The primary focus of the Smart Device Technology Innovation thrust area is to invent new smart material based device technologies that push the frontier of capabilities. While it is foreseen that most of these technologies will be initiated by specific automotive applications, the CRL seeks to develop a robust technology base rather than “gadgets”. It is expected that by utilizing smart materials, substantial advances can be made leading to disruptive, leap-frog type technologies versus incremental steps beyond conventional technologies within the market place. These technologies may be devices, systems or necessary architectural elements (such as packaging, connection, and control algorithms). By developing new technologies versus specific artifacts/devices, these technologies will have broad application across many vehicle components/systems and relevance to many other industries such as appliance, oil, military, aerospace and medical.