# Actuators Market

> Actuators market: USD 56.8 billion in 2025, rising 5.83% a year to USD 100.1 billion by 2035 on aircraft build rates, factory robots and data centre cooling.

Publisher: Douglas Insights  
Author: Douglas Insights Research Desk  
Report code: DI-IT-10832  
Published: 2026-11-06  
Last updated: 2026-11-06  
Next review: May 2027  
Page: https://www.douglasinsights.com/actuators-market/

## Key figures

| Measure | Value | How it is built |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Market size · 2025 | $56.8 Bn | About 410 million actuators x USD 138.5 = USD 56.8 billion. |
| Forecast · 2035 | $100.1 Bn | Base case: 5.2% volume and 0.6% price per actuator a year. |
| Revenue CAGR · 2026–2035 | 5.83% | (1.052 x 1.006) minus 1. |
| Volume · 2035 | About 681 million actuators | Aircraft build rates, factory automation, data centre HVAC and electrification, less oil and gas, European machinery and price competition. |
| Leading segment | Electric actuators, 38.0% | Motors, screws and gearboxes replace fluid power in valves, dampers, robots and aircraft. |
| Fastest segment | Electric actuators, 7.3% | USD 21.6 billion to USD 43.7 billion. |
| Fastest application | Robotics, medical and other, 9.0% | USD 4.54 billion to USD 10.8 billion on robots and medical devices. |
| Market leader | No supplier above about 8% (estimate) | Douglas Insights estimate; top five (Parker Hannifin, SMC, Emerson, Bosch Rexroth, Festo) about 30%. |
| Event | Record aerospace actuation demand | Parker Hannifin, 6 August 2026: fiscal 2026 sales USD 21.5 billion, Aerospace Systems up 13.4% organic. |

## Key takeaways

- The actuators market is worth USD 56.8 billion in 2025 and USD 100.1 billion in 2035, a 5.83% CAGR.
- About 410 million actuators at an average USD 138.5 form the 2025 base; units grow 5.2% a year and price rises 0.6%.
- Electric actuators hold 38.0% of revenue and grow fastest at 7.3% as motion moves away from fluid power.
- Industrial machinery takes 30.0%; Asia Pacific buys 41.0% and robotics and medical uses grow fastest at 9.0%.
- Parker Hannifin's Aerospace Systems grew 13.4% organically in fiscal 2026 as Airbus and Boeing raised output.

Parker Hannifin booked record fiscal 2026 sales of USD 21.5 billion, up 8.3%, with Aerospace Systems up 13.4% organically to USD 7.06 billion and fourth-quarter aerospace orders up 18%, its [results of 6 August 2026](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/0000076334/000007633426000082/exhibit991q4fy26.htm) show; flight controls, valves and cylinders behind those numbers all move on actuators. The actuators market covers the electric, pneumatic, hydraulic and mechanical devices that turn a control signal into linear or rotary motion, sold to machine builders, plants, aircraft makers, building owners and robot makers. Douglas Insights sizes it at USD 56.8 billion in 2025, about 410 million actuators at an average USD 138.5 each, and at USD 100.1 billion in 2035, a 5.83% compound annual growth rate (CAGR). The study sits in our [industrial automation and robotics coverage](https://www.douglasinsights.com/industry/industrial-automation-robotics/), beside the [Industrial Robotics in Heavy Industries Market](https://www.douglasinsights.com/industrial-robotics-in-heavy-industries-market/), [Soft Robotics Market](https://www.douglasinsights.com/soft-robotics-market/) and [Automotive Solenoid Market](https://www.douglasinsights.com/automotive-solenoid-market/) reports; every figure follows the Douglas Insights [research methodology](https://www.douglasinsights.com/research-methodology/).

## Which actuator type earns the most: electric, pneumatic or hydraulic?

Electric actuators earn the most, 38.0% of 2025 actuator revenue or about USD 21.6 billion, Douglas Insights estimates, and they also grow fastest, 7.3% a year to USD 43.7 billion by 2035.

| Actuator type | Share 2025 | Value 2025 | CAGR 2026-2035 | Value 2035 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Electric actuators | 38.0% | USD 21.6 billion | 7.3% | USD 43.7 billion |
| Pneumatic actuators | 27.0% | USD 15.3 billion | 5.0% | USD 25.0 billion |
| Hydraulic actuators | 25.0% | USD 14.2 billion | 4.3% | USD 21.6 billion |
| Mechanical, piezo and other | 10.0% | USD 5.68 billion | 4.8% | USD 9.07 billion |

Electric units lead because valve, damper, robot and aircraft designers keep replacing fluid power with motors, screws and gearboxes that report their own position. Belimo, the Swiss maker of damper and valve actuators, lifted 2025 net sales 18.7% to CHF 1.12 billion, or 23.3% in local currencies, its [release of 19 January 2026](https://www.belimo.com/mam/corporate-communications/press-releases/2026/Belimo_Press_Release_January_2026.pdf) states. Electric revenue grows 7.3% a year to USD 43.7 billion, a Douglas Insights estimate.

