Smart materials as sensors or actuators for machine elements amd robotics.

In practically every machine there are standardized machine elements such as screws, bearings, gears, drive shafts or couplings. In order to realize or implement active functionalities within the machine elements and to monitor mechanical or non-mechanical characteristics, it is desirable to integrate (i) sensor systems for a large variety of measurement tasks (e.g. speed, torque, acceleration, temperature, elongation, lubricant film thickness, lubricant condition) or (ii) actuators for active control into these machine elements. These sensors or actuators can be based on active materials such as shape-memory alloys, piezo ceramics or electroactive polymers.
In the present mini symposium, both experimental and theoretical/numerical research dealing with smart materials or sensors/actuators for machine elements and robotics are welcome. Especially new material approaches, as well as new sensory or actuator concepts, as well as their structural integration, are appreciated.
Also, conceptual studies or control theories, as well as statements on the functional reliability of the concepts and methods, can be part of this MS.