A pneumatic actuator is a device that turns compressed air or gas energy into mechanical motion. It is known by a variety of names in the industry, including pneumatic cylinders, air cylinders, and air actuators.
A pneumatic actuator works by allowing pressured gas most commonly compressed air to enter a chamber and build up pressure. It results in the regulated kinetic movement of a device such as a piston or gear when it has built up enough pressure in contrast to the outside atmospheric pressure.