Pneumatic cylinders and rotary units, USD 15.3 billion, hold 27.0% because air is still the cheapest way to push, clamp and pick on a packaging or assembly line; SMC Corporation, the largest pneumatic supplier, raised net sales 6.4% to JPY 842.5 billion in the year to March 2026, its [results filing of 14 May 2026](https://finance-frontend-pc-dist.west.edge.storage-yahoo.jp/disclosure/20260514/20260513531421.pdf) shows. Hydraulic cylinders and servo actuators, USD 14.2 billion, grow 4.3% on aircraft, mobile machinery and presses. Mechanical, piezo and other units, USD 5.68 billion, grow 4.8%. Type values for 2035 sum to USD 99.3 billion, 0.75% below the headline.

## Where are actuators used most: machinery, aircraft, process plants or buildings?

Industrial automation and machinery take the largest share, 30.0% of 2025 actuator revenue or about USD 17.0 billion, Douglas Insights estimates. Robotics, medical and other uses grow fastest, 9.0% a year to USD 10.8 billion by 2035.

| Application | Share 2025 | Value 2025 | CAGR 2026-2035 | Value 2035 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Industrial automation and machinery | 30.0% | USD 17.0 billion | 5.9% | USD 30.2 billion |
| Aerospace and defence | 17.0% | USD 9.65 billion | 6.4% | USD 18.0 billion |
| Oil, gas and process | 15.0% | USD 8.52 billion | 3.9% | USD 12.5 billion |
| Automotive and mobile equipment | 13.0% | USD 7.38 billion | 4.6% | USD 11.6 billion |
| Buildings and HVAC | 9.0% | USD 5.11 billion | 7.6% | USD 10.6 billion |
| Water and power | 8.0% | USD 4.54 billion | 5.5% | USD 7.76 billion |
| Robotics, medical and other | 8.0% | USD 4.54 billion | 9.0% | USD 10.8 billion |

Machinery leads because every machine tool, press, packaging line and conveyor carries dozens of cylinders, slides and rotary units. Factories installed more than 600,000 industrial robots in 2025, up 11%, and the operating stock reached a record 5 million, the International Federation of Robotics (IFR) [said on 24 September 2026](https://ifr.org/ifr-press-releases/news/five-million-robots-now-operate-in-factories-globally); each six-axis arm uses six joint actuators, and its grippers and fixtures use more. Machinery revenue grows 5.9% a year to USD 30.2 billion.

Aerospace and defence, USD 9.65 billion, grows 6.4% as build rates rise. Oil, gas and process, USD 8.52 billion, grows slowest at 3.9%. Automotive and mobile equipment, USD 7.38 billion, covers off-highway cylinders and stand-alone vehicle actuators, not the embedded solenoids in our separate study, and grows 4.6%. Buildings and heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC), USD 5.11 billion, grows 7.6% on data centre cooling. Water and power, USD 4.54 billion, grows 5.5%. Application values for 2035 sum to USD 101.4 billion, 1.29% above the headline.

## What drives actuator demand: aircraft build rates, robot installs or data centre cooling?

Actuator revenue rises 5.83% a year in our base case: unit volume grows 5.2% a year, from about 410 million to about 681 million, and price rises 0.6%. Four drivers add 6.60 points of volume; restraints remove 1.40.

