Associated Doctoral Researcher
Research Area C
Faculty of Engineering | Department of Microsystems Engineering University of Freiburg
Email: yizheng.liu@imtek.uni-freiburg.de
Energy-Free Micro-Latching Mechanisms for Bidirectional SMA Actuators Shape memory alloy (SMA) microactuators are powerful components for miniaturized systems due to their high energy density and compact design. However, maintaining their actuated states typically requires continuous energy input, which limits efficiency and long-term stability. Inspired by concepts from origami mechanics and material-based locking, this project aims to develop reversible, energy-free micro-latching mechanisms that can mechanically secure SMA microactuators without sustained power consumption. By integrating smart polymer materials and microscale engineering, the work enables programmable and adaptive mechanical behavior in microactuator systems. This approach lays the foundation for energy-efficient, autonomous microsystems capable of complex motion control, with potential applications in soft robotics, biomedical devices, and responsive microstructures.
Prof. Dr. Jürgen Rühe