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The active control of vibrations has been used in a wide array of different applications, including helicopter blades, prosthetic limbs and in telescopes and manufacturing.

In a project in France, the concepts of smart materials and vibration control were adapted and applied to improve speeds in downhill skiing. An Amplified Piezo Actuