Editing Linear motor (section)

== Usage ==
Linear motors are widely used to actuate high-performance industrial automation equipment. Their principal advantage is the ability to deliver any combination of high precision, high velocity, high force, and long travel. Compared to traditional rotary motor and screw-driven systems, linear motors offer direct-drive operation, eliminating backlash and reducing maintenance requirements.<ref name="LinearmotionTips2022"/><ref name="Automate2023"/>

One of the earliest industrial applications of linear motors was in [[loom]]s, where they were used to propel the shuttle rapidly across the weave. In modern settings, linear motors are extensively deployed in [[CNC]] machines, [[pick and place|pick-and-place systems]], semiconductor steppers, and high-speed cartesian coordinate robots.<ref name="Laithwaite1957">{{cite journal |last1=Laithwaite |first1=E. R. |last2=Lawrenson |first2=P. J. |title=A self-oscillating induction motor for shuttle propulsion |journal=Proceedings of the IEE - Part A: Power Engineering |volume=104 |issue=2 |pages=65–72 |year=1957 |doi=10.1049/pi-a.1957.0028}}</ref><ref name="LinearmotionTips2022"/><ref name="VerifiedMarketResearch2024"/><ref name="HistoricAppNeeded"/>

Linear motors are also used in consumer and infrastructure applications. These include powering sliding doors, baggage handling systems, and large-scale bulk materials transport systems such as conveyor belts or transfer carts.<ref name="Automate2023"/>

In large observatory telescopes, such as the European Extremely Large Telescope (ELT), hybrid actuators combining linear motors and piezoelectric elements are employed for precise positioning of mirror segments. These actuators offer high force and nanometer-level precision, essential for maintaining the optical alignment of the telescope's segmented primary mirror.<ref name="PIHybridActuators">{{cite web |title=Different Hybrid Drive Concepts to Solve Tough Positioning and Alignment Tasks |url=https://www.pi-usa.us/en/tech-blog/novel-hybrid-actuators-combine-high-force-nanometer-precision-and-high-dynamics |website=PI USA |access-date=May 17, 2025}}</ref>


Linear motors may also be used as an alternative to conventional chain-run lift hills for roller coasters. The coaster [[Maverick (roller coaster)|Maverick]] at Cedar Point uses one such linear motor in place of a chain lift.

A linear motor has been used to accelerate cars for [[crash test]]s.<ref name="google">{{cite journal|title=Popular Science|journal=The Popular Science Monthly |date=March 1967|publisher=Bonnier Corporation|issn=0161-7370|url=https://archive.org/details/bub_gb_4yADAAAAMBAJ|page=[https://archive.org/details/bub_gb_4yADAAAAMBAJ/page/n65 64]}}</ref>

=== Industrial automation ===
The combination of high precision, high velocity, high force, and long travel makes brushless linear motors attractive for driving industrial automations equipment. They serve industries and applications such as semiconductor [[stepper]]s, electronics [[surface-mount technology]], automotive [[cartesian coordinate robot]]s, aerospace [[chemical milling]], optics [[electron microscope]], healthcare [[laboratory automation]], food and beverage [[pick and place (disambiguation)|pick and place]].<ref name="Automate2023"/>

=== Machine tools ===
Synchronous linear motor [[actuator]]s, used in machine tools and industrial automation, provide high force, high velocity, high precision, and high dynamic stiffness. These characteristics enable zero-backlash motion, low settling time, and exceptional smoothness of movement. Modern systems can achieve velocities of 2&nbsp;m/s or more, with micron-level positioning accuracy and fast cycle times, contributing to superior surface finishes and throughput.<ref name="LinearmotionTips2022"/><ref name="Automate2023"/>


=== Simulation and Training Devices ===
[https://haptechdefense.com/ Haptech Inc.] uses electromagnetic linear motors in a proprietary application for [https://haptechdefense.com/ military weapons training] that provides high-fidelity & cost-effective instruction to soldiers. [https://www.roadtovr.com/hands-on-striker-vrs-latest-haptic-gun-prototype-brings-a-host-of-improvements/ These motors] provide realistic recoil and other [[Haptic technology|haptic feedback]] to the training devices which enhance the experience while offering precise simulation for training purposes. For their use in military training, these products are the only viable electronic solution that does not force users to adapt to the training device.

