cThe Mars Rover Spirit got stuck in the Martian sand. The wheels kept slipping. Attempts to free it were futile. Discuss the type of actuator in this case. Can you suggest any improvements in the actuator that would have prevented this unfortunate breakdown

Improved / advanced types of Actuators include servo systems, create a large range of actuator motion in response to the changing needs of the operational environment or process.

Actuators are local or automated suppliers of working motion.

Hydraulic and air cylinders can be classified as single-acting cylinders, meaning that the energy source result in movement in one direction and a spring is used for the other direction.

Explanation:

An actuator control system is referred to as any electronic, electrical, or electromechanical system often used to activate an actuator, control the direction as well as extent and duration of its output. Actuator control systems could take the form of extremely simple, manually-operated, start-and-stop stations, either sophisticated or programmable computer systems. The more improved / advanced types include servo systems that produce a large range of actuator motion in response to the changing needs of the operational environment or process. This type of actuator control system uses an interface arrangement that assimilates feedback from the process or mechanism and adjusts the actuator in the right way. Most actuator systems will include at least a set of travel limits that prevent the actuator destroying itself or the secondary mechanism.

Actuators are local or automated suppliers of working motion. They are used to changes, adjust, or move a secondary mechanism, where a physical operator cannot intervene directly. They are denoted by a large range of varying types using electrical and electromagnetic, hydraulic, or pneumatic power sources to create linear or rotary outputs. One element they all have in common is the actuator control system used to start, stop, and adjust the range, speed, and duration of the working motion.

Actuators can produce a linear motion, rotary motion or oscillatory motion which means they can create motion in one direction, in a circular motion or in opposite directions at regular intervals. Hydraulic and air cylinders can be classified as single-acting cylinders, meaning that the energy source result in movement in one direction and a spring is used for the other direction.