Actuator assemblies

A method of controlling an actuator assembly, the actuator assembly having:

• a support element;
• a movable element movable relative to the support element;
• a shape memory alloy (SMA) component connected between the movable element and the support element and arranged to cause movement of the movable element relative to the support element;
• and
• a bearing arranged to guide the movement of the movable element,
• wherein the method includes the steps of:
• supplying energy to the actuator assembly to control movement of the movable element relative to the support element in a first direction so as to provide an actuation function;
• and,
• at least whilst the movable element starts to move in the first direction, driving the movable element such that it is moving in a second direction orthogonal to the first direction.

An actuator assembly having:

• a support element;
• a movable element movable relative to the support element;
• a shape memory alloy (SMA) component connected between the movable element and the support element and arranged to cause movement of the movable element relative to the support element on contraction and/or relaxation of the SMA component;
• and
• a bearing arranged to guide the movement of the movable element,
• wherein the bearing includes two contact surfaces which are arranged to slide relative to each other when the movable element moves, and the bearing is configured such that its coefficient of static friction is substantially equal to its coefficient of dynamic friction.