Advanced Manufacturing

Industry Insights & Trends

Electric actuators were predicted to replace fluid power. What happened?

Fluid Power World Editor-in Chief Mary Gannon on why hydraulics are relevant now and for the long haul.

20 years ago, many mechanical engineering experts predicted that hydraulics were dead. Rapid advancements in electric linear and rotary actuators promised an oil-less future, with cleaner, quieter and more energy efficient equipment, with lower overall cost of ownership and operating costs.

Despite considerable advancements in electric actuator technology, hydraulics haven’t gone anywhere, and don’t appear to be even close to obsolescence. How did the fluid power industry stand its ground, and even grow, in this high-tech age?

Fluid Power World editor-in-chief Mary Gannon monitors global trends in the industry closely, and she explains why hydraulics are more relevant than ever in conversation with engineering.com’s Jim Anderton.


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Written by

James Anderton

Jim Anderton is the Director of Content for ENGINEERING.com. Mr. Anderton was formerly editor of Canadian Metalworking Magazine and has contributed to a wide range of print and on-line publications, including Design Engineering, Canadian Plastics, Service Station and Garage Management, Autovision, and the National Post. He also brings prior industry experience in quality and part design for a Tier One automotive supplier.