Actuators Market – Global Industry Size, Share, Trends, Opportunity, and Forecast, Segmented By Motion (Linear and Rotary), By Type (Hydraulic, Pneumatic, Electric, and Others), By End-Use Industry (Aerospace & Defense, Automotive, Construction, Chemicals, Food & Beverages, Healthcare & Pharmaceuticals, Marine, Mining, Oil & Gas, Power Generation and Others), By Region 2021-2031F

Forecast Period	2027-2031
Market Size (2025)	USD 64.84 Billion
CAGR (2026-2031)	7.54%
Fastest Growing Segment	Linear
Largest Market	North America
Market Size (2031)	USD 100.29 Billion

Market Overview

The Global Actuators Market will grow from USD 64.84 Billion in 2025 to USD 100.29 Billion by 2031 at a 7.54% CAGR. Actuators are electromechanical or mechanical devices designed to convert energy into controlled motion or force for the operation of complex systems. The global market is fundamentally driven by the accelerating integration of industrial automation in manufacturing and the rising necessity for energy efficiency within the automotive and renewable energy sectors. Additionally, the continuous growth of the robotics industry acts as a primary catalyst as it requires advanced components for precise movement.

According to the International Federation of Robotics, in 2024, 542,000 industrial robots were installed globally. This figure highlights the substantial demand for actuation technologies required to support such widespread automated deployment. Despite these favorable conditions, the industry encounters a significant hurdle regarding the volatility of raw material prices. Such cost fluctuations create supply chain instability and present a considerable challenge that could impede steady market expansion.

Key Market Drivers

The rapid adoption of industrial automation and Industry 4.0 technologies acts as a foundational pillar for the market, necessitating high-performance actuators for assembly lines, material handling, and robotic functioning. As manufacturers modernize production facilities to enhance output and precision, the installed base of automated machinery continues to expand, directly increasing the consumption of pneumatic, hydraulic, and electric actuators. This accumulation of hardware creates a sustained requirement for both new actuation systems and replacement components to maintain operational efficiency in smart factories. According to the International Federation of Robotics, September 2024, in the 'World Robotics 2024' report, the operational stock of industrial robots globally reached a record 4,281,585 units in 2023. Such a high density of operational units underscores the critical role of actuation in maintaining continuous industrial productivity.

Concurrently, the surge in automotive electrification and electric vehicle production is reshaping demand, as electric platforms require specialized actuators for thermal management, regenerative braking systems, and aerodynamic control. Unlike traditional internal combustion engines, electric vehicles rely heavily on electromechanical actuation to optimize battery range and manage intricate onboard electronics, thereby shifting procurement trends away from hydraulic variants. According to the International Energy Agency, April 2024, in the 'Global EV Outlook 2024', electric car sales approached 14 million in 2023, registering a 35% year-on-year increase. This transition toward electrified mobility is further supported by broader commitments to sustainable infrastructure. According to the International Energy Agency, in 2024, global investment in clean energy technologies is projected to reach USD 2 trillion, fostering an environment where energy-efficient actuation becomes critical for both transportation and utility-scale renewable integration.

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Key Market Challenges

The volatility of raw material prices significantly hampers the Global Actuators Market by destabilizing production costs and eroding profit margins. Actuators depend heavily on metals such as copper, steel, and aluminum for essential components like motor windings, casings, and gears. When the prices of these commodities fluctuate unpredictably, manufacturers struggle to maintain stable pricing structures, often forcing them to absorb increased costs or pass them onto customers. This uncertainty complicates long-term contract negotiations and delays investment in production capacity, directly stalling steady market expansion.

According to the National Association of Manufacturers, in March 2025, 62.3% of manufacturers surveyed cited increased raw material costs as a primary business challenge. This statistical evidence underscores the severity of the issue, as high input costs directly correlate with reduced operational flexibility and financial strain across the industrial sector. Consequently, this financial unpredictability creates a reluctant manufacturing environment, where potential growth is neutralized by the immediate necessity to manage fluctuating supply chain expenditures rather than focusing on output expansion.

Key Market Trends

The miniaturization of actuators for medical robotics and wearable devices is emerging as a critical trend, diverging from the heavy-load requirements of traditional industrial machinery. This shift demands precise, lightweight systems capable of sub-millimeter movements for minimally invasive surgery and prosthetics. Manufacturers are consequently developing micro-electromechanical systems (MEMS) and piezoelectric components that deliver high torque density in confined spaces to support these delicate applications. According to the International Federation of Robotics, October 2024, in the 'World Robotics 2024 Service Robots' report, sales of medical robots increased by 36% to around 6,100 units in 2023. This surge accelerates the innovation of micro-actuators ensuring safety and operational accuracy in healthcare environments.

The widespread adoption of intelligent actuators with IIoT connectivity is transforming component procurement strategies. Unlike passive devices, these smart actuators utilize integrated sensors to monitor performance metrics like vibration and temperature, enabling autonomous health diagnostics before failure occurs. This evolution allows facility operators to transition from reactive repairs to data-driven proactive maintenance, thereby minimizing costly unplanned downtime in automated facilities. According to Rockwell Automation, March 2024, in the '9th Annual State of Smart Manufacturing Report', 95% of manufacturers surveyed are using or evaluating smart manufacturing technology, a notable increase from 84% in 2023. This high rate of technology integration compels suppliers to embed advanced communication protocols and self-diagnostic logic to remain competitive in connected ecosystems.

