An electromagnetic actuator having a body and an electric motor driving at least one motion transmission element connected to the body via a brake device, a magnetic torque limiter, and a unidirectional transmission member, the brake device including an electrical activator member so that when the activator member is powered, the unidirectional transmission member is released relative to the body. When the activator member is not powered, the unidirectional transmission member is secured to the body and opposes pivoting of the transmission element in one direction of rotation up to a maximum transmissible torque defined by the magnetic torque limiter.