Business Details
World-Leading SMA Actuator Technology for Precision Motion Control
Cambridge Mechatronics has established itself as a global leader in precision motion solutions through its patented Shape Memory Alloy (SMA) platform technology. Our multidisciplinary team combines expertise in mechanical, optical, electrical, software, and control engineering to deliver innovative actuator systems for consumer electronics, medical devices, and extended reality applications. With over two decades of experience, we have developed world-class designs that enable compact, lightweight, and high-precision systems, serving major international corporations and their supply chains. Our solutions, including SMA Lens Shift AF+OIS, Sensor Shift OIS, and Module Tilt OIS, have been integrated into tens of millions of consumer devices worldwide. We maintain a strong commitment to technical excellence, demonstrated through our proprietary CM824 driver IC and firmware, which optimize actuator performance while reducing system complexity.Our global presence, with offices in Cambridge, San Francisco, Copenhagen, Seoul, and Shanghai, ensures comprehensive support for customers across diverse markets. By eliminating electromagnetic interference and pioneering energy-efficient designs, we address critical challenges in modern device engineering. Our patented technologies have consistently achieved top camera quality scores in independent testing, reflecting our dedication to advancing motion control solutions. Through strategic partnerships and a vertically integrated supply chain, we deliver scalable, cost-effective innovations that meet evolving industry demands. Our focus on continuous improvement and customer collaboration positions us at the forefront of next-generation actuator technology development.
Services
SMA Actuators
Optical Image Stabilisation
Autofocus Systems
Sensor Shift OIS
Lens Shift AF+OIS
Module Tilt OIS
Variable Aperture
CM824 Driver IC
Extended Reality Applications
Medical Device Actuators
Highlights and features
- We have 20+ years of experience in SMA actuator development
- We offer patented Shape Memory Alloy technology solutions
- Our multidisciplinary team combines mechanical, electronic, and software expertise
- We provide global support with local teams in key technology hubs
- Our solutions power 50+ million consumer devices annually
Services
SMA Actuators
Our SMA actuators use nickel-titanium alloy technology to deliver precision motion control at microscopic scales. These compact, lightweight systems achieve sub-micron accuracy through thermal activation of ultra-thin wires, enabling revolutionary design possibilities in consumer electronics and medical devices. The technology's electromagnetic interference-free operation allows closer component integration in modern devices.
Lens Shift AF+OIS
This integrated system combines autofocus and optical image stabilisation in a single actuator. Using 8-wire SMA technology, it provides six-axis motion control for smartphone cameras while reducing component count by 37% compared to traditional systems. The solution enables faster focusing speeds and improved image quality under motion conditions.
Sensor Shift OIS
Our 3-axis stabilisation system moves the image sensor rather than the lens, enabling 5-axis shake compensation. The 4-wire SMA design achieves 25-35% smaller footprint than conventional solutions while supporting larger sensor formats and hybrid glass lenses in modern smartphone cameras.
Module Tilt OIS
This micro-gimbal system stabilises the entire camera module, achieving uniform shake correction across the entire image sensor. The SMA-based design provides >3 tilt compensation with 25% smaller footprint than VCM solutions, eliminating the need for resolution-reducing electronic stabilisation software.
CM824 Driver IC
Our dedicated driver IC optimises SMA actuator performance with 8-channel control and proprietary firmware. This 1.2V-compatible chip reduces system power consumption while enabling advanced features like zero-hold power operation and automated tuning for faster manufacturing throughput in camera module production.
Questions
What is Shape Memory Alloy technology?
SMA (Shape Memory Alloy) is a nickel-titanium material that returns to its original shape when heated. In our actuators, this property enables precise motion control at microscopic scales using ultra-thin wires.
How do your actuators improve smartphone cameras?
Our SMA-based systems provide superior optical image stabilisation and autofocus capabilities in smaller form factors, enabling thinner devices with better low-light performance and cinematic video quality.
What industries use your technology?
Our solutions power consumer electronics (smartphones, AR/VR headsets), medical devices (patch pumps), and industrial applications requiring precision motion control in compact spaces.
How does Module Tilt OIS differ from traditional stabilisation?
Unlike lens-based systems, Module Tilt OIS moves the entire camera module like a gimbal, achieving uniform shake correction across the entire sensor with >3° tilt capacity.
What support do you offer manufacturers?
We provide complete system integration support including driver ICs, firmware, and on-site technical assistance through our global offices in Cambridge, San Francisco, and Shanghai.
