Study for the Internet of Things (IOT102) Test. Access comprehensive flashcards and multiple choice questions, each with hints and explanations. Get prepared for your exam!

Multiple Choice

What is the role of an actuator in an IoT system?

Actuators in an IoT system turn electrical commands into physical action. They are the parts that actually affect the real world, such as opening or closing a valve, starting or stopping a motor, or moving a relay. In a typical IoT flow, sensors gather environmental data, a controller or cloud service processes that data and makes a decision, and the actuator executes that decision by moving or adjusting a physical device. This ability to directly influence hardware distinguishes actuators from sensors (which only measure) and from cloud or networking functions (which handle data or routing rather than physical changes).

Actuators in an IoT system turn electrical commands into physical action. They are the parts that actually affect the real world, such as opening or closing a valve, starting or stopping a motor, or moving a relay. In a typical IoT flow, sensors gather environmental data, a controller or cloud service processes that data and makes a decision, and the actuator executes that decision by moving or adjusting a physical device. This ability to directly influence hardware distinguishes actuators from sensors (which only measure) and from cloud or networking functions (which handle data or routing rather than physical changes).