9 Feb 2024
Cambridge Mechatronics reaches milestone of 700 patents
Cambridge Mechatronics Ltd (CML), world leaders in the development of Shape Memory Alloy (SMA) actuators and control technology, has reached the milestone of 700 patents pending or granted worldwide.
CML continues to innovate on its core camera technology platforms of SMA autofocus (AF) and SMA optical image stabilisation (OIS). SMA actuators based on CML’s designs are regularly adopted in the world’s leading smartphone cameras. Indeed, cameras enabled by CML’s SMA AF and OIS technology regularly feature at the top of the DxOMark rankings, an independent authority. To date, CML’s licensees have shipped under license in over 70 million devices.
CML’s filings continue to focus on solutions for XR headsets and in SMA haptics, with applications in smartphones, wearables and games controllers. New families of innovation include novel camera capabilities, such as SMA module tilt OIS and continuous variable aperture. These are expected to form part of the next generation of designs for mobile products. In addition, CML is developing IP in new markets, such as for medical applications, where miniature SMA pumps and valves can be used for high precision fluidics control.
CML’s high quality IP portfolio includes over 200 patent families, and includes IP covering mechanical, optical, electrical, algorithm and silicon design. In the 2023 UK Patent Office report, CML maintained a top 50 position for patent applications for the 4th year running and a first entry in the top 50 for patents granted.
Reaching 700 patents pending and granted is a significant milestone for the company. Our talented teams continue to innovate in fundamental technology IP and also in product solutions for new markets. We are proud to consistently feature in the UK’s top 50 patent applicants demonstrating our commitment to our customers and licensees by continuing to grow our IP portfolio.”
- David Taylor, Director of IP
SMA’s core advantages of precision motion with high force, low power and compact form factor are as applicable to smartphone cameras, as they are to AR/VR camera devices and precision fluidics. CML develops not only the mechanical actuator design but also provides control algorithms on dedicated SMA controller chips – a full system solution.
To learn more about SMA actuator technology and CML’s recent developments, please view our product page or GET IN CONTACT.