2024, October

In the fast-paced world of FTC robotics competitions, every component matters. Selecting the right actuator can make the difference between smooth, efficient performance and costly breakdowns during a match. Linear actuators offer mechanical advantages that can be used in different robotics applications, especially when precision and controlled movements are key. In this guide, we’ll explore the purpose of these important, compact, and simple linear motion tools and how to select the best linear servo RC actuator to boost your FTC robot's performance. Whether you need power for heavy lifting or speed for quick extensions, the right actuator can make all the difference.

How to Choose an Actuator

Imagine your robot extending its arm with lightning speed or smoothly lifting heavy objects easily—that’s the power of selecting the correct linear actuator. An actuator converts electrical signals into motion. While standard servos control angular movement, linear actuators move in a straight line, making them ideal for precision tasks—such as lifting, extending, or pushing parts of your robot. Here are key factors to consider:

Max Force and Speed:

Force is measured in newtons (N), and speed is the rate at which the actuator extends. Choose according to your needs:

• 190N (Approx. 43 lbs): Built for high load capacity, operating at 6 mm/s. Perfect for heavy-duty tasks like suspending or lifting robots.
• 95N (Approx. 21 lbs): Offer a balance of power and speed, extending 13 mm/s. Ideal for tasks requiring strength without compromising speed.
• 40N (Approx. 9 lbs): Designed for lighter tasks, with fast movement at 24 mm/s. Great for applications needing quick extension with minimal force.

Stroke Length:

• 50mm Stroke: Ideal for compact builds or tasks where reach isn't crucial.
• 140mm Stroke: Suited for tasks requiring greater reach, like extending arms or hanging mechanisms.

Linear Servo Actuator Comparison

Here’s a breakdown of Studica Robotics’ linear servo RC actuators:

1. • 140S-190N Actuator: With a 140mm stroke and 13 mm/s speed, this actuator provides 190N of force. It’s ideal for mechanisms that need both power and speed, such as extending arms or secondary slides in a multistage elevator. It’s powerful enough to suspend a robot on its own.
   • 140S-95N Actuator: This 140mm stroke actuator balances power and speed, with a 13 mm/s speed and 95N force. It’s perfect for lifting and pushing tasks where stability is key. It's slower than the 40N actuator but excels at handling heavier loads. (Note: This option is only available while supplies last, at our US website https://www.studica.com/studica-robotics-brand/linear-rc-actuator-140mm-50n)
   • 140S-40N Actuator: Featuring a 140mm stroke and fast 26 mm/s speed, this actuator offers 40N of force, making it ideal for fast extensions over long distances, such as in hanging mechanisms.
   • 50S-190N Actuator: This 50mm stroke actuator operates at 6 mm/s and delivers 190N of force, making it suitable for short-distance tasks requiring high load capacity, like cascading slides.
   • 50S-40N Actuator: Compact with a 50mm stroke and 26 mm/s speed, this actuator delivers 40N of force and is perfect for precision tasks like small arms or grippers, as well as pick-and-place mechanisms.

View details for these robot actuators in the table below!

*Available while supplies last!

Understanding Pulse Range Width

Linear servos have a different pulse width range compared to standard servos. While regular servos operate within a 500-2500 µs range, linear servos typically work within 900-2100 µs. Calibration is often needed, as each servo may have slightly different values for the fully retracted and extended positions. This is crucial for programming, especially when using Java.

 Maximize Your Robot’s Potential

Now that you know how to choose the best linear servo actuator, it’s time to put that power into action. Make sure your robot has the best chance to outperform the competition, equip it with the optimal linear servo actuator from Studica Robotics today!  

Exploring Linear Motion Tools for FTC Linear motion plays a vital role in achieving precise, stable movement by converting rotational motion into straight-line action. In robotics competitions like FTC, the ability to execute precise movements is crucial for success. Linear motion tools provide the precision and speed teams need to excel in critical tasks like lifting, extending, and placing game elements accurately and quickly. Common tools for linear motion include linear actuators, motion systems, robot transfer units (RTUs), slides, and guides. Each of these tools serves to maximize efficiency, accuracy, and reliability in the robot’s movement. Linear motion solutions enable robots to extend arms, lift mechanisms, or carry out tasks efficiently across the field. If you want your robot to reach for objects or transport materials, incorporating linear actuators, slides, and other motion tools will help you get there. Linear motion isn’t just crucial for robotics teams; it is also used in a variety of industries like manufacturing, the medical field, and transportation.

Applications of Linear Motion Systems

Linear motion systems are widely used across multiple industries including manufacturing, medical equipment, transportation, logistics, and robotics for improving productivity and reliability.

• Manufacturing & Automation: For manufacturing and automation, linear motion systems are essential in CNC machines for precision cutting and drilling. Just as CNC machines depend on precision, FTC teams can leverage these systems for repeatable accuracy in robot designs, ensuring every movement counts.
• Healthcare: In the medical field, linear motion systems improve imaging quality in MRI and CT scanners and ensure precise movements in surgical robots, particularly for minimally invasive procedures.
• Transportation and Logistics: In transportation and logistics, these systems streamline operations by powering conveyor belts and enhancing automated storage and retrieval systems in warehouses, boosting efficiency, and reducing labor costs.

While industries like manufacturing and healthcare rely on linear motion for precision, FTC teams can harness these same tools to gain a competitive edge on the field.

