what are actuators

An actuator is a device that receives an energy input and converts it into motion or force, producing physical movements by converting energy, often electrical, air, or hydraulic, into mechanical force. Actuators are present in almost every machine around us, from simple electronic access control systems, household appliances, and vehicles to industrial devices and robots. They come in many different forms and types, each with unique capabilities and use, such as electric, pneumatic, hydraulic, and mechanical actuators. Electric linear actuators produce linear motion, while rotary actuators produce rotary motion. Mechanical actuators use physical mechanisms such as levers, gears, or cams to generate motion. Actuators are frequently used as mechanisms to introduce motion or to clamp an object so as to execute movement by converting one kind of motion, such as rotary motion, into another kind, such as linear motion.