Come see us at the Actuator 2026 conference!
June 30 - July 1, 2026
Wiesbaden, Germany
ACTUATOR is a leading international conference dedicated to smart actuators, adaptive structures, and precision motion systems for aerospace, defense, space, and transportation applications.
At ACTUATOR 2026, Cedrat Technologies will present its latest innovations in piezoelectric & magnetic actuators, motors, optics, and energy harvesting solutions. Our contributions address key challenges such as precision motion control, reliability in extreme environments, ultra-low vibration, and system integration. From space mechanisms and optical communication to stealth aircraft control and railway monitoring, the seven presentations below illustrate how Cedrat Technologies combines advanced mechatronic design, smart electronics, and robust qualification to support next-generation systems.
Discover below the seven technical topics that will be presented during the conference.
What are the different topics that will be covered during the conference?
High-Resolution Rotating Piezo Motors For LISA Large Interferometer Space Antenna
Cedrat Technologies presents the results of Technology Development Activities on several rotating piezoelectric motors developed for ESA’s LISA mission, the first spaceborne gravitational wave observatory. The mission’s extreme stability requirements demand motors with ultra-low micro-vibration and high magnetic cleanliness.
Within international consortiums, Cedrat Technologies matured custom motors up to TRL 3, leading to the selection of three motor types for flight model development (TRL 9) in compliance with ECSS space standards.
These include a motor for the Antenna Pointing Mechanism, enabling continuous Earth tracking with 360° rotation and ±0.05° accuracy; motors for the Optical Assembly Tracking Mechanisms, providing μrad alignment and sub-nrad stability; and compact rotary micromotors for the Beam Alignment Mechanism, ensuring precise optical path compensation.
This work demonstrates the suitability of inchworm piezoelectric motors for high-precision, low-disturbance space applications.
Magnetic Fast Steering Mirrors For Tracking And Optical Communication For Defense And Aerospace Industries
Cedrat Technologies develops high-performance Magnetic Fast Steering Mirrors (M-FSM) for tracking and optical communication in demanding defense and aerospace environments. These compact and energy-efficient systems provide precise beam steering while ensuring robustness under severe conditions.
Based on the proprietary MICA™ magnetic actuator technology and embedded eddy current sensors, the M-FSM45 and M-FSM62 have been significantly upgraded through major defense and space programs, including infrared tracking systems, quantum key distribution (QKD), and secure optical communication from geostationary orbit.
The M-FSM62 has been enhanced for defense applications with a rectangular mirror, extended angular stroke beyond ±3° (up to ±4° without sensors), improved electronics compatibility, and reinforced mechanical protection against vibration and shock. The M-FSM45-HPL, a space-miniaturized version, offers ±2.7° stroke and supports high laser power up to 100 W, making it well suited for space optical communication missions.
Environmental and performance tests confirm the capability of these fast steering mirrors to deliver high bandwidth, precision, and reliability for advanced defense and space systems.
Piezoelectric Fine Steering Mirrors And Electronics For Optical Inter-Satellite Links
Free-Space Optical Communication (FSO) is a key enabler for high-speed inter-satellite links in LEO, MEO, and GEO constellations. Each optical communication terminal requires fast and precise beam steering, driving the demand for compact, reliable, and cost-effective Fine Steering Mirrors (FSM) at large scale.
Through the CONECS project, Cedrat Technologies is developing piezoelectric FSM and associated electronics as New Space COTS solutions for satellite constellations. Building on proven heritage products such as the DTT35XS, P-FSM150S, and CCBu20 controller, the project focuses on improving SWaP, manufacturability, and cost efficiency.
Key innovations include simplified strain gauge sensor integration, improved flexural mirror guiding, alternative mirror materials to silicon carbide, and optimized driving strategies limiting voltages below 100 V. A new space-qualified controller, CCBu20-NS, has also been developed to support long-duration LEO missions.
These advancements enable scalable, high-performance piezoelectric steering solutions tailored to the needs of next-generation optical inter-satellite communication networks.
Amplified Piezo Actuators With Embedded Eddy Current Sensor For Cryo Space De-SPIN Mechanism
Cedrat Technologies is developing amplified piezoelectric actuators with embedded eddy current sensors for ESA’s De-SPIN mechanism, designed to stabilize imaging on spinning infrared astrometry satellites. This solution enables precise tip-tilt control while operating in cryogenic environments and withstanding launch vibrations, without the need for Hold Down Release Mechanisms (HDRM).
The actuator is based on an enhanced APA® pre-stressed design (APA-PP), combining amplified piezo and parallel pre-stressed actuator technologies. The increased pre-stress allows the actuator to survive up to 18 g-RMS launch vibrations, even with heavy optical loads, while maintaining compactness and dynamic performance.
An embedded Eddy Current Sensor (ECS) is integrated directly into the actuator to linearize piezo hysteresis and ensure high positioning accuracy. Thermal compensation enables stable sensor performance at cryogenic temperatures, achieving nanometer-level resolution and high control bandwidth.
This development demonstrates a robust, compact, and non-magnetic solution for high-precision space mechanisms operating in extreme environments.
Enhancing The Reliability Of Piezoelectric Actuators And Motors Under Severe Self-Heating, High-Cycle Operation, And Harsh Environmental Conditions
Cedrat Technologies improves the reliability of
piezoelectric actuators and motors operating under high self-heating, high-frequency cycling, and harsh
environments. Through advanced thermal modeling,
optimized piezo stacks, and integrated thermal drains,
these solutions withstand billions of cycles while
maintaining performance. The resulting rugged
actuators are integrated into inertial piezo motors
qualified for vibration, shock, and thermal extremes.
Piezo Actuated Jet For Stealth Aircraft Applications
Within the FACELIFT European Defence project, Cedrat Technologies develops piezo-actuated Synthetic Jet Actuators to enhance aircraft maneuverability while reducing radar signature. High-stroke, high-frequency actuation enables effective flow control without increasing infrared signature. Wind tunnel tests and closed-loop control validate the efficiency and low power consumption of this innovative fluidic solution.
Bistable Piezoelectric Energy Harvester With Embedded Power Management Electronics For Railway Monitoring
Cedrat Technologies has developed a bistable piezoelectric energy harvester designed to convert railway vibrations into usable electrical energy. Its buckling-based architecture ensures wideband energy harvesting and high robustness under shocks and random vibrations. With integrated power management electronics, the system enables autonomous wireless monitoring of railway infrastructure.
