1. Electromechanical energy conversion

1.1 Actuators in electromechanical systems: functional point of view

The electromechanical actuator is one of the main links in the system in which it is integrated, converting the energy required to perform a mechanical action from a primary electrical energy source. This action can take a large number of possible forms, from the elementary, one-dimensional displacement of a moving body (an electromagnet-type actuator, for example), to the multi-dimensional control of a complex movement involving the simultaneous management of several degrees of freedom (a rotoid actuator for a medical prosthesis, for example). To this end, the electromechanical actuator is generally associated with a sensor device (position, speed, force, etc.). The available information can then be processed by...