Abstract: A single phase, rotary electromagnetic actuator comprising first and second stator assemblies, located in oppositely facing spaced apart positions along a common central axis, permits a magnetized disc magnet rotor to rotate about the common axis free of any magnetic attractive forces normally tending to move the disc magnet longitudinally along the axis, or alternatively to be located in a position to create a desired longitudinal attractive force. The entire assembly is maintained in operative positions by a circular belt which provides an inward facing lip on each side of which the stator assemblies are seated and which determines the magnetic airgap spacing for the disc. The invention may be implemented as a servo-actuator by the inclusion of an angular position sensor that uses the actuator rotor as the magnetic field emitter, and a receiver for the magnetic field and its contacts, located in the belt lip.