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System configuration

● Miniature linear actuator

Key features and benefits

Ultra-compact size, designed specifically for tight spaces

Space inside UAV docking stations is extremely limited, requiring the integration of multiple systems—including UAV storage, charging, communications, and environmental control—within a confined compartment. Our miniature electric linear actuators are known for their ultra-compact design, short installation length, and precise stroke, allowing them to fit seamlessly into the limited space of the docking station's cabin. They reliably drive the opening and closing of the top hatch without encroaching on the layout of other core components.

Precise and smooth operation ensures flawless hatch operation

The opening and closing of a UAV docking station's hatch directly impacts the safety of UAV deployment and the accuracy of their return to the station. Our linear actuators provide smooth, precise linear motion throughout the entire cycle—opening at a constant, fluid speed without jerks or impacts; closing with precise positioning and consistent repeatability. Every opening and closing action is precise and controllable, ensuring the hatch follows a consistent trajectory in any environment and provides reliable protection for the safe takeoff and landing of UAVs.

High protection rating, confidently withstands harsh outdoor environments

UAV docking stations are typically deployed in outdoor environments—from oil and gas pipelines in the Gobi Desert to power transmission towers on mountain peaks, and from humid coastal regions to frigid northern areas. Our miniature actuators feature a high protection rating, providing full resistance to harsh natural conditions such as wind, sand, rain, snow, and dust. Constructed with low-temperature-resistant materials and treated with anti-corrosion processes, they operate stably within a wide temperature range of -30°C to +65°C. A protection rating of IP66M or higher ensures that the actuators can reliably perform opening and closing tasks even under extreme weather conditions such as heavy rain and dust storms.

Long service life and maintenance-free operation, reducing O&M costs

UAV docking stations are often deployed in remote areas, where on-site maintenance costs are extremely high. Our linear actuators feature a maintenance-free design, eliminating the risk of oil leaks associated with hydraulic systems and the issue of aging tubing in pneumatic systems. Validated through tens of thousands of endurance tests, they ensure stable operation throughout the UAV docking station's entire lifecycle, minimizing on-site maintenance requirements.

Low-power operation, suitable for unmanned scenarios

UAV docking stations are typically powered by solar energy or batteries, imposing extremely strict energy consumption requirements. Our electric linear actuators consume power only during the instantaneous opening and closing of the hatch, with extremely low power consumption in standby mode. This low-energy consumption characteristic is perfectly suited to the power supply conditions of remote stations, ensuring the station can perform opening and closing tasks normally at all times.

Optional position feedback for precise closed-loop control

Our linear actuators can be equipped with optional Hall sensors that continuously transmit real-time position data to the customer's control system. Based on this data, the customer's system can precisely control the opening and closing angles and status of the hatch, enabling closed-loop control and fault early warning. When the actuator reaches a preset position, the system automatically cuts off power, ensuring that every opening and closing operation is executed with pinpoint accuracy.

Flexible customization to suit a wide range of docking station models

UAV docking stations of different brands and models vary in hatch structure, opening/closing angles, and installation space. We offer a wide range of actuator stroke options and customized installation services, providing tailored solutions for mainstream models such as the DJI Dock 2 as well as various custom-built UAV docking stations, ensuring seamless integration of the actuator with the docking station structure.

Richmat's engineers provide end-to-end technical support—from needs assessment and solution design to product delivery—using reliable miniature linear drive systems to safeguard every moment of takeoff and return to base.

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Other Applications

UAV emergency release mechanisms

UAV emergency release mechanisms (also known as UAV ejection systems or UAV lock release mechanisms) are critical actuators in UAV launch and recovery systems. They are widely used in scenarios such as vehicle-based launches and catapult launches of large fixed-wing UAVs, as well as the takeoff and landing of ship-based UAVs. Prior to launch, large UAVs must be securely connected to the launch or tow vehicle via a locking mechanism to ensure safety and reliability during transportation and pre-flight preparations. The moment the launch command is issued, the release mechanism must perform the locking release action with extremely high reliability, enabling the UAV to smoothly detach from the launch rack and enter flight mode.

Our miniature electric linear actuators are precision drive components specifically designed for UAV emergency release mechanisms. The actuator is housed within the cavity of the release mechanism itself. Through its extension and retraction movements, it precisely controls the locking and release states between the locking mechanism and the UAV. Compact and space-efficient, the actuator fits perfectly into the limited internal space of the release mechanism. With millisecond-level response times and extremely high motion consistency, it provides reliable mechanical assurance for every safe takeoff of the UAV.

Firefighting UAV water buckets

Firefighting UAV water buckets (also known as fire bags or fire buckets) are one of the fastest-growing innovative applications in emergency management in recent years. They are widely used in firefighting and rescue operations involving high-rise building fires, forest fires, and hazardous chemical accidents. By suspending a water bucket, firefighting UAVs precisely deliver water or fire suppressants from the air to the core area of the fire, effectively addressing the blind spots of traditional firefighting methods in high-rise buildings and complex terrain.

In our product applications, the miniature electric linear actuator serves as the core actuator for controlling the opening and closing of the water bucket's bottom. The actuator receives commands from the customer's flight control system or a standalone controller to precisely control the opening and closing of the bucket's bottom—the bottom remains closed during water filling to maintain a seal, and opens upon reaching the fire scene to release water or fire suppressant. The actuator is small, compact, and lightweight, enabling reliable operation within the UAV's limited payload capacity. Its precise control over the opening and closing of the bucket bottom ensures the optimal timing and volume of water for every fire suppression deployment.

UAV charging & battery swapping systems

UAV charging and battery swapping systems are critical infrastructure within fully autonomous UAV operation systems. They are widely used in scenarios such as UAV docking stations, UAV nests, and inspection base stations. UAV flight endurance has long been the core bottleneck limiting operational radius and duration; however, the advent of automated charging and battery swapping systems has enabled UAVs to achieve a continuous operation mode where "landing means battery swap, and battery swap means takeoff."

In our product applications, miniature linear actuators primarily perform two core tasks: first, ejecting and inserting batteries—the actuator ejects a fully charged battery from a battery slot while simultaneously pushing a depleted battery into the opposite slot for charging; second, automatically opening and closing the protective cover of the charging and battery swapping unit—the actuator drives the opening and closing of the protective cover to ensure that the charging port remains sealed and protected when not in use. The actuator is small, compact, and precise, enabling it to reliably perform every battery transfer and cover opening and closing operation during the unattended automatic battery swap process.