric actuation systems and further advances in the design of electric actuation systems.
5. Growth in Robotics and Automation
   The demand for electric servo-motors is growing, and this is mainly due to the rise of automation in the transport and manufacturing industries. Specialised companies like Applied Robotics are producing servo-motors for use in robots. The market for robots is expected to grow by 15% a year, which will have a significant effect on the sale of servo-motors. This development will probably lead to more specialised solutions for robots.
6. Smart Actuators with AI Capabilities
   Artificial intelligence in the control devices is becoming a trend. This increases their functionality. Firms like Moog develop smart actuators that can learn and adapt to the environment. These smart devices can improve the efficiency of the engine by as much as 20 percent. This trend is set to continue and it has potential applications in the areas of preventive maintenance and automation.
7. Focus on Safety and Reliability
   A stipulation of the safety regulations is that the manufacturers are obliged to give priority to the design of a reliable servomotor. These requirements are met by companies such as Emerson, which has invested in safety-certified servomotors. According to the statistics, the failure of a safety-related servomotor causes considerable downtime and costs millions of kroner. This development will probably lead to innovations in the field of safety features and certification standards for servomotors.
8. Customization and Modular Solutions
   The need for a custom-made solution is increasing, and the industry is increasingly looking for a tailor-made solution. Schneider Electric is a pioneer in the field of the modular automation system, which is easy to adapt. Data shows that a custom-made solution can reduce the installation time by up to 30 percent. This development will continue and more companies will focus on the development of a modular system to meet customer needs.
9. Emergence of Hybrid Actuators
   The hybrid electric and pneumatic cylinders are gaining in popularity because of their versatility. Like Festo, other manufacturers are also developing hybrid solutions that combine the advantages of both systems. According to market research, hybrid drives can increase the performance of complex applications by up to 15 per cent. This trend could lead to the broader application of hybrid drives in many industries.
10. Digital Twin Technology in Actuator Design
    The digital twin is used to simulate the performance of the motor in real time, thus facilitating the design and testing of the machine. The use of this technology is a means to optimize the functionality of the motor. The digital twin is said to reduce development time by up to 25 per cent. It is hoped that this trend will increase, leading to more efficient designs and operating strategies.

Conclusion: Navigating the Actuators Market Landscape

In the year 2023 the Actuators Market will be characterized by a high degree of competition and substantial fragmentation. The market is characterized by the presence of both traditional and new players. In the case of the latter, the market is characterized by the rapid technological uptake. The same applies to the geographical distribution of the market. In order to gain a competitive advantage, suppliers must strategically position themselves on the basis of artificial intelligence, automation, sustainability and flexibility. The main emphasis of the traditional players is on the development of their product range, whereas newcomers are trying to disrupt the market with agile and industry-tailored solutions. Hence, as the market develops, strategic decisions are needed to ensure leadership and long-term success.