The majority of high force linear actuators today are manufactured on the basis of hydraulic technology. However, there is a strong and increasing demand to switch to electric technology. Applications for such actuators include the car, airplane, and space industries. The concept is by no means a new one, but the present research proposes a proof-of-concept solution in the design of large displacement and medium force inchworm actuators. The technology considered uses an electrostrictive mechanism that "walks" inside an outer casing. This motion emulates an inchworm, summing small steps to achieve large displacements.

The conceptual design of the electrostrictive inchworm actuator was carried out using the finite element analysis. A prototype was constructed based on the numerical simulation results. With the design validated, some applications were explored by optimizing the structural strength of variable geometry adaptive truss structures.