Abstract: An electromagnetic actuator is presented wherein a pair of permanent magnets are sandwiched between respective pairs of pole pieces. The pole pieces communicate with an armature to effect the state of actuation of the actuator. A pair of electromagnets, consisting of a wire-wound core, is maintained in close relationship to the pair of permanent magnets, a pole piece separating each permanent magnet from its associated electromagnet. When the electromagnets are not energized, the permanent magnets create a magnetic circuit which pulls the armature into a touch position with one pole piece of each permanent magnet. When the electromagnets are energized, a magnetic field is created which opposes and effectively cancels the magnetic fields of the permanent magnets, creating another magnetic circuit drawing the armature into a touch position with the other pole pieces. When the electromagnets are not energized, the armature is held in a first position by the permanent magnets alone.