Abstract: An electromagnetic actuator having a sensor for sensing an amount of applied force is provided. The actuator maintains an adjustable force by adjusting a current in its coils. the actuator includes an armature and a stator. The stator has a U-shaped back iron, which has a first end portion with a first coil and which has a second end portion with a second coil. The coils form a magnetic flux path from the armature through the back iron and back to the armature. There is a flux density between the armature and each polar enlargement of the back iron. A first sensor unit is mounted on the first pole face, and a second sensor unit is mounted on the second pole face of the back iron, for sensing the flux densities. The first sensor includes a first Hall generator subassembly having a first input for receiving a reference voltage and having a first output for providing an output voltage.