Precise positioning is a basic, essential technology in a wide variety of automation considerations. It has recently been extended to micron and nanometer positioning including basic components such as mechanical elements, mechanisms, actuators, and controllers. Improving positioning accuracy requires advances in individual components, behind which there has been conducted much research and development.

This special issue focuses on actuator, control technology, and mechanical elements and mechanisms. Constructing precise positioning involves conventional electrical, hydraulic, and pneumatic actuators. A piezoelectric actuator is useful for micron and nanometer positioning. An appropriate mechanism is required to transmit power from the actuator to the object being positioned. An effective control scheme must also be introduced into system with available sensors.

In this regard, this issue includes advanced papers representative of individual fields that should prove interesting, stimulating, and of great practical use to both general readers and specialists.

We thank the authors for their many interesting papers contributed to this issue.