Morphing fabrics from elastic and wire

We have developed soft actuators called “Strained Elastic Membranes with Adjustable Modulus Edges” (SESAMEs). These fabric-based modules are made by stretching spandex fabric on a frame and installing shape memory wire borders using machine embroidery. When released from the frame, the SESAMEs take on a saddle shape that lets the wire bend a little and …