How do you turn on and off an ultra-small component in
advanced technologies? You need an actuator, a device that
transmits an input such as electricity into physical motion.
However, actuators in small-scale technologies to date have
critical limitations. For example, if it’s difficult to integrate
the actuator into semiconductor electronics, real-world
applications of the technology will be limited. An actuator design
that operates quickly, has precise on/off control, and is
compatible with modern electronics would be immensely
useful.