### Aircraft build rates and defence programmes: 1.60 points

Aerospace adds 1.60 points. Airbus delivered 793 commercial aircraft in 2025 and ended the year with a record backlog of 8,754, its [release of 12 January 2026](https://www.airbus.com/en/newsroom/press-releases/2026-01-airbus-reports-793-commercial-aircraft-deliveries-in-2025) states, and Boeing delivered 600, including 447 of the 737, its [release of 13 January 2026](https://boeing.mediaroom.com/2026-01-13-Boeing-Announces-Fourth-Quarter-Deliveries?asPDF=1) shows. Moog, a flight-control actuation specialist, posted record third-quarter fiscal 2026 sales of USD 1.12 billion, up 15%, with Commercial Aircraft up 17% to USD 254 million and a 12-month backlog of USD 3.3 billion, up 23%, its [filing of 31 July 2026](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/0000067887/000162828026051250/ex991-73126.htm) shows. Douglas Insights estimates a single-aisle jet carries about 140 actuators and a wide-body about 220.

### Factory automation and robots: 1.90 points

Automation is the largest driver, worth 1.90 points. The IFR expects 655,000 robot installations in 2026, up 9%, and 806,000 in 2029, and China installed 354,000 in 2025, 59% of the world total, its [24 September 2026 release](https://ifr.org/ifr-press-releases/news/five-million-robots-now-operate-in-factories-globally) shows. Harmonic Drive Systems, which makes the strain-wave gears inside robot joints, grew first-quarter net sales 23.6% to JPY 16.7 billion and raised its forecast for the year to March 2027 to JPY 74.5 billion, up 25.1%, its [filing of 7 August 2026](https://www2.jpx.co.jp/disc/63240/140120260807515115.pdf) shows. Regal Rexnord's Automation and Motion Control sales rose 24.5% to USD 500.6 million in the third quarter of 2026, its [results of 3 November 2026](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/0000082811/000008281126000236/a3q2026earningsannouncement.htm) show.

### Data centre and building HVAC: 1.30 points

Buildings add 1.30 points. Data centres accounted for "slightly less than half" of Belimo's 2025 sales growth and its Americas sales rose 31.8% in local currency to CHF 544.0 million, the [19 January 2026 release](https://www.belimo.com/mam/corporate-communications/press-releases/2026/Belimo_Press_Release_January_2026.pdf) states. Vertiv, which builds cooling for those halls, grew third-quarter 2026 net sales 61% to USD 4.31 billion with organic orders up more than 100%, its [release of 28 October 2026](https://s205.q4cdn.com/554782763/files/content_files/Vertiv-Third-Quarter-2026-Earnings-Release.pdf) shows. Douglas Insights estimates a liquid-cooled data hall uses about 4 times as many valve actuators per megawatt as an air-cooled one.

### Electrification and new motion uses: 1.80 points

The last 1.80 points come from electric units replacing pneumatic and hydraulic ones and from new robots and medical devices. Tesla describes Optimus as "a general purpose, autonomous humanoid robot in development" and says it will ramp six new production lines in 2026, including for bots, in its [2025 annual report filed in January 2026](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1318605/000162828026003952/tsla-20251231.htm). Curtiss-Wright's Aerospace and Industrial sales rose 14% to USD 282 million in the third quarter of 2026 on "increased sales of actuation equipment and sensors products supporting various fighter jet programs", its [results of 4 November 2026](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/0000026324/000162828026070580/ex991_cwxq326xearnings.htm) state. Summed, 1.60 + 1.90 + 1.30 + 1.80 = 6.60 points, a Douglas Insights estimate.

## What holds actuator growth back: weak oil and gas capex, German machinery or price pressure?

Three restraints remove 1.40 points a year from actuator volume growth: slow oil and gas spending takes 0.60 points, the European machinery slump 0.50 points and Chinese price competition 0.30 points.

Oil and gas is the heaviest drag because valve actuators sold to upstream and midstream projects are a large, mature block. Rotork's Oil and Gas division grew only 0.6% at organic constant currency to £351.2 million in 2025, against 7.0% in Chemical, Process and Industrial, its [results of 10 March 2026](https://media.rotork.com/api/public/content/rotorkfy2025pressrelease-downloadoriginal-nmcispv8svefnc2ppzej.pdf) show. Flowserve's third-quarter 2026 sales rose 5.4% but fell 1.2% organically, and it guides 2026 organic sales down 1.5% to 2.5%, its [release of 28 October 2026](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/0000030625/000119312526436189/d121685dex991.htm) shows.

