An actuator is a mechanism for turning energy into motion.Actuators can be categorized by the energy source they require to generate motion. For example:
- Pneumatic actuators use compressed air to generate motion.
- Hydrolic actuators use liquid to generate motion.
- Electric actuators use an external power source, such as a battery, to generate motion.
- Thermal actuators use a heat source to generate motion.
The data that is generated by sensors and actuators are expected to play an important part in the Internet of Things (IoT).
In our setup we used a Philips Hue smart bulb as an actuator. The posts related to the Philips Hue can be found below –