Memory Metal Motors go Mainstream
One of the first large-scale implementations of Nanomuscle's SMA actuators is Ojarumaru Man, a plastic action figure with voice and moving hands that is currently being sold in Japanese McDonald's (what no free happy meal toy anymore?)
The actuators were chosen for their super-silent operation, high torque to weight ratio, and cost effectiveness. This is one of the first instances of super-cheap ( i.e. promotional) toy application of the muscle wire. Another recent toy that used the technology was Radica's Twinkleberries. Hopefully, increased volume of demand will encourage a little competition, and drive the cost of the actuators down where we can use them for anything we want :)
