Tracking the path of development in different Engineering disciplines, it can be easily observed that, right from the primitive stage, several tools, devices, and techniques may be identified, which happened by virtue of the evolution of human intelligence, getting transformed into various engineering applications. Although, later different engineering disciplines evolved, where most of the exhaustive development could be undertaken in that discipline. Likewise, in the field of mechanical engineering to various types of mechanical systems, according to the requirement in that field, were developed, in order to provide support of mechanization. Prime movers used to be an important part of these mechanical systems, which provided energy input as well as actuation required for providing the machines the desired kinematics. Most of the mechanical systems developed has been operated by conventional engine system using one or other fuel. Apart from the actuation by mechanical means, there are other means also through which mechanical actuation with better control, flexibility, and manipulation may be utilized in mechanical systems. A different category of systems, called Mechatronic systems has been developed in the recent past, which involves the vivid scope of use of techniques, devices, and components generally used in various other engineering fields of electrical, electronics, hydraulics, and pneumatics, etc. Subsequently, there have been several inventions, design & development which have added new levels in every field. Mechanical systems have been generally composed of various mechanical elements, which are designed to follow certain kinematics. The performance of the Actuation system plays an important role in the overall performance of the mechanical systems. There are several alternative actuation systems, which are not mechanical. These actuation systems may be categorized into electrical, electronics, hydraulic and pneumatic types. The features of these actuation systems, are so peculiar, that typical kinematic movement may be manipulated that too with more precision. Better control of mechanical systems may be realized, which is otherwise difficult with mechanical systems. In this paper, an effort has been made to review the possibilities, prospects as well as scope with various actuation systems.
Artificial Knee Joints Actuators with Energy Recovery Capabilities: A Comparison of Performance