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DIY Projects with Linear Actuators for Your Home

Jun 22, 2021

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Industrial automation has used linear actuators for many decades. These devices displace an object in a straight line. This type of movement is quite useful in many applications like lifting objects, for example. Today, most linear actuators used in industrial applications are electric. But it was not always the case. Before electric actuators became common, automation in industrial settings used hydraulic and pneumatic actuators. Although some of these old actuators are still in use, electric actuators will soon take their place.

Electric actuators have many advantages that make them suitable for other applications outside industrial scenarios. Their linear movement can be finely controlled, for example. This characteristic opens the possibility for use in home automation. If you look through the catalogue of an actuator manufacturer, you’ll find a large array of different sizes, speeds, forces, and more.

You can undertake many home automation projects if you have some DIY skills. All you need is to select the suitable actuator for each application. Automation can improve the appearance and comfort of your home. It will add a touch of modernity and sophistication. Some ideas for home automation are:

  • Intelligent windows;

  • Standing desks;

  • TV lifts;

  • Garage openers.


These are but a few ideas of what you can implement at home. You can start automating your home with some of the ideas listed above. As you get more familiar with the use of linear actuators, you will surely have other ideas to automate furniture, appliances, and more. So, let’s describe briefly some of the DIY home automation projects listed above.

 Intelligent Windows


You can automate any type of window at home. It is one of the simplest home automation projects. The actuator can provide push/pull movement. Or it can provide horizontal or vertical displacement. Just think where to mount the actuator depending on the type of window.

Once you have automated a window, you can improve the project even more by using sensors, for example. A rain sensor can instruct the actuator to close the window, for example. Or a temperature sensor can instruct to open or close the window depending on the room temperature. The possibilities are endless.

Standing Desks


This type of desk allows you to work while you stand on your feet. Scientific research has demonstrated that sitting for many hours every day contributed to the development of heart disease, obesity, diabetes, and other health issues. With a standing desk, the desktop can be lifted so you work while standing for some hours. For this project, you will need to buy lifting columns. A lifting column is a linear actuator with a longer stroke.

TV Lifts


A TV lift will make your living room look futuristic. In this project, you use an actuator to lift your flat screen from inside a cabinet. You can also use an actuator to drop the screen from a false ceiling. You can use a remote control to pop up (or retract) your screen as needed.

Many More Projects


There are many other things that you can automate at home with the help of linear actuators. Use your creativity and, in a short time, your home will become an intelligent home.

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