=== Train propulsion ===

==== Conventional rails ====
All of the following applications are in [[rapid transit]] and have the active part of the motor in the cars.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://home.inet-osaka.or.jp/~teraoka/old/tera98/ml98edit.htm |title=Adoption of Linear Motor Propulsion System for Subway |publisher=Home.inet-osaka.or.jp |access-date=2010-03-01 |archive-date=2017-08-06 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170806055334/http://home.inet-osaka.or.jp/~teraoka/old/tera98/ml98edit.htm |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Linear motor|url=http://www.hitachi.com/csr/highlight/activities/2007/act0701/index.html|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20080708193853/http://www.hitachi.com/csr/highlight/activities/2007/act0701/index.html|archivedate=July 8, 2008}}</ref>

===== Bombardier Innovia Metro =====
{{main|Bombardier Innovia Metro}}
Originally developed in the late 1970s by [[Urban Transportation Development Corporation|UTDC]] in Canada as the [[Bombardier Innovia Metro|Intermediate Capacity Transit System]] (ICTS). A test track was constructed in [[Millhaven, Ontario]], for extensive testing of prototype cars, after which three lines were constructed:
* [[Line 3 Scarborough]] in Toronto (opened 1985; closed 2023)<ref>{{cite web|date= November 10, 2006 |url=http://transit.toronto.on.ca/subway/5107.shtml |title=The Scarborough Rapid Transit Line – Transit Toronto – Content |publisher=Transit Toronto |access-date=2010-03-01}}</ref>
* [[Expo Line (TransLink)|Expo Line]] of the [[Vancouver SkyTrain]] (opened 1985 and extended in 1994)
* [[Detroit People Mover]] in Detroit (opened 1987)
ICTS was sold to [[Bombardier Transportation]] in 1991 and later known as [[Bombardier Innovia Metro|Advanced Rapid Transit]] (ART) before adopting its current branding in 2011. Since then, several more installations have been made:
* [[Kelana Jaya Line]] in Kuala Lumpur (opened 1998 and extended in 2016)
* [[Millennium Line]] of the Vancouver SkyTrain (opened 2002 and extended in 2016)
* [[AirTrain JFK]] in New York (opened 2003)
* [[Airport Express (Beijing Subway)]] (opened 2008)
* [[Everline]] in Yongin, South Korea (opened 2013)
All Innovia Metro systems use [[third rail]] electrification.

===== Japanese Linear Metro =====
One of the biggest challenges faced by Japanese railway engineers in the 1970s to the 1980s was the ever increasing construction costs of subways. In response, the Japan Subway Association began studying on the feasibility of the "mini-metro" for meeting urban traffic demand in 1979. In 1981, the Japan Railway Engineering Association studied on the use of [[linear induction motors]] for such small-profile subways and by 1984 was investigating on the practical applications of linear motors for urban rail with the Japanese [[Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism]]. In 1988, a successful demonstration was made with the Limtrain at [[Saitama, Saitama|Saitama]] and influenced the eventual adoption of the linear motor for the [[Nagahori Tsurumi-ryokuchi Line]] in [[Osaka]] and Toei Line 12 (present-day [[Toei Oedo Line]]) in [[Tokyo]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.jametro.or.jp/en/linear/ |title=History of Linear Metro promotion|website=Japan Subway Association}}</ref>

To date, the following subway lines in Japan use linear motors and use [[overhead line]]s for power collection:
* Two [[Osaka Metro]] lines in Osaka:
** [[Nagahori Tsurumi-ryokuchi Line]] (opened 1990)
** [[Imazatosuji Line]] (opened 2006)
* [[Toei Ōedo Line]] in Tokyo (opened 2000)
* [[Kaigan Line]] of the [[Kobe Municipal Subway]] (opened 2001)
* [[Nanakuma Line]] of the [[Fukuoka City Subway]] (opened 2005)
* [[Yokohama Municipal Subway Green Line]] (opened 2008)
* [[Sendai Subway Tōzai Line]] (opened 2015)

In addition, [[Kawasaki Heavy Industries]] has also exported the Linear Metro to the [[Guangzhou Metro]] in China;<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.urbanrail.net/as/guan/guangzhou.htm |title=> Asia > China > Guangzhou Metro |publisher=UrbanRail.Net |access-date=2010-03-01 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100302081742/http://www.urbanrail.net/as/guan/guangzhou.htm |archive-date=2010-03-02 }}</ref> all of the Linear Metro lines in Guangzhou use third rail electrification:
* [[Line 4 (Guangzhou Metro)|Line 4]] (opened 2005)
* [[Line 5 (Guangzhou Metro)|Line 5]] (opened 2009).
* [[Line 6 (Guangzhou Metro)|Line 6]] (opened 2013)

==== Monorail ====
{{Main|Monorail}}
{{More citations needed|date=July 2009}}
* There is at least one known monorail system which is '''not''' magnetically levitated, but nonetheless uses linear motors. This is the [[Moscow Monorail]]. Originally, traditional motors and wheels were to be used. However, it was discovered during test runs that the proposed motors and wheels would fail to provide adequate traction under some conditions, for example, when ice appeared on the rail. Hence, wheels are still used, but the trains use linear motors to accelerate and slow down. This is possibly the only use of such a combination, due to the lack of such requirements for other train systems.
* The [[TELMAGV]] is a prototype of a monorail system that is also not magnetically levitated but uses linear motors.

