Various industries are increasingly requiring much more precise measurement of load and force within their actuator systems. This can be accomplished using a strain gauge based load cell method of force measurement creating a Smart Linear Actuator. Placement of strain gauge based load cells either externally or internally within the actuator can provide precise force measurements within an accuracy of under +/- 1%. Rugged load cells can measure the force an actuator applies within the system or an external force acting upon the system. Various load cell outputs of mv/V, 4-20mA, 0-5VDC, J1939 CANbus, etc. send a signal that then allows the increase of power to the electric actuator servo motor or the hydraulic valve to properly adjust to the required level of force.