Shape Memory Alloys

Researchers from Germany's Fraunhofer Institute for Machine Tools and Forming Technology have created a light-blocking facade for plate glass windows that only kicks in when exposed to strong sunlight ... and it's powered by that sunlight, too.

Engineers from Germany's Saarland University have taken a unique approach with their prototype artificial hand. It moves its fingers via shape-memory nickel-titanium alloy wires, bundled together to perform intricate tasks by working like natural muscle fibers.

UK researchers have created an artificial beating heart to pump human pee to power small robots. The goal is to create a self-sufficient robot that can feed on all manner of waste from its environment, even human urine, to do its job, without needing maintenance or an external battery recharge.

Chevy has revealed its intentions to incorporate heat-activated "smart materials" into the 2014 Corvette.

Researchers have created a robot that mimics the motion of a jellyfish and draws energy from the water in which it swims.