An electromechanical strut is provided for moving a pivotal closure member between an open position and a closed position relative to a motor vehicle body. The electromechanical strut includes a drive mechanism having a motor-gearbox assembly and a flex coupling assembly that are operable to drive a rotatable power screw. The drive mechanism is operable to convert rotary motion of the power screw into linear motion of an extensible member to move the extensible member between a retracted position corresponding to the closed position of the closure member and an extended position corresponding to the open position of the closure member. The motor-gearbox assembly includes a motor and a planetary geartrain that is driven by the motor. The planetary geartrain includes an output component driven at a reduced speed relative to the motor speed and which has a drum segment. The flex coupling assembly is operably disposed in a radial orientation between the drum segment and the power screw.

A device for assisting the opening and closing of a door in a structure. The device may comprise: a door shaft configured to rotate about a longitudinal axis thereof in both a first direction and in a second opposite direction, and configured to be mounted to the structure to form a hinge about which the door may rotate in the both the first and second directions relative to the structure; a first actuator linked to the door shaft and configured to control a speed of rotation of the door shaft in the first direction; and a second actuator linked to the door shaft and configured to drive rotation of the door shaft in the second direction. The second actuator is an electromechanical actuator.