Provided is a soft actuator. The soft actuator includes a first support body, a second support body spaced apart from the first support body in a first direction, a yarn structure having one end coupled to the first support body and the other end coupled to the second support body, and a light source part spaced apart from the yarn structure in a second direction crossing the first direction. The yarn structure includes a polymer layer having a coil spring shape extending in the first direction and a light absorption layer configured to surround an outer surface of the polymer layer.

Provided is a soft actuator. The soft actuator includes a first support body, a second support body spaced apart from the first support body in a first direction, a yarn structure having one end coupled to the first support body and the other end coupled to the second support body, and a light source part spaced apart from the yarn structure in a second direction crossing the first direction. The yarn structure includes a polymer layer having a coil spring shape extending in the first direction and a light absorption layer configured to surround an outer surface of the polymer layer.

A microrobot is disclosed. The microrobot includes a magnet configured to provide a motive force when magnetic force of one or more electrical coils act upon the magnet, a support member coupled to the magnet, a thermo-responsive polymer member coupled to each end of the support member at a proximal end, the thermo-responsive polymer member configured to articulate when heated, wherein the thermo-responsive polymer members configured to receive light from a microrobot structured light system and convert the received light into heat.

A microrobot is disclosed. The microrobot includes a magnet configured to provide a motive force when magnetic force of one or more electrical coils act upon the magnet, a support member coupled to the magnet, a thermo-responsive polymer member coupled to each end of the support member at a proximal end, the thermo-responsive polymer member configured to articulate when heated, wherein the thermo-responsive polymer members configured to receive light from a microrobot structured light system and convert the received light into heat.

Actuators (artificial muscles) comprising twisted polymer fibers generate tensile actuation when powered thermally. In some embodiments, the thermally-powered polymer fiber tensile actuator can be incorporated into an article, such as a textile or garment.

Actuators (artificial muscles) comprising twisted polymer fibers generate tensile actuation when powered thermally. In some embodiments, the thermally-powered polymer fiber tensile actuator can be incorporated into an article, such as a textile or garment.

A vehicle headrest assembly includes a latch mechanism moveable between an engaged position and a release position. The vehicle headrest assembly also includes a shape memory alloy (SMA) release assembly operatively coupled to the latch mechanism to selectively move the latch mechanism from the engaged position to the release position. The SMA release assembly includes an actuator base including a pair of tracks defining a slot, the actuator base including a plurality of retaining tabs. The SMA release assembly also includes a printed circuit board (PCB) retained directly to the actuator base and disposed adjacent the plurality of retaining tabs. The SMA release assembly further includes a slide disposed within the slot and retained to the actuator base with the pair of tracks. The slide is moveable to contact and bias the latch mechanism to the release position upon energization and contraction of a SMA wire.

A vehicle headrest assembly includes a latch mechanism moveable between an engaged position and a release position. The vehicle headrest assembly also includes a shape memory alloy (SMA) release assembly operatively coupled to the latch mechanism to selectively move the latch mechanism from the engaged position to the release position. The SMA release assembly includes an actuator base including a pair of tracks defining a slot, the actuator base including a plurality of retaining tabs. The SMA release assembly also includes a printed circuit board (PCB) retained directly to the actuator base and disposed adjacent the plurality of retaining tabs. The SMA release assembly further includes a slide disposed within the slot and retained to the actuator base with the pair of tracks. The slide is moveable to contact and bias the latch mechanism to the release position upon energization and contraction of a SMA wire.

SMA actuators and related methods are described. One embodiment of an actuator includes a base; a plurality of buckle arms; and at least a first shape memory alloy wire coupled with a pair of buckle arms of the plurality of buckle arms. Another embodiment of an actuator includes a base and at least one bimorph actuator including a shape memory alloy material. The bimorph actuator attached to the base.

SMA actuators and related methods are described. One embodiment of an actuator includes a base; a plurality of buckle arms; and at least a first shape memory alloy wire coupled with a pair of buckle arms of the plurality of buckle arms. Another embodiment of an actuator includes a base and at least one bimorph actuator including a shape memory alloy material. The bimorph actuator attached to the base.