# Actuators

## Actuators

There are two types of actuators available in the EDU Kit V2, servos and DC motors. Actuators convert energy into a form of motion by applying a force. In this case, they are convert electrical energy into motion by applying[ torque](#user-content-fn-1)[^1]. 

### Servos

Servos are a form of actuator often used for more specialized movements between positions. Servos include built-in sensors that allow them to automatically know their position without any outside programming

<figure><img src="https://3023198990-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FnKoHwxC0Q1NBpLowZUmu%2Fuploads%2FlTb22hWeMiWoLugEWXlw%2Fimage.png?alt=media&#x26;token=52405b11-124c-4008-94a0-2ac27ecbcef5" alt="" width="375"><figcaption><p>Smart Robot Servo</p></figcaption></figure>

These servos are capable of two modes:

* **Angular Mode:** Sets the servo to move to specified positions within a 270° range of motion
* **Continuous Mode:** Allows for the servo to rotate a full 360°, either direction, indefinitely similar to a standard motor

### DC Motors

DC Motors are a type of electrical motor that use direct current, or DC, to rotate and produce the mechanical force needed to move an attached mechanism. There are two DC Motors available in the kit.

#### Core Hex Motor

<figure><img src="https://3023198990-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FnKoHwxC0Q1NBpLowZUmu%2Fuploads%2FN9YlEzuz7BAiD4PYMfAs%2Fimage.png?alt=media&#x26;token=29d36f3d-7c34-48b3-98b9-2326e07559dc" alt="" width="375"><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

The Core Hex Motor is a DC Motor that includes a built-in encoder
. The Core Hex has a 90° orientation and a through-bore[^2] design

#### HD Hex Motor

<figure><img src="https://3023198990-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FnKoHwxC0Q1NBpLowZUmu%2Fuploads%2FuzsimlOxwW1yPZLxW8Ub%2Fimage.png?alt=media&#x26;token=3d4815fb-a34c-4470-8a78-e1c3213350e4" alt="" width="375"><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

The HD Hex Motor is a DC Motor that includes a built-in encoder[^3]. The HD Hex Motor includes a pressed-fit pinion to be ready for meshing with a gearbox system.&#x20;

[^1]: Roughly the measure of the turning force on an object like a gear or wheel

[^2]: Through bore means the shaft goes all the way through the motor (or object)

[^3]: Encoders are a type of sensor that collects information as the motor spins by converting motion into an electrical signal