==== Magnetic levitation ====
{{Main|Maglev (transport)}}
[[File:Birmingham International Maglev.jpg|thumb|The Birmingham International Maglev shuttle]]
* High-speed trains:
** [[Transrapid]]: first commercial use in [[Shanghai Maglev|Shanghai]] (opened in 2004)
** [[SCMaglev]], under construction in Japan (fastest train in the world, planned to open by 2027)
* Rapid transit:
** Birmingham Airport, UK (opened 1984, closed 1995)
** [[M-Bahn]] in Berlin, Germany (opened in 1989, closed in 1991)
** Daejeon EXPO, Korea (ran only 1993)<ref>{{cite web|url=http://maglev.de/index.php?en_korea |title=The International Maglevboard |publisher=Maglev.de |access-date=2010-03-01}}</ref>
** [[High Speed Surface Transport|HSST]]: [[Linimo]] line in Aichi Prefecture, Japan (opened 2005)
** [[Incheon Airport Maglev]] (opened July 2014)
** [[Changsha Maglev Express]] (opened 2016)
** [[S1 line (Beijing Subway)|S1 line]] of [[Beijing Subway]] (opened 2017)

=== Amusement rides ===
{{Main|List of amusement rides}}
There are many roller coasters throughout the world that use LIMs to accelerate the ride vehicles. The first being ''[[Flight of Fear]]'' at [[Kings Island]] and [[Kings Dominion]], both opening in 1996. [[Battlestar Galactica (roller coaster)|Battlestar Galactica: Human VS Cylon]] & [[Revenge of the Mummy]] at [[Universal Studios Singapore]] opened in 2010. They both use LIMs to accelerate from certain point in the rides.

Revenge of the Mummy (located at both [[Universal Studios Hollywood]] and [[Universal Studios Florida]]), [[Hagrid's Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure]], and [[VelociCoaster]] at [[Universal Islands of Adventure]] use linear motors. At [[Walt Disney World]], [[Rock 'n' Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith]] at [[Disney's Hollywood Studios]] and [[Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind|''Guardians of the Galaxy'': Cosmic Rewind]] at [[Epcot]] both use LSM to launch their ride vehicles into their indoor ride enclosures.

In 2023 a [[hydraulic launch]] roller coaster, [[Top Thrill Dragster]] at [[Cedar Point]] in Ohio, USA, was renovated and the hydraulic launch replaced with a weaker multi-launch system using LSM, that creates less [[g-force]].

=== Aircraft launching ===
* [[Electromagnetic Aircraft Launch System]]

=== Proposed and research ===
* [[Launch loop]] – A proposed system for launching vehicles into space using a linear motor powered loop
* [[StarTram]] – Concept for a linear motor on extreme scale
* [[Tether propulsion#Tether cable catapult system|Tether cable catapult system]]
* [[Aérotrain|Aérotrain S44]] – A suburban commuter [[hovertrain]] prototype
* [[Research Test Vehicle 31]] – A hovercraft-type vehicle guided by a track
* [[Hyperloop]] – a conceptual high-speed transportation system put forward by entrepreneur Elon Musk
* [[Elevator]] {{cite web|url=http://www.thyssenkrupp-elevator.com/Show-article.104.0.html?&L=1&cHash=08b38cb686f00ec874ad82c44c737427&tx_ttnews=546 |title=ThyssenKrupp Elevator: ThyssenKrupp develops the world's first rope-free elevator system to enable the building industry face the challenges of global urbanization |access-date=2015-06-02 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160303215934/http://www.thyssenkrupp-elevator.com/Show-article.104.0.html?&L=1&cHash=08b38cb686f00ec874ad82c44c737427&tx_ttnews=546 |archive-date=2016-03-03 }}
* [[Elevator|Lift]] {{cite web |url=http://www.elevatorworld.com/magazine/synchronous/ |title=Technology: Linear Synchronous Motor Elevators Become a Reality |access-date=2015-06-02 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150330081619/http://www.elevatorworld.com/magazine/synchronous/ |archive-date=2015-03-30 |url-status=dead }}
* [[Magway Ltd|Magway]] - a UK freight delivery system under research and development that aims to deliver goods in pods via 90&nbsp;cm diameter pipework under and over ground.