Shape memory actuators with inherent self guiding function

The down scalability of conventional actuators is limited by their physical working principles. This applies especially for micro actuators resulting in a massive disproportion between Workspace and cross section. These scaling effects don’t apply to Shape Memory Alloys (SMA) resulting in an out-standing potential for micro actuator design. However, like conventional actuators SMA based actuators usually require guidance which negatively affect their cross section, mass and complexity.