An Information Indicator Based on Two Way Shape Memory Alloys

We are going to present a prototype of information indicator based on two way Shape Memory Alloys SMAs. Two way SMAs are smart materials that can be deformed when current (1-3As) is applied to them. When current is cut off, they will return to their original shapes. Different information will be delivered by this cubic information indicator to the users and notify them about certain events by changing its shape. A 3D printer was used to design and print out a two-inch cubic information indicator with five holes. Five SMAs are imbedded into five holes respectively covered by 1mm thick layers of Polydimethylsiloxane for comfortable touching. A portable power supply, a sensor, a microcontroller and a control circuit are integrated with the cubic. With this information indicator, users can be notified through either vision or haptic interface (force feedback) at times when audio or video interaction is not available.