Purpose – The space‐mapping (SM) optimization technique, with its input, implicit or output mapping‐based implementations, provides a basis for computationally efficient engineering optimization. Various algorithms and design optimization problems, related to microwave devices, antennas and electronic circuits, are presented in numerous publications. However, a new application area for SM optimization is currently expanding, i.e. the design of electromechanical actuators. The purpose of this paper is to present an overview of the recent developments.Design/methodology/approach – New algorithm variants and their application to design problems in electromechanics and related fields are briefly summarized.Findings – The paper finds that SM optimization offers a significant speed‐up of the optimization procedures for the design of electromechanical actuators. Its true potential in the area of magnetic systems and actuator design is still rather unexplored.Originality/value – This overview is complementary to ...