European machinery takes 0.50 points. Festo's 2025 turnover fell 3.7% to EUR 3.33 billion, its [release of 17 April 2026](https://press.festo.com/en/node/5186) states, and Bosch Rexroth's sales slipped 1.4% to EUR 6.45 billion, though orders rose 8.9% to EUR 6.6 billion, its [release of 21 April 2026](https://www.boschrexroth.com/en/my/company/press/bosch-rexroth-keeps-sales-stable-in-2025-and-sees-growth-prospects-in-2026-38400.html) shows. Germany installed fewer than 25,000 robots in 2025, down 8%, and Japan 36,219, down 19%, the [IFR release of 24 September 2026](https://ifr.org/ifr-press-releases/news/five-million-robots-now-operate-in-factories-globally) shows. The final 0.30 points reflect Chinese makers of cylinders and linear modules cutting prices, a Douglas Insights estimate.

## Which region buys the most actuators, and where does demand grow fastest?

Asia Pacific buys the most actuators, USD 23.3 billion or 41.0% of 2025 revenue, led by Chinese factories. It also grows fastest, 6.6% a year to USD 44.1 billion by 2035.

| Region | Value 2025 | Share 2025 | Value 2026 | CAGR 2026-2035 | Value 2035 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Asia Pacific | USD 23.3 billion | 41.0% | USD 24.8 billion | 6.6% | USD 44.1 billion |
| North America | USD 15.3 billion | 27.0% | USD 16.2 billion | 5.6% | USD 26.4 billion |
| Europe | USD 13.6 billion | 24.0% | USD 14.3 billion | 4.6% | USD 21.4 billion |
| Middle East and Africa | USD 2.84 billion | 5.0% | USD 3.02 billion | 6.2% | USD 5.18 billion |
| Latin America | USD 1.70 billion | 3.0% | USD 1.79 billion | 5.3% | USD 2.86 billion |

Asia Pacific leads because China installed 354,000 robots in 2025, up 20%, the [IFR said on 24 September 2026](https://ifr.org/ifr-press-releases/news/five-million-robots-now-operate-in-factories-globally), and China built 34.53 million of the world's 96.4 million vehicles, the International Organization of Motor Vehicle Manufacturers (OICA) [reported on 23 April 2026](https://oica.net/auto-industry-growth-shifted-east-in-2025-amid-global-repositioning/). Belimo's Asia Pacific sales rose 28.9% in local currency to CHF 147.4 million in 2025, its [January 2026 release](https://www.belimo.com/mam/corporate-communications/press-releases/2026/Belimo_Press_Release_January_2026.pdf) shows. Regional revenue grows 6.6% a year to USD 44.1 billion.

North America, USD 15.3 billion, grows 5.6% on aircraft output and data centres; the United States installed 38,400 robots in 2025, up 12%, the [IFR US release of 24 September 2026](https://ifr.org/downloads/press_docs/EN-2026-SEP-24-IFR_Press_Release_WR-USA.pdf) shows. Europe, USD 13.6 billion, grows 4.6%, held back by German machinery. The Middle East and Africa, USD 2.84 billion, grow 6.2% on desalination, gas processing and Gulf data centres. Latin America, USD 1.70 billion, grows 5.3% on mining and water. Regional values sum to USD 60.1 billion in 2026 and USD 100.0 billion in 2035, 0.13% below the headline.

## Which companies lead actuator supply?

No supplier holds more than about 8% of actuator revenue, Douglas Insights estimates; the five largest, Parker Hannifin, SMC, Emerson, Bosch Rexroth and Festo, hold about 30% together.

| Company | Latest reported figure | Period and source date |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Parker Hannifin | Sales USD 5.99 billion, up 18%; backlog USD 13.7 billion | Quarter to September 2026; 5 November 2026 |
| SMC Corporation | Net sales JPY 842.5 billion, up 6.4% | Year to March 2026; 14 May 2026 |
| Emerson | Final Control sales USD 1.59 billion, up 4% | Quarter to June 2026; 4 August 2026 |
| Bosch Rexroth | Sales EUR 6.45 billion, down 1.4% | Year 2025; 21 April 2026 |
| Festo | Turnover EUR 3.33 billion, down 3.7% | Year 2025; 17 April 2026 |
| Moog | Sales USD 1.12 billion, up 15% | Quarter to June 2026; 31 July 2026 |
| Woodward | Sales USD 1.09 billion, up 23% | Quarter to March 2026; 29 April 2026 |
| Rotork | Revenue £777.3 million, up 3.0% | Year 2025; 10 March 2026 |
| Belimo | Net sales CHF 1.12 billion, up 18.7% | Year 2025; 19 January 2026 |

Parker's first-quarter fiscal 2027 sales rose 18% to USD 5.99 billion, Aerospace Systems grew 13.9% organically to USD 1.87 billion and the company guides fiscal 2027 sales up 16% to 19%, its [results of 5 November 2026](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/0000076334/000007633426000170/exhibit991q1fy27.htm) show. Emerson's Final Control unit, which sells valves and actuators, grew 4% to USD 1.59 billion in its third fiscal quarter of 2026, its [filing of 4 August 2026](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/0000032604/000003260426000042/a2026q3release_ex991.htm) shows.

