Surface morphing technology using an interconnected network of circular compliant actuators

An actuator comprising:

• a circular sidewall having an inner surface, a first edge and a second edge;
• and
• a plurality of radial members extending from a hub of the actuator to the inner surface of the circular sidewall, wherein application of a force to an inner end of each radial member at the hub causes an outer end of the radial member to displace the second edge of the circular sidewall to a greater extent than the first edge of the circular sidewall.

A method comprising:

• determining a target curvature of an actuator, wherein the actuator includes a circular sidewall having an inner surface, a first edge and a second edge, and a plurality of radial members extending from a hub of the actuator to the inner surface of the circular sidewall, and wherein the circular sidewall and the plurality of radial members are compliant;
• and
• applying a force to an inner end of each radial member at the hub based on the target curvature of the actuator, wherein application of the force to the inner end of each radial member at the hub causes an outer end of the radial member to displace the second edge of the circular sidewall to a greater extent than the first edge of the circular sidewall.