Segmental Insights

The Linear segment is projected to experience the fastest growth in the Global Actuators Market owing to increased requirements for automation across manufacturing and healthcare industries. This expansion is driven by the replacement of hydraulic and pneumatic components with electric linear actuators which provide superior energy efficiency and control. Additionally, stricter industrial energy regulations are influencing manufacturers to select these cleaner technologies for their machinery. These operational benefits regarding precision and maintenance are causing a significant preference for linear actuation solutions in modern production environments.

Regional Insights

North America leads the global actuators market, supported by a mature industrial base and the widespread implementation of automation technologies. Data from authoritative industry research highlights the region's aggressive integration of Industry 4.0 principles as a primary growth driver. The aerospace and defense sectors also play a critical role, leveraging the presence of major manufacturers to sustain demand for high-performance actuation systems. Additionally, the automotive shift toward electric vehicles requires advanced motion control solutions. Continued focus on energy efficiency, aligned with initiatives from bodies like the U.S. Department of Energy, ensures the region remains at the forefront of market expansion.

Recent Developments

• In October 2025, Rotork announced the release of the RTP-4000 range, a new series of intelligent valve positioners tailored for single- and double-acting actuators on both rotary and linear valves. The product launch featured the RTP-4400 model, which utilizes magnet-based contactless position feedback to eliminate mechanical wear and extend operational life. The company designed these positioners with advanced pressure sensor diagnostics to enable real-time status monitoring and predictive maintenance. Constructed from corrosion-resistant copper-free aluminum, the units were engineered to withstand harsh operating conditions, including temperatures down to -55 degrees Celsius, making them highly suitable for the demanding requirements of the oil and gas industry.
• In November 2024, the Actuation Division of Curtiss-Wright Corporation expanded its Exlar electric actuator portfolio with the release of the GTF hygienic actuator series. Designed to meet the stringent sanitation requirements of the food and beverage, packaging, and pharmaceutical sectors, these actuators were constructed with FDA-approved materials and achieved IP69K washdown ratings. The company highlighted that this new product line provides a cleaner, more energy-efficient alternative to fluid power systems while adhering to rigorous hygienic standards such as EHEDG. The integration of high-performance inverted roller screw technology ensures these actuators deliver the durability and force density required for continuous duty applications.
• In May 2024, Festo launched a new generation of electric actuators within its mechanical axis portfolio, specifically the ELGD-TB tooth belt and ELGD-BS ball screw models. These actuators were developed with a specialized design where the bearings are integrated directly into the aluminum extrusion, allowing for significantly higher load-bearing capacities and torsional rigidity within a compact footprint. The company stated that these advancements enable machine builders to achieve greater feed forces and acceleration profiles in smaller spaces. Additionally, the actuators were designed with features to minimize particle emissions, making them suitable for diverse applications ranging from cleanroom environments to harsh industrial settings.
• In January 2024, Emerson introduced the Fisher easy-Drive 200R Electric Actuator, a new solution designed to enhance reliability and sustainability in heavy industries. This actuator was specifically engineered for operation with Fisher butterfly and ball valves, offering precise performance even in extreme environments such as cold, remote oil and gas installations. The company emphasized that this electric technology addresses the environmental limitations of traditional gas-operated actuators by eliminating control-related atmospheric emissions. The device features low energy consumption and operates effectively in temperatures as low as -40 degrees Celsius, ensuring consistent uptime and process control.

Key Market Players

• Eaton Corporation plc
• The Emerson Electric Company
• Festo AG & Co. KG
• Flowserve Corporation
• Honeywell International Inc.
• KITZ Corporation
• Rotork plc.
• SAMSON AG
• Tamagawa Seiki Co. Ltd
• SMC Corporation.

By Motion	By Type	By End-Use Industry	By Region
Linear and Rotary	Hydraulic Pneumatic Electric and Others	Aerospace & Defense Automotive Construction Chemicals Food & Beverages Healthcare & Pharmaceuticals Marine Mining Oil & Gas Power Generation and Others	North America Europe Asia Pacific South America Middle East & Africa

Report Scope:

In this report, the Global Actuators Market has been segmented into the following categories, in addition to the industry trends which have also been detailed below:

• Actuators Market, By Motion:

• Linear and Rotary

• Actuators Market, By Type:

• Hydraulic
• Pneumatic
• Electric
• and Others

• Actuators Market, By End-Use Industry:

• Aerospace & Defense
• Automotive
• Construction
• Chemicals
• Food & Beverages
• Healthcare & Pharmaceuticals
• Marine
• Mining
• Oil & Gas
• Power Generation and Others

• Actuators Market, By Region:

• North America
• United States
• Canada
• Mexico
• Europe
• France
• United Kingdom
• Italy
• Germany
• Spain
• Asia Pacific
• China
• India
• Japan
• Australia
• South Korea
• South America
• Brazil
• Argentina
• Colombia
• Middle East & Africa
• South Africa
• Saudi Arabia
• UAE