Actuators Market Outlook, 2030

ActuatorsThe actuators industry plays a crucial role in numerous sectors, providing essential solutions for automation, control, and precision in various industrial, automotive, aerospace, and consumer applications. An actuator is a device responsible for converting energy into mechanical motion, enabling machines and systems to perform specific tasks, such as opening valves, moving robotic arms, or controlling vehicle systems. The industry is experiencing significant growth, fueled by the rapid advancements in automation technologies, the increasing demand for energy-efficient solutions, and the rise of smart systems across various industries.

Actuators come in different forms, including electric, hydraulic, pneumatic, and piezoelectric types, each with its own advantages depending on the application. Electric actuators are widely used due to their precision, ease of integration with electronic control systems, and energy efficiency, making them ideal for industries such as robotics, manufacturing, and automotive. Hydraulic actuators, which use pressurized fluids to generate motion, are prevalent in heavy-duty applications such as construction, mining, and aerospace, where high force and power are required.

Pneumatic actuators, powered by compressed air, are commonly found in applications requiring quick and precise movements, such as in packaging, food processing, and factory automation. Meanwhile, piezoelectric actuators, which rely on the properties of certain materials to produce motion when subjected to an electric field, are increasingly used in high-precision applications, including medical devices, sensors, and optics. One of the primary drivers behind the growth of the actuators industry is the global trend toward automation and Industry 4.0. As industries seek to improve efficiency, reduce human intervention, and enhance operational accuracy, the demand for actuators is expanding.

These devices are integral to the functioning of automated systems, enabling precise control of machinery and processes in industries such as automotive manufacturing, robotics, and food processing. The increasing emphasis on smart factories and robotic process automation (RPA) also contributes significantly to the demand for advanced actuators, as robots and automated systems rely heavily on actuators to perform tasks with high precision and consistency.

Furthermore, the push for energy efficiency and sustainability is driving innovation in the actuator industry. Actuators are becoming more energy-efficient, reducing the overall environmental impact of operations while maintaining high performance. This is especially important in sectors like automotive and aerospace, where reducing fuel consumption and emissions is a key focus.

According to the research report “Global Actuators Market Outlook, 2030”, the global market is projected to reach market size of USD 88.36 Billion by 2030 increasing from USD 54.21 Billion in 2024, growing with 8.66% CAGR by 2025-30. The automotive industry, in particular, is a major contributor to the actuators market. As vehicles become more sophisticated with the integration of electric systems, autonomous driving technologies, and advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS), actuators are critical for the functioning of various vehicle systems, including electronic throttle control, braking systems, seat adjustments, and steering mechanisms.

The shift toward electric vehicles (EVs) has further amplified the demand for actuators, as electric-powered systems replace traditional mechanical ones in areas such as powertrain, battery management, and climate control systems. In the aerospace sector, actuators are essential for controlling flight surfaces, landing gear, and engine components, where reliability and precision are paramount. As unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and drones gain popularity, the demand for actuators in these applications is also on the rise, particularly for flight control and payload delivery systems. In addition to traditional industries, the medical sector is seeing an increasing reliance on actuators for medical devices, prosthetics, and surgical robots.

These devices require actuators that can deliver precise movements in a safe and controlled manner, enabling better patient outcomes and improving the capabilities of modern healthcare. Similarly, actuators are integral to the development of advanced consumer electronics, where they are used in applications such as autofocus systems in cameras, robotic vacuum cleaners, and adjustable furniture.

Market Drivers

• Growth in Automation and Industry 4.0: The ongoing shift toward automation and the adoption of Industry 4.0 technologies are key drivers of the actuators market. As industries such as manufacturing, automotive, and robotics increasingly rely on automated processes to boost efficiency and precision, the demand for actuators has skyrocketed. These devices are crucial for controlling the movement of machinery and systems, enabling high-performance automation. As factories and systems become smarter, actuators are at the heart of enabling precise movements and operations, which is a significant driver in the market's growth.
• Rise of Electric and Autonomous Vehicles: The growing demand for electric vehicles (EVs) and the increasing development of autonomous vehicles (AVs) are major drivers of the actuators market. In EVs, actuators are integral in various systems, including electronic throttle control, braking, and powertrain components. As more automotive manufacturers transition toward EVs and integrate advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) in autonomous vehicles, actuators are becoming even more essential for the functionality of these vehicles, driving significant demand in the automotive sector.