Aerospace specialists grow fastest. Woodward's Aerospace sales rose 25% to USD 703 million in the quarter to March 2026 and it guides fiscal 2026 aerospace sales up 21% to 24%, its [results of 29 April 2026](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/0000108312/000117184326002821/exh_991.htm) show. Curtiss-Wright raised third-quarter 2026 sales 10% to USD 953 million with a USD 4.6 billion backlog, its [4 November 2026 release](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/0000026324/000162828026070580/ex991_cwxq326xearnings.htm) shows.

Valve actuation specialists earn the highest margins. Rotork lifted its 2025 adjusted operating margin to 24.6% from 23.6% on adjusted operating profit of £191.5 million, and order intake rose 5.2% to £782.6 million, its [10 March 2026 results](https://media.rotork.com/api/public/content/rotorkfy2025pressrelease-downloadoriginal-nmcispv8svefnc2ppzej.pdf) show. Flowserve's Flow Control Division, which includes valves and actuation, grew 9.1% to USD 411.6 million and the group ended the quarter with a record USD 3.47 billion backlog, its [28 October 2026 release](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/0000030625/000119312526436189/d121685dex991.htm) shows. Douglas Insights estimates more than 2,000 smaller makers share the remaining 70% of revenue.

## How much does an actuator cost, from a pneumatic cylinder to a flight-control unit?

An actuator costs an average USD 138.5 in 2025, Douglas Insights estimates, from about USD 15 for a small pneumatic cylinder to USD 50,000 or more for a primary flight-control servo actuator on a wide-body jet.

The average hides a steep price ladder. Douglas Insights puts compact pneumatic cylinders at USD 15 to USD 120, HVAC damper and valve actuators at USD 60 to USD 600, electric linear actuators and slides at USD 150 to USD 2,500, quarter-turn valve actuators for pipelines at USD 1,500 to USD 25,000 and aircraft actuators at USD 5,000 to USD 150,000. About 70% of units sell below USD 100 but earn about 18% of revenue, a Douglas Insights estimate.

Average price rises 0.6% a year in the base case, to about USD 147 in 2035, because the mix moves toward electric, smart and aerospace units even as like-for-like prices of standard cylinders fall. Electric actuators sell for 2 to 4 times the price of a pneumatic cylinder of the same force, and an electric unit with a fieldbus or position feedback adds 20% to 40%, a Douglas Insights estimate. SMC's operating profit rose only 0.2% to JPY 190.6 billion while sales rose 6.4% in the year to March 2026, its [14 May 2026 filing](https://finance-frontend-pc-dist.west.edge.storage-yahoo.jp/disclosure/20260514/20260513531421.pdf) shows, a sign of cost and price pressure on standard pneumatic parts.

Tariffs add a cost layer that is now unwinding. The US Supreme Court ruled on [20 February 2026](https://www.supremecourt.gov/opinions/25pdf/24-1287_4gcj.pdf) that the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) does not authorise tariffs, which removed one layer of import duties on components from Asia and Europe. Douglas Insights treats tariff effects as neutral to the 2035 price.

## What if robots scale faster or aircraft output stalls: how large is the actuators market in 2035?

The actuators market ends 2035 between USD 87.4 billion and USD 113.3 billion across our three cases, around a base of USD 100.1 billion. Robot adoption and aircraft build rates set most of the spread.

| Case | Volume leg | Price leg | Revenue rate | 2035 value |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Slower | 4.20% | 0.20% | 4.41% | USD 87.4 billion |
| Base case | 5.20% | 0.60% | 5.83% | USD 100.1 billion |
| Faster | 6.20% | 0.90% | 7.16% | USD 113.3 billion |

In the slower case robot installations stall near 650,000 a year, aircraft rates stay flat and oil and gas spending falls, taking 1.0 point off volume and 0.4 points off price. In the faster case humanoid and service robots reach volume production by 2030 and data centre building keeps its 2026 pace, adding 1.0 point of volume and 0.3 points of price. One extra point of yearly revenue growth adds about USD 9.87 billion to 2035 revenue, a Douglas Insights estimate.

