Linear Actuator Market - Forecasts from 2023 to 2028

The global linear actuator market was valued at US$30.631 billion in 2021 and is projected to expand at a CAGR of 7.68% over the forecast period to reach US$51.405 billion by 2028

A linear actuator is a device that converts rotational motion into linear motion. Various types of linear actuators include mechanical linear actuators, hydraulic linear actuators, pneumatic linear actuators, and piezoelectric actuators which find usage in major sectors such as construction, automotive, and aerospace & defense for controlled linear motion, automation, load handling, and positioning. The growing usage of industrial machinery and robots along with the rise in automotive production is expected to drive the demand for linear actuators, thereby propelling the expansion of the linear actuator market size.

Market Drivers

Utilization of industrial machinery

Industrial machinery encompasses sectors including manufacturing, packaging, material handling, assembly, and automation. These industries rely heavily on linear actuators to enable precise and controlled linear motion in their machinery and equipment. The growing industrial activities have increased the production of industrial machinery and are accelerating the linear actuators market growth. According to the German Machine Tool Builders' Association (VDW), machine tool production in Germany grew by 10% in 2022 and signified a 3% real increase from the previous year.  Also, as per the same source, production is expected to grow by 9% in 2023 to a volume of EUR 15.5 billion.

Growing robotics installation

Robots are utilized in industrial applications, including pick-and-place operations, welding, painting, and packaging. Each application requires specific movements and adjustments, which are achieved through the integration of linear actuators. Linear actuators are used in robotic arms and manipulators to control the linear movement of joints, allowing for the precise positioning, and assembly of components. The rise in the installation of industrial robots to increase production is expected to widen the linear actuator market size.  According to the International Federation of Robotics (IFR), in 2021, 517,385 new industrial robots were installed globally which showed a 31% year-on-year increase over 2020.

Increased automotive production

Linear actuators play a crucial role in automotive assembly lines, providing the necessary linear motion for different tasks such as positioning, lifting, and pulling, and in applications such as robotic welding, parts positioning, and component assembly. Linear actuators find extensive usage in EVs for seat adjustment, window & door control, and suspension systems. Growing demand for new vehicles boosts automotive production. According to the European Automobile Manufacturers Association, in 2022, 85.4 million vehicles were produced globally, a rise of 5.7% over the year before. Such an increase is expected to propel the demand for linear actuators thereby driving growth in the linear actuators industry.

Surge in aerospace & defense production

Linear actuators play a critical role in various aerospace and defense applications, including aircraft, satellites, missiles, and defense systems, and are used to control and adjust the position, movement, and alignment of critical components such as control surfaces, landing gears, antenna arrays, and weapon systems. The high precision and robustness offered by linear actuators are essential for ensuring the efficient operation of these aerospace and defense systems. The launches of new missiles will drive market growth. In May 2023, China launched submarine-launched ballistic missiles (SLBMs) that have an estimated range of more than 10,000 kilometers and are expected to be capable of delivering multiple nuclear warheads.

The Asia-Pacific region is anticipated to hold a sizable market share over the forecast period

Asia-Pacific region will hold a significant share of the linear actuator market due to the growing industrial production, including EV manufacturing coupled with schemes to boost robotics manufacturing.  The Chinese government launched the Five-Year Plan (2021 -2025) to strengthen China’s role as a manufacturer of robots and stated that China should make breakthroughs in core robotics technology. In March 2022, MG Motors, announced plans to raise US$ 350-500 million in private equity in India to fund its future needs, including EV expansion. These developments make use of linear actuators for the efficient movement of objects and thereby accelerate regional linear actuator market growth.

Market Restraint - Regulatory changes

Changes in government regulations related to safety, emissions, or energy efficiency requirements may necessitate modifications to existing systems or the adoption of new technologies. This can result in a temporary slowdown in the growth of the linear actuator industry. The fluctuation in the cost of raw materials and components can further impact the linear actuator's market size. If there are disruptions in the supply chain for essential materials used in manufacturing linear actuators, it can lead to increased costs for manufacturers or even a shortage of supply, hindering market growth.

Market Developments

• May 2023: Motion Plus launched the new "Motus1 linear actuator" with increased efficiency and ease of use and delivers reliable motion control for industrial applications like assembly lines, gantries, material handling, packaging, palletizing, and more.
• February 2023: Thomson released the high-capacity electric linear actuator "Electrak XD" which is a high-performance actuator that gives motion system designers more cost-effective options to replace hydraulic cylinders in hydraulic systems. Such actuators drive the linear actuator market growth.
• December 2022: SMAC launched a low-profile actuator "LPL Series 125" with programmable control of speeds for industry-leading precision control and end effector applications, such as parts finishing, pick-and-place tasks, and assembly operations.

Segmentation

By Type

• Mechanical Linear Actuator
• Hydraulic Linear Actuator
• Pneumatic Linear Actuator
• Piezoelectric Actuator

By Material

• Aluminum
• Steel
• Zinc

By End-User

• Construction
• Aerospace & Defense
• Industrial
• Automotive
• Others

By Geography

• North America
• USA
• Canada
• Mexico
• South America
• Brazil
• Argentina
• Others
• Europe
• Germany
• UK
• France
• Spain
• Others
• Middle East and Africa
• Saudi Arabia
• UAE
• Others
• Asia Pacific
• China
• Japan
• South Korea
• India
• Australia
• Other