An actuator (100) powered by photonic energy comprises a rotor including a material (101) which deforms from a first underformed state when exposed to electromagnetic radiation to a second deformed state and begins to return to the first state when the electromagnetic radiation is removed. A stationary element (102) is affixed to the rotor. A moving element (105) engaging the stator at least when the rotor is in the second deformed state. Deformation of the deformable material in response to applied electromagnetic radiation is transmitted by the stator to the moving element by friction between the stationary element and the moving element for causing motion of the moving element.

An actuator powered by photonic energy comprises a rotor including a material which deforms from a first undeformed state when exposed to electromagnetic radiation to a second deformed state and begins to return to the first state when the electromagnetic radiation is removed. A stationary element is affixed to the rotor. A moving element engaging the stator at least when the rotor is in the second deformed state. Deformation of the deformable material in response to applied electromagnetic radiation is transmitted by the stator to the moving element by friction between the stationary element and the moving element for causing motion of the moving element.

A device and a method are described in which a flow detection service is provided. The service may include use of a piezoelectric flexural element. The piezoelectric flexural element may be disposed in an inlet, an outlet, or a passageway via which a resource may flow. The piezoelectric flexural element may output a signal responsive to a transition from a zero-flow rate to a greater than zero flow rate of the resource traversing the inlet, the passageway, and the outlet. The flow detection service may be implemented in a meter. The flow detection service may enable significant reduction of battery usage and at a low cost.