To provide an electromagnetic actuator whose movable range can be arbitrarily expanded without complicating its manufacturing process, and which is inexpensive and high in stopping accuracy.

The electromagnetic actuator includes a pair of stators 5a and 5b that have a predetermined distance between them and are disposed opposite to each other, a moving member 1 having multiple electromagnets 3a to 3d and 4a to 4d that are placed between a pair of the stators and act on the opposite face of each stator. Magnetic force sequentially generated in the electromagnets is caused to act on the respective stators to alternately bring the moving member into contact with one stator and the other stator. The moving member is thereby moved in the direction perpendicular to the direction in which the stators are opposed to each other.