Aspects of the disclosure are directed to weighing apparatuses, autonomous materials synthesis systems and methods, as well as their implementation. As may be implemented in accordance with one or more embodiments, a galvanic actuator includes a disk disposed between magnetic poles, and a coil coupled to the disk. A weighing arm is coupled to the disk and includes first and second ends respectively extending away from the disk in opposing directions, the first end having a pan to hold material, the second end having a counterweight. A controller circuit applies voltage to the magnetic poles to generate a magnetic field that applies torque to the disk, countering torque applied to the disk via the material in the pan. Processing circuitry generates an output indicative of weight of the material, based on the voltage applied by the controller circuit for countering the torque.

Aspects of the disclosure are directed to weighing apparatuses, autonomous materials synthesis systems and methods, as well as their implementation. As may be implemented in accordance with one or more embodiments, a galvanic actuator includes a disk disposed between magnetic poles, and a coil coupled to the disk. A weighing arm is coupled to the disk and includes first and second ends respectively extending away from the disk in opposing directions, the first end having a pan to hold material, the second end having a counterweight. A controller circuit applies voltage to the magnetic poles to generate a magnetic field that applies torque to the disk, countering torque applied to the disk via the material in the pan. Processing circuitry generates an output indicative of weight of the material, based on the voltage applied by the controller circuit for countering the torque.