Live signals sit slightly above the base case. Parker's aerospace orders rose 14% on a rolling 12-month basis, Regal Rexnord's data centre sales rose 307% and Vertiv's orders more than doubled, all pointing up. Festo's 3.7% fall and Flowserve's negative organic guidance point down. Our 5.83% rate weighs strong aerospace and data centre demand against weak European machinery and oil and gas.

## Which rules shape actuator design, from the EU Machinery Regulation to functional safety?

Three rule sets shape actuator design: machine safety law such as Regulation (EU) 2023/1230, aircraft certification by the FAA and EASA, and functional safety standards such as IEC 61508 for valve actuators in safety systems.

The machinery layer matters most for factory actuators. Regulation (EU) 2023/1230 replaces Directive 2006/42/EC and applies from 20 January 2027, the European Agency for Safety and Health at Work (EU-OSHA) [states](https://osha.europa.eu/en/legislation/directive/regulation-20231230eu-machinery). It adds cybersecurity and software rules for safety components, so actuators with embedded controllers need documented protection against corruption, and machines with self-evolving behaviour need third-party checks.

The aircraft layer sets long qualification cycles: a flight-control actuator must be certified with the airframe, which keeps supplier positions stable for 20 years or more and explains why Moog, Parker and Woodward win most new programmes, a Douglas Insights estimate. The process layer is functional safety: emergency shutdown valve actuators in refineries and chemical plants must meet safety integrity levels under IEC 61508 and IEC 61511, which favours makers with certified products and diagnostic partial-stroke testing.

## Douglas Exclusive: the Motion Content Index

The Motion Content Index is a Douglas Insights model built from 12 inputs: 10 company releases and filings and 2 industry statistics, listed below. It measures how much actuator value each new robot, aircraft and data hall adds.

| Date | Input | What it moves |
| --- | --- | --- |
| 12 January 2026 | Airbus: 793 deliveries, backlog 8,754 | Aircraft units |
| 13 January 2026 | Boeing: 600 deliveries | Aircraft units |
| 19 January 2026 | Belimo: sales up 23.3% in local currencies, data centres near half of growth | HVAC content |
| 10 March 2026 | Rotork: Oil and Gas up 0.6%, Chemical, Process and Industrial up 7.0% | Process demand |
| 17 April 2026 | Festo: turnover down 3.7% | European machinery |
| 23 April 2026 | OICA: 96.4 million vehicles in 2025 | Mobile equipment |
| 14 May 2026 | SMC: net sales up 6.4% | Pneumatic volume |
| 31 July 2026 | Moog: sales up 15%, backlog up 23% | Flight controls |
| 7 August 2026 | Harmonic Drive: forecast up 25.1% | Robot joints |
| 24 September 2026 | IFR: more than 600,000 robots installed, 655,000 expected in 2026 | Robot units |
| 28 October 2026 | Vertiv: organic orders up more than 100% | Data hall cooling |
| 5 November 2026 | Parker: Aerospace Systems up 13.9% organic | Aircraft content |

The finding, a Douglas Insights estimate: actuator value per new industrial robot rises from about USD 2,100 in 2025 to about USD 2,600 in 2035 as grippers and tool changers go electric, value per single-aisle jet rises from about USD 1.10 million to about USD 1.25 million, and value per megawatt of liquid-cooled data hall rises from about USD 9,000 to about USD 14,000. A humanoid robot, if it reaches volume, carries 28 to 40 actuators worth about USD 6,000 to USD 12,000 at today's prices.

The index changes how to read the market. Content growth adds about 1.5 of the 5.2 points of yearly volume growth, so actuator revenue can rise even when machine output is flat. Douglas Insights therefore weights robot installs, aircraft rates and data hall capacity about twice as heavily as general industrial production in the forecast.

## How does the methodology turn 410 million actuators into USD 56.8 billion?

Our methodology multiplies about 410 million actuators sold in 2025 by an average USD 138.5 each to reach USD 56.8 billion, then grows units 5.2% and price 0.6% a year.

The model covers 4 types, 7 applications and 5 regions, using 64 data points, 26 sourced and 38 modelled. Units come from robot, aircraft, vehicle, machine and building output multiplied by actuator content per product; prices come from company filings and Douglas Insights price ladders. Arithmetic: 410 million x USD 138.5 = USD 56.8 billion; USD 56.8 billion x (1.052 x 1.006)^10 = USD 100.1 billion. Units reach about 681 million in 2035.

