= Actuator
An <actuator> turns supplied <energy> and a control input into a mechanical action, such as a displacement, <force> or <torque>. An <electric motor> produces rotation; a hydraulic cylinder converts fluid <pressure> into a linear push. The <sensor> reports a system's state, while the <actuator> changes it.
In an ideal cylinder with piston area $A$ and pressure difference $\Delta p$, $F=A\Delta p$. Moving at speed $v$ requires volume flow $Q=Av$, so mechanical <power> $Fv$ equals hydraulic <power> $\Delta pQ$ before losses. This relation shows why force capacity, speed and supply power must be considered together. In a controlled mechanism, actuator saturation and response time constrain achievable <feedback control>.
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