Name all the ways of actuating an object you can think of. What are the pros and cons of each?
(positional accuracy, force, repeatability, speed)
More commonly in consumer electronics you’ll primarily find devices with electric actuated devices (powered by standard DC voltages like 5V, 12V, 24V components).
Motors are the most common form of rotary actuators (translating rotational moment), solenoids are commonly used for linear actuation for unlocking/locking mechanisms.
Linked from @tonezone’s article above regarding electric actuators:
An electric actuators’ best feature in comparison to the competing actuators is the flexibility of its motion control capabilities: they have an unbelievable amount of control. Accuracy and repeatability levels are always much higher in contrast to their competition. Control systems and electric actuators easily and economically work together in multiple complex configurations. Their positioning capabilities and velocity control allow for multiple actuators to precisely and accurately move in sync as well as easily moving from one speed to another without needing to stop or consequently overrunning position. Acceleration and deceleration control allow for “soft stop” technology, meaning it will not stop abruptly or lurch into action but rather glide into position smoothly, allowing for usage in applications where vibrations and disruptive movement is not acceptable. Electric actuators also dispense reliable and repeatable control of force output. Electric linear control systems allow for user-friendly program control for all motion profile variables. These can also be easily altered in the program’s software after the actuator has been placed in its given application. These actuators can many times also achieve the high forces that hydraulics produce, and are adaptable to rugged environments due to their IP ratings and ingress prevention components. Electric actuators rarely overheat and let the cold temperatures affect their capabilities, and never leak hazardous fluids. They are created for the life of an application, and have easy and economic replaceable parts, as well as the best data collection proficiencies. Depending on the screw type, motor size, and reduction mechanism, they typically operate in the 20%-60% efficient range for their job in the application (as well as requiring no current for position-holing during standby), and electric actuators are quieter than pneumatic and hydraulic complete systems due to their air or hydraulic fluid power supplies.