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

An actuator plays a crucial role in an Internet of Things (IoT) system by converting electrical signals into physical actions. This functionality allows the actuator to perform tasks such as moving a robotic arm, adjusting a thermostat, or controlling a valve. Essentially, it serves as the interface between the digital commands from IoT devices and the physical world.

For instance, when a sensor detects a change in the environment (like temperature or humidity), it sends a signal to the actuator. The actuator then performs a physical action based on that signal, such as turning on a fan or opening a window to regulate the indoor climate. This transformation of electrical impulses into tangible movements is fundamental for the automation capabilities of IoT systems, enabling them to interact with and effect changes in their environments.

In contrast, options that suggest functions such as gathering data, processing data for storage, or transmitting information wirelessly describe different components of an IoT system, such as sensors for data collection or communication modules for wireless transmission. Thus, their functions are distinct from that of the actuator, reinforcing that the actuator’s primary role is about converting signals into actions, making option B the correct answer.