The invention consists of a novel system and method for controlling an actuator, such as a linear actuator, used to control motion of an object, such as a tensile specimen or other component. The invention comprises applying a controllable smart material to an actuator, wherein the controllable smart material varies the resistance to the actuator motion; deforming or moving the object; sensing the objects current state; recording an associated data set comprising a plurality of parameters related to the objects state; comparing the current state of the object to the target state of the object; and altering the resistance to the actuator by deforming the smart material until the target state is reached.