Two cross-checks agree. First, the motion businesses of the nine companies in our table earn about USD 17 billion of actuator revenue, about 30% of the total, consistent with a fragmented market. Second, our USD 9.65 billion aerospace and defence value equals about USD 6.9 million for each of the 1,393 jets Airbus and Boeing delivered in 2025; after military, space and spares take their share, new airliners take about USD 1.1 million to USD 2.0 million each, in line with our content estimate. Currency conversions use Douglas Insights assumptions of USD 1.33 per pound, USD 1.24 per Swiss franc, USD 1.13 per euro and JPY 150 per dollar. AI tools help draft the text and automated checks test the arithmetic and links; the Douglas Insights research desk chooses the sources, builds the model and approves publication, as our [editorial standards](https://www.douglasinsights.com/research-methodology/) explain.

## What counts in the actuators study, and what is excluded?

The actuators study counts electric, pneumatic, hydraulic and mechanical actuators sold as finished units to equipment makers, plants, airframers and building contractors worldwide. Motors, valves and pumps sold alone, and solenoids built into vehicle subsystems, are excluded.

The study splits revenue by 4 types, 7 applications and 5 regions: Asia Pacific, North America, Europe, the Middle East and Africa, and Latin America. Vehicle solenoids appear in our [Automotive Solenoid Market](https://www.douglasinsights.com/automotive-solenoid-market/) report, aircraft electrical systems in the [Aircraft Power Distribution System Market](https://www.douglasinsights.com/aircraft-power-distribution-system-market/) report, and robot arms in the [Industrial Robotics in Heavy Industries Market](https://www.douglasinsights.com/industrial-robotics-in-heavy-industries-market/) report.

## Market by segment

| Segment | Share | Value |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Electric actuators | 38% | $21.6 Bn |
| Pneumatic actuators | 27% | $15.3 Bn |
| Hydraulic actuators | 25% | $14.2 Bn |
| Mechanical, piezo and other | 10% | $5.68 Bn |

## Market by region (USD million)

| Region | 2025 | 2026 | 2035 | CAGR 2026-2035 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Global | 56,785 | 60,096.2 | 100,085.4 | 5.83% |
| Asia Pacific | 23,281.8 | 24,818.5 | 44,115.3 | 6.6% |
| North America | 15,331.9 | 16,190.5 | 26,438.5 | 5.6% |
| Europe | 13,628.4 | 14,255.3 | 21,367.9 | 4.6% |
| Middle East and Africa | 2,839.2 | 3,015.3 | 5,181.4 | 6.2% |
| Latin America | 1,703.5 | 1,793.8 | 2,855.2 | 5.3% |

## Dataset

| Series | Value | Unit |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Market size 2025 | 56,785 | USD million |
| Market size 2035 | 100,085.4 | USD million |
| Revenue CAGR 2026-2035 | 5.83 | percent |
| Volume CAGR 2026-2035 | 5.2 | percent |
| Price per actuator CAGR 2026-2035 | 0.6 | percent |

## Frequently asked questions

### How big is the actuators market in 2025 and 2035?

USD 56.8 billion in 2025, from about 410 million actuators at USD 138.5 each, rising to USD 100.1 billion by 2035 at a 5.83% CAGR.

### Which actuator type earns the most?

38.0% of 2025 revenue, about USD 21.6 billion, comes from electric actuators, which also grow fastest at 7.3% a year.

### Where are actuators used most?

30.0% of 2025 revenue, about USD 17.0 billion, comes from industrial automation and machinery; robotics, medical and other uses grow fastest at 9.0% a year.

### Which companies lead the actuators market?

30% of 2025 revenue sits with the top five, Parker Hannifin, SMC, Emerson, Bosch Rexroth and Festo, a Douglas Insights estimate; no supplier holds more than about 8%.

### How much does an actuator cost?

USD 138.5 on average in 2025, from about USD 15 for a small pneumatic cylinder to USD 50,000 or more for a wide-body flight-control actuator.

### Which region buys the most actuators?

41.0% of 2025 revenue, USD 23.3 billion, is bought in Asia Pacific, which also grows fastest at 6.6% a year.

### When does the EU Machinery Regulation apply?

20 January 2027 is when Regulation (EU) 2023/1230 replaces Directive 2006/42/EC, adding cybersecurity and software rules for safety components.

