What is the primary role of the Animator component in Unity?

The primary role of the Animator component in Unity is to control animations and transitions between animation states. It is specifically designed to handle the complex behaviors of animated characters and objects, allowing developers to create fluid and realistic movement through various animation clips. The Animator component facilitates the management of state machines, which dictate how animations transition based on defined parameters, such as speed or user inputs.

By using the Animator, developers can blend different animations together and create seamless transitions that make characters or objects appear more lifelike. This includes handling various animation states, such as idle, walking, running, jumping, and more. In addition, the Animator can utilize features such as blend trees, which allow for complex motion transitions based on multiple input factors, enhancing the overall animation experience in games.