Controlling SMA Actuators with Arduino. Magnetic Origami Cubes

[binarybat2020]

So this is going to be a little vague but it’s a pretty cool project so I’d appreciate any help or feedback I can get.

So basically I’m trying to make origami paper cubes that have magnets attached to each of its inner walls, and the Arduino will apply a current to the magnet which will change the strength of the magnet and cause the cube to either collapse or expand. This is the closest that I found to what I’m trying to do. However in this video instead of running a current through electromagnets, they have small regular magnets attached the walls with SMA (Shape Memory Alloy) Actuators. A current is applied to the actuators which heat them up and cause them to bend which then folds the paper. Once the 2 sheets of paper are within close proximity to each other the magnets attract each other and close the paper cube shut. Here is a general overview of how it works and how they were developed.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4cti_npMzrI

https://www.semanticscholar.org/paper/Morphing-Origami-Block-for-Lightweight-System-Kim-Lee/b80a846034365c5446c7c1a48bb5e5ca89b6d051

I would like to replicate this experiment as close as I possibly can. My problem is that I don’t know where to get the parts. Having the specific components can be crucial to the outcome of the project. The material of the cubes as well as the type and weight of the magnets and actuators will all factor into the results. The paper which I linked provides a general overview but doesn’t have specific tutorials so I’ll have to experiment a little bit. I think having a good place to start with some hands on experimentation would be the best thing as a lot of the data will need to be found empirically. Does anybody have an idea for a parts list? What specific type of SMA Actuators would work best? If you know of any parts or have ideas for how to construct it plz feel free to comment below. Appreciate it. Thx

[Paul_KD7HB]

I don't know any answers, but do you have an unlimited budget for experimentation? And what does any of this have relation to an Arduino?

[binarybat2020]

Well the algorithms for the various types of formations I will form between the cubes will be controlled by arduino. The arduino will apply the current to the actuators. Typically people that use arduino are familiar with tons of different hardware components like sensors, motors, ICs, and a host of other electronics. As for the budget, its not nanotech it's magnets paper how expensive can it be?

[Paul_KD7HB]

@binarybat2020

The arduino will apply the current to the actuators.

Your Arduino may control something that applies the current, but, in itself cannot supply more than a few milliampers. An Arduino is not a power supply.
But since you do not know what components to use you will need to do a lot of experimentation and that costs money.

[jremington]

You will need to make the shape memory alloy, as described in the paper associated with your other post on this same topic.