There is disclosed an electromagnetic actuator which is provided with an electromagnet and a movable core which can be attracted by the electromagnet. The electromagnet is formed by a small plate having on its front surface facing the core a plurality of grooves in which are housed respective substantially rectilinear conductor elements. The conductor elements are electrically connected together in such a way as to define on the surface a plurality of elementary magnets disposed alongside one another and having alternately opposite polarity.