Which component converts electrical signals into mechanical motion in robots?
- Sensor
- Actuator
- Controller
- Processor
Answer: Actuator
Actuators (motors, hydraulic/pneumatic cylinders, piezoelectric devices) convert control signals into physical movement. Types: electric (precise, clean), hydraulic (high force), pneumatic (fast, simple). Critical for robot mobility, manipulation, and interaction. Sensors provide feedback; controllers compute actions; processors run algorithms.