Quote Originally Posted by RogueTwoRobots View Post
If I was to go back and do things again, I'd look at either pneumatics or geared motors and chain/sprocket transmissions. Linear actuators are nice and compact and can be relatively cheap. However, the speed at which today's robots move means that battles are very high-paced, and even 'fast' linear actuators (Coyote's were quite nippy) can be too slow to be effective. Pneumatics and geared motors can be specced to operate much more quickly allowing for a more effective weapon.

Hydraulics are good for getting a grip, but for clamp control style robots, they're a bit unnecessary as you will usually get enough gripping force out of the other options. You do need a decent amount of grip, but not really enough to warrant using hydraulics, unless you want to try and cause crushing damage too.

If you do opt for linear actuators, it's probably best for reliability and simplicity to use the motors that come with the actuators (they're usually integrated into the actuator anyway). I've dabbled in motor replacement for the Coyote actuators but that's more to do with extending their life cycle after sustaining battle damage than to eke more power or speed out of them.

Hi Jamie, I saw your message, I was wondering got any recommendations for actuators?