Linear Motion in Robotics

In robotics, especially for manufacturing and automation, linear motion systems allow robotic arms to execute precise and repeatable movements along straight paths. These systems are great for tasks like:

• Assembly: Assembling components with high accuracy and repeatability.
• Material Handling: Safely transporting materials between workstations.
• Packaging: Packaging products quickly and with precision.
• Inspection: Conducting quality control checks on products.

While linear motion systems are integral to these high-stakes industries, FTC teams use similar tools to achieve precision and control on the competition field.

Linear Motion Solutions from Studica Robotics

FTC teams can also use these linear motion systems for critical tasks in competitions to ensure accuracy and reliability in their robot’s movements. Studica Robotics provides various linear motion solutions, including linear actuators, rack and pinion systems, linear slides, and slide rails. Let’s explore the pros and cons of each.

Linear Actuators	Rack and Pinion	Slide Rails
Pros: High accuracy and repeatability. Can handle significant loads (up to 40 pounds). Easy to power and program like a standard servo.	Pros: Simple design, easy to implement. Can be optimized for different mechanical advantages (for example: higher load or compact designs).	Pros: Lightweight, sturdy aluminum build. Configurable to create mechanical advantages (for example: cascading lifts). Customizable for speed or torque with belt and pulley systems.
Cons: Requires calibration for accurate extension and retraction. Slower extension/retraction speeds due to higher load capacity.	Cons: Requires precise alignment to avoid wear and tear, which can result in decreased performance or component failure over time. Limited load capacity without additional support.	Cons: May add weight to the robot. Requires 3D-printed parts for some designs.

Linear Actuators

Actuators are devices that convert electrical signals into mechanical motion, enabling them to perform various actions. While multi-mode smart servos provide precise angular movements, linear actuators excel at producing straight-line motion. To achieve linear movement, you could use a regular motor or a servo motor in conjunction with a rack and pinion system. However, linear servo RC actuators offer a more streamlined and integrated solution for this purpose. Linear actuators provide the precision necessary for delicate scoring actions, such as placing game elements at precise heights during autonomous modes.

Rack and Pinion

Rack and pinion systems use a simple gear (pinion) that moves along a straight bar with teeth (rack), making it easy to convert rotary movement into straight-line motion.

Slide Rails

Slide rails are essential components in robotics, enabling the creation of linear motion systems for a wide range of applications for mobile robotics. They can be used for multistage slide systems, lift systems, extending arms, suspension, and reducing resistance.

Studica Robotics slide rails are designed for precision, strength, and ease of use, making them a trusted choice for teams worldwide. Constructed from lightweight aluminum, they offer durability without adding unnecessary weight. With pre-drilled, countersunk holes they make installation easy and offer you the ability to place two rails side-by-side to enhance stability and support. With smooth, precise movement thanks to ball bearings, these rails can handle significant loads, even allowing for applications like suspending a robot in the air! Our aluminum slide rails ensure smooth, efficient movement through rolling ball bearings, making them ideal for heavier loads and extensive reach. Slide rails are available in two sizes, providing fully extended lengths up to 468mm and 624mm. You can also find Linear Slide Sets in 400mm and 250mm length options.

Linear Motion Solutions for INTO THE DEEP

In many robotics competitions, including this INTO THE DEEP FTC season, teams are challenged to design robots capable of reaching areas beyond their drivetrain’s normal range. Robots must often start within a confined space—like the FTC’s 18" x 18" x 18" starting cube—while also being able to extend beyond this limit during gameplay. To achieve this, teams need innovative linear motion mechanisms that can extend and retract while staying within the competition's size constraints. For the 2024-2025 INTO THE DEEP challenge, here are some linear motion ideas that could give your robot a competitive edge:

• Cascading Rails: A two-stage lift system can be a powerful solution for reaching into submersible zones to collect samples. This mechanism allows the robot to access both the low basket and low chamber with ease, expanding its range without sacrificing stability.
• Single-Stage Extending Arm: This design uses a lever system powered by a servo to extend a linear slide. It’s a simple yet effective way to reach critical game elements while maintaining control over the arm’s movement.

Given the underwater theme of INTO THE DEEP, mechanisms like cascading rails and extending arms provide the reach and flexibility to collect samples or navigate tight spaces, all while staying within the competition's size constraints.

What FTC Teams Are Saying

We've gotten great feedback from FTC teams using Studica Robotics products!

• One user shared, “The slide rails are smooth, space-saving with their low profile, and the predrilled holes perfectly match the channel.”
• Another, "The Studica Linear Servo Actuators are excellent and cost us significantly less than anything else out there."
• Robotics teams also enjoy the convenience Studica brings. Instead of modifying drawer slides from home improvement stores, teams enjoy our slide rails, a simpler, more precise solution for their linear motion needs.

In summary, integrating linear motion tools into your FTC robot design can significantly enhance your team’s competitive performance in the INTO THE DEEP challenge. From linear actuators and rack and pinion systems to precision slide rails, these components provide the necessary flexibility, precision, and stability for executing complex tasks on the field. By leveraging the expertise and solutions offered by Studica Robotics, teams can streamline their build processes and focus on innovative strategies to achieve success. As you prepare for this year's competition, remember that the right linear motion systems can be the key to overcoming challenges and seizing opportunities.

Ready to Level Up Your Robot?

Explore our full range of linear motion solutions and actuators today, and let Studica Robotics help you build a winning robot for this season's INTO THE DEEP challenge. Don’t miss the chance to give your team a competitive edge!