Which components in a CPS node carry out actions based on processed data?

In a Cyber-Physical System (CPS) node, actuators are the components responsible for carrying out actions based on the processed data. After data has been collected by sensors and processed by controllers, the actuators receive instructions to effect physical changes in the environment. This could involve initiating movement, regulating temperature, or controlling another physical aspect of the system.

Actuators play a crucial role in the feedback loop of a CPS, where they translate the decisions made by controllers into tangible actions. For instance, if a temperature controller determines that a heating element needs to be activated to maintain a desired temperature, it sends a command to the actuator, which then engages the heating element.

In contrast, sensors are designed to collect data and monitor conditions but do not execute actions themselves. CPS nodes here refer to the overall system architecture, while controllers are involved in decision-making and processing data. However, it is the actuators that convert those decisions into real-world actions, making them essential for implementing system commands effectively.