Thermally activated shape memory alloy (SMA) actuators are direct-driven and produce high power density with design versatility. However, beyond their linear actuation in spring forms there is little variety and their application in robotics is limited by the challenging characterization of the actuator. In this paper we introduce a novel low-profile torsional SMA actuator design, and its compr...

Surgeons performing endovascular interventions have high expectations with regard to the 15 improvement of their operating tools and, more specifically, of their catheters. Active catheters, in which the tip moves actively using shape memory alloy (SMA) actuators, constitute a promising approach. In this article, we review existing SMA-based active catheters present in the literature. We analyz...

This paper introduces a robotic technology-based supporting device, the robot mask, to enhance facial expressiveness and support physiotherapy for facial paralysed persons. The wearable device, which consists of shape memory alloy (SMA)-based linear actuators, functions by pulling the facial skin towards anatomically selected directions. Since facial expressions are silent, SMA was selected ove...

This paper presents low-profile torsional actuators applicable for mesoscale and microscale robots. The primary actuator material is thermally activated Ni–Ti shape memory alloy (SMA), which exhibits remarkably high torque density. Despite the advantages of SMAs for actuator applications—high strain, silent operation, and mechanical simplicity—the response time and energy efficiency limit overa...

in this paper the response of cantilevered reinforced concrete (rc) beams with smart rebars under static lateral loading has been numerically studied, using finite element method. the material used in this study is superelasticshape memory alloys (se smas) which contains nickel and titanium elements. the se sma is a unique alloy that has the ability to undergo large deformations and return to t...

Intelligent, autonomous, shape-controllable structures based on Shape Memory Alloy materials have the potential to provide advanced aircraft and spacecraft systems with the ability to morph, or change their shape for the purpose of optimizing performance. An important aspect of this capability is control of the shape modifications themselves, which benefits from accurate models of the voltage/c...

In the cochlear implant system, the distance between spiral ganglia and the electrodes within the volume of the scala tympani cavity significantly affects the efficiency of the electrical stimulation in terms of the threshold current level and spatial selectivity. Because the spiral ganglia are situated inside the modiolus, the central axis of the cochlea, it is desirable that the electrode arr...

Intelligent and adaptive material systems and structures have become very important in engineering applications. The basic characteristic of these systems is the ability to adapt to the environmental conditions. A new class of materials with promising applications in structural and mechanical systems is shape memory alloy (SMA). The mechanical behavior of shape memory alloys in particular shows...