In an embodiment, an actuator includes a plurality of stator windings adapted to produce a first stator magnetic field that translates along a stator axis, and to produce a second stator magnetic field that rotates around the stator axis. In addition, the actuator includes a rotor, coupled to a shaft, and positioned within a central stator channel. The rotor is adapted to produce a first rotor magnetic field that translates along a shaft axis and to produce a second rotor magnetic field that rotates around the shaft axis. An actuator system includes an actuator and an actuator controller unit, which is adapted to produce actuator inputs. An embodiment of a method for controlling the actuator includes providing actuator inputs to produce a translating magnetic field in the stator, a translating magnetic field in the rotor, a rotating magnetic field in the stator, and a rotating magnetic field in the rotor.