Abstract: An electromagnetic actuator includes an electromagnet having a pole face, an energized state for generating an electromagnetic force and a de-energized state; and an armature movable towards and away from the pole face in a travel path extending from a first end position remote from the pole face to a second end position at the pole face. The armature assumes the second end position in the energized state of the electromagnet. A return spring urges the armature away from the pole face and toward the first end position. Further, a fluid damping unit is provided for braking a motion of the armature along a terminal portion of its travel path shortly before its arrival into at least one of the end positions for effecting a soft arrival of the armature into such end position.