### How far apart are the slower and faster 2035 cases?

USD 87.4 billion in the slower case and USD 113.3 billion in the faster case, against a USD 100.1 billion base.

## Sources

- [Parker Hannifin via SEC EDGAR, Parker Hannifin fiscal 2026 fourth quarter results](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/0000076334/000007633426000082/exhibit991q4fy26.htm)
- [Belimo Holding, Belimo 2025 net sales release](https://www.belimo.com/mam/corporate-communications/press-releases/2026/Belimo_Press_Release_January_2026.pdf)
- [SMC Corporation, Consolidated results for the year to March 2026](https://finance-frontend-pc-dist.west.edge.storage-yahoo.jp/disclosure/20260514/20260513531421.pdf)
- [International Federation of Robotics, Five million robots now operate in factories globally](https://ifr.org/ifr-press-releases/news/five-million-robots-now-operate-in-factories-globally)
- [Airbus, Airbus reports 793 commercial aircraft deliveries in 2025](https://www.airbus.com/en/newsroom/press-releases/2026-01-airbus-reports-793-commercial-aircraft-deliveries-in-2025)
- [Boeing, Boeing announces fourth-quarter deliveries](https://boeing.mediaroom.com/2026-01-13-Boeing-Announces-Fourth-Quarter-Deliveries?asPDF=1)
- [Moog via SEC EDGAR, Moog third quarter fiscal 2026 results](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/0000067887/000162828026051250/ex991-73126.htm)
- [Harmonic Drive Systems via JPX, First quarter results, year to March 2027](https://www2.jpx.co.jp/disc/63240/140120260807515115.pdf)
- [Regal Rexnord via SEC EDGAR, Regal Rexnord third quarter 2026 results](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/0000082811/000008281126000236/a3q2026earningsannouncement.htm)
- [Vertiv, Vertiv third quarter 2026 earnings release](https://s205.q4cdn.com/554782763/files/content_files/Vertiv-Third-Quarter-2026-Earnings-Release.pdf)
- [Tesla via SEC EDGAR, Tesla 2025 annual report on Form 10-K](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1318605/000162828026003952/tsla-20251231.htm)
- [Curtiss-Wright via SEC EDGAR, Curtiss-Wright third quarter 2026 results](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/0000026324/000162828026070580/ex991_cwxq326xearnings.htm)
- [Rotork, Rotork 2025 full year results](https://media.rotork.com/api/public/content/rotorkfy2025pressrelease-downloadoriginal-nmcispv8svefnc2ppzej.pdf)
- [Flowserve via SEC EDGAR, Flowserve third quarter 2026 results](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/0000030625/000119312526436189/d121685dex991.htm)
- [Festo, Festo 2025 business year](https://press.festo.com/en/node/5186)
- [Bosch Rexroth, Bosch Rexroth keeps sales stable in 2025](https://www.boschrexroth.com/en/my/company/press/bosch-rexroth-keeps-sales-stable-in-2025-and-sees-growth-prospects-in-2026-38400.html)
- [OICA, Auto industry growth shifted east in 2025](https://oica.net/auto-industry-growth-shifted-east-in-2025-amid-global-repositioning/)
- [International Federation of Robotics, World Robotics 2026: United States](https://ifr.org/downloads/press_docs/EN-2026-SEP-24-IFR_Press_Release_WR-USA.pdf)
- [Parker Hannifin via SEC EDGAR, Parker Hannifin fiscal 2027 first quarter results](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/0000076334/000007633426000170/exhibit991q1fy27.htm)
- [Emerson via SEC EDGAR, Emerson third quarter fiscal 2026 results](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/0000032604/000003260426000042/a2026q3release_ex991.htm)
- [Woodward via SEC EDGAR, Woodward second quarter fiscal 2026 results](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/0000108312/000117184326002821/exh_991.htm)
- [Supreme Court of the United States, Learning Resources, Inc. v. Trump opinion](https://www.supremecourt.gov/opinions/25pdf/24-1287_4gcj.pdf)
- [European Agency for Safety and Health at Work, Regulation (EU) 2023/1230 on machinery](https://osha.europa.eu/en/legislation/directive/regulation-20231230eu-machinery)

## How to cite

Douglas Insights, "Actuators Market", DI-IT-10832, updated 2026-11-06, https://www.douglasinsights.com/actuators-market/