‘Smart Surface’: Massively Parallel Actuator Array Controlled by Non-Linear Medium.

Fig.1. Modular structure of the ‘Smart Surface’ system. View from the top.

The ’Smart Surface’ will have a modular structure, with its control units arranged in a regular, locally connected network. All micro-actuators, sensors and elements of the surface will work in parallel, which allow actuator transport , filter, orient and position several objects at a time, independently.

 

Fig.2. Assumed layers of the ‘Smart Surface’ system. Cross-section.

The prototype device consists of actuating, governing and hardware layers. Actuating layer interacts with an external object and controlled by a Non-Linear media in the governing layer. The hardware layer contains equipment linking governing and actuating layers.