Actuator applications of piezoelectrics started in late 1970s, and enormous investment was installed on practical developments during '80s, aiming at consumer applications such as precision positioners with high strain materials, multilayer device designing and mass-fabrication processes for portable electronic devices, ultrasonic motors for micro-robotics and smart structures. After the slump due to the worldwide economic recession in late '90s, we are now facing a sort of “Renaissance” of piezoelectric actuators according to the social environmental changes. This paper reviews the recent advances in materials, designing concepts, and new applications of piezoelectric actuators, and describes the future perspectives of this area.