Linak IC Actuators Add Direct PLC Connectivity
The new actuator portfolio embeds controllers and logic to simplify machine development by removing external hardware needs.
Updated on Oct. 29, 2026 in Robotics
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Linak has launched a new global line of IC actuators that feature built-in controllers and movement logic. These devices now support eight distinct industrial communication interfaces for direct integration into automation environments.
Why it matters
By embedding controllers and logic directly into the actuator unit, this hardware removes the need for external gateways or secondary controllers. This design shift aims to reduce programming complexity and accelerate the development cycle for industrial machine builders.
The new actuators support eight industrial interfaces, including IO-Link, PROFINET, EtherNet/IP, Modbus TCP/IP, CANopen, CAN SAE J1939, and Modbus RTU. This expanded connectivity allows for direct position feedback and diagnostic data streams within existing PLC networks.
The players
Linak
A manufacturer of electric linear actuator systems and lifting columns used in industrial, medical, and office automation applications.
The details
Linak integrates the controller hardware and movement logic directly into the housing of the actuator unit. Engineers connect these units to the automation environment using standard industrial communication protocols. This configuration allows the actuator to communicate its position and diagnostic status to a Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) — a ruggedized computer used for industrial control — without requiring an intermediate gateway device.
Timeline
22 October 2026: Linak launched the IC actuator portfolio globally.
The Tech Race
This development follows an industry trend of pushing control intelligence closer to the point of motion to simplify complex machine architectures. It marks a departure from reliance on secondary PLC gateways that have historically added latency and increased physical footprint in factory floor automation.
Industrial systems engineers can now replace complex wiring and external controller setups with these direct-connect actuators immediately. Machine builders utilizing standard industrial networks like PROFINET or EtherNet/IP should review their existing PLC control loops to incorporate the new native data diagnostic feeds.
The takeaway
This launch signals a broader movement toward 'smart' actuators that reduce the hardware bill of materials by internalizing control logic. Engineers should monitor integration documentation for these specific units to determine how current diagnostic polling intervals compare to prior, gateway-dependent setups.
Further reading
For broader trends in hardware-level automation and control, explore our latest coverage in Robotics.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Industrial Vehicle Technology International.
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