An on-demand air dam that deploys without mechanical assistance is just one example of an on-vehicle technology being put in motion through the use of a smart material.

Temperature, stress, or a magnetic field can make a smart material change its shape, strength, and/or stiffness. That means a smart material can move without needing a motor or hydraulics.

Shape memory alloys and polymers currently commercially available include NiTi (nickel titanium) and CuAlZn (copper aluminum zinc).