Market Challenges

• High Cost of Raw Materials and Manufacturing: The cost of raw materials used to manufacture actuators, such as high-grade metals, alloys, and advanced polymers, continues to rise, which can lead to higher production costs. This presents a challenge for actuator manufacturers, especially as the industry faces pressure to deliver high-quality, reliable, and cost-effective solutions. Manufacturers must find ways to optimize production processes and materials to maintain competitive pricing while meeting performance standards.
• Precision and Reliability in Extreme Environments: Actuators are used in a wide range of industries, including aerospace, automotive, and medical devices, where they are required to perform under extreme conditions such as high temperatures, vibrations, or pressure. Achieving the required level of precision, reliability, and durability in these harsh environments can be challenging. Actuators must be designed to withstand these conditions while maintaining their performance over extended periods, which requires ongoing innovation and research into new materials and technologies.

Market Trends

• Miniaturization and Smart Integration: A significant trend in the actuators industry is the miniaturization of devices and their integration into smart systems. As industries adopt more compact, energy-efficient technologies, there is a growing demand for smaller actuators that can perform with high precision without taking up excessive space. These smaller actuators are often integrated with sensors and intelligent controls, enabling them to work seamlessly within connected environments. The rise of the Internet of Things (IoT) and smart technologies is pushing this trend forward, as actuators become an integral part of more sophisticated, automated systems.
• Energy Efficiency and Sustainability: With increasing emphasis on sustainability and energy conservation, there is a growing trend toward energy-efficient actuators that consume less power while delivering higher performance. This trend is particularly important in sectors like automotive, aerospace, and industrial automation, where energy savings can translate to lower operational costs and environmental benefits. Manufacturers are focusing on creating actuators that not only perform efficiently but also minimize their environmental impact, contributing to the broader push for green technologies across industries.

Electric actuators are leading in the actuators market due to their precision, energy efficiency, and ease of integration with modern automation systems.

Electric actuators are dominating the actuators market because they offer unmatched precision, control, and energy efficiency compared to other types like hydraulic and pneumatic actuators. As industries increasingly adopt automation and Industry 4.0 technologies, the demand for highly accurate and reliable control systems has surged, and electric actuators fit these requirements perfectly. Unlike their hydraulic counterparts, which require large systems to store and manage pressurized fluids, or pneumatic actuators that depend on compressed air, electric actuators operate through simple electric motors, making them more compact, efficient, and easier to maintain.

Their ability to provide fine control over movement, with adjustable speeds and force, makes them ideal for applications in robotics, manufacturing, automotive, and consumer electronics, where precision is paramount. Moreover, electric actuators are more energy-efficient because they convert electrical energy directly into motion without significant energy losses. This efficiency is increasingly important as industries prioritize sustainability and lower operational costs.

Electric actuators are also easier to integrate with modern electronic control systems, such as programmable logic controllers (PLCs) and smart sensors, enabling seamless operation in automated systems. The continued growth of sectors like robotics, automotive, and smart technologies further drives the dominance of electric actuators, as they align with the growing demand for intelligent, energy-efficient, and highly precise solutions.

Industrial automation is leading in the actuators market due to its demand for precise, efficient, and reliable systems to improve manufacturing processes, productivity, and operational efficiency.

Industrial automation is driving the growth of the actuators market because it relies heavily on actuators to enable the precise control of machinery and systems within manufacturing environments. As industries increasingly adopt automated processes to improve production efficiency, reduce human error, and enhance operational consistency, actuators have become essential components. These devices allow for the movement, positioning, and control of automated machinery with high accuracy, making them integral to applications such as robotic arms, conveyor belts, packaging systems, and assembly lines.

The need for actuators in industrial automation is particularly prominent as companies seek to reduce labor costs, minimize downtime, and increase throughput, all of which can be achieved by integrating automation. Actuators, particularly electric and pneumatic types, provide the necessary motion and control for automated systems, enabling them to perform tasks like material handling, product assembly, quality control, and even packaging with minimal human intervention. As industries continue to embrace technologies like the Internet of Things (IoT), smart factories, and robotics, the demand for advanced actuators that can seamlessly integrate with these systems and provide real-time feedback is expected to grow.

Furthermore, automation technologies improve operational efficiency and contribute to significant cost savings in terms of energy usage, labor, and time, making actuators even more critical to the industry's success. The continuous expansion of industrial automation across sectors such as automotive, electronics, pharmaceuticals, and food processing is therefore directly driving the increasing demand for actuators.

