Conclusion

Taken together, the elements presented show the proven benefits of piezoelectric, shape memory alloy and flexible fluidic actuation. The last section of this article has highlighted their complementarity. To conclude this article, it is important to stress that all the actuator technologies presented are still evolving. The very constitution of flexible pneumatic actuators is evolving to optimize their characteristics in relation to the robotic system to be controlled. AMF and piezoelectric actuators, meanwhile, are evolving through their integration, thanks in particular to advances in micro- and mesoscopic-scale robotic system manufacturing processes. All these actuator technologies are now gradually leaving the laboratory to become essential components of the next generation of robots, present in the industrial sphere and beyond.