Linear actuators are leading in the actuators market due to their ability to provide precise, straightforward motion in applications requiring controlled linear movement.

Linear actuators are dominating the actuators market because they offer a simple yet highly effective solution for providing straight-line motion, which is essential in a wide variety of industrial, automotive, and consumer applications. Unlike rotary actuators, which generate rotational motion, linear actuators are designed to move an object or system in a straight line, making them ideal for tasks that require direct linear displacement, such as moving a stage in a manufacturing process, adjusting the position of a component in robotic arms, or lifting and lowering systems in automotive applications. This capability is critical in industries where precision and controlled movement are paramount.

The linear motion offered by these actuators is highly adaptable and can be fine-tuned to meet the exact specifications of various systems, providing greater control over speed, force, and distance. Additionally, linear actuators can be powered by different mechanisms, such as electric motors, hydraulics, or pneumatics, allowing them to cater to diverse needs in sectors like automation, aerospace, automotive, and healthcare. The growing demand for automation, robotics, and energy-efficient systems has further fueled the use of linear actuators, as they enable seamless integration into automated processes.

Linear actuators are also valued for their reliability, compactness, and ease of maintenance, making them an attractive option for applications ranging from industrial machinery to medical devices and home automation. As industries continue to prioritize precision, efficiency, and compact designs in their operations, linear actuators are poised to remain at the forefront of the actuators market.

Asia-Pacific is leading in the actuators market due to its rapid industrialization, booming manufacturing sector, and increasing adoption of automation technologies.

Asia-Pacific is at the forefront of the actuators market largely because of its rapid industrialization and significant growth in manufacturing sectors across countries like China, India, Japan, and South Korea. The region is home to some of the largest manufacturing hubs in the world, with industries such as automotive, electronics, and consumer goods driving an ever-increasing demand for automation solutions. As businesses in these sectors strive to enhance efficiency, reduce costs, and improve quality, the need for precise and reliable actuators in automation systems has surged. Actuators are integral to various automated processes, from material handling to robotic assembly, making them critical components in improving productivity.

Moreover, Asia-Pacific countries are adopting advanced technologies like robotics, smart factories, and the Internet of Things (IoT), which are further driving the demand for actuators. The increasing focus on energy efficiency, sustainable manufacturing practices, and smart systems in industries across the region is also propelling the growth of actuators, as businesses seek to integrate more energy-efficient and eco-friendly solutions. With the region's growing emphasis on technological innovation and the rapid pace of industrial transformation, Asia-Pacific remains a major player in the global actuators market, as its manufacturing and automation landscape continues to expand and evolve.

• In July 2023, Emerson Electric partnered with Cavendish Renewable Technology (CRT), an Australia-based startup with proprietary hydrogen technologies, to accelerate the deployment of CRT’s hydrogen production solutions.
• In May 2023, Rockwell Automation announced its collaboration with Avid Solutions, Inc., to help both companies more efficiently and rapidly produce green hydrogen.
• In Feb 2023, Flowserve Corporation announced its strategic collaboration with Clariter, a global cleantech pioneer, to advance production of Clariter’s high-quality, green petrochemicals made from plastic waste.

Considered in this report:

• Historic Year: 2019
• Base year: 2024
• Estimated year: 2025
• Forecast year: 2030

Aspects covered in this report:

• Actuators Market with its value and forecast along with its segments
• Various drivers and challenges
• On-going trends and developments
• Top profiled companies
• Strategic recommendation

By Type:

• Electric
• Pneumatic
• Hydraulic
• Others

By Motion:

• Linear
• Rotary

The approach of the report:

This report consists of a combined approach of primary as well as secondary research. Initially, secondary research was used to get an understanding of the market and listing out the companies that are present in the market. The secondary research consists of third-party sources such as press releases, annual report of companies, analyzing the government generated reports and databases.

After gathering the data from secondary sources primary research was conducted by making telephonic interviews with the leading players about how the market is functioning and then conducted trade calls with dealers and distributors of the market. Post this we have started doing primary calls to consumers by equally segmenting consumers in regional aspects, tier aspects, age group, and gender. Once we have primary data with us we have started verifying the details obtained from secondary sources.

Intended audience:

This report can be useful to industry consultants, manufacturers, suppliers, associations & organizations related to agriculture industry, government bodies and other stakeholders to align their market-centric strategies. In addition to marketing & presentations, it will also increase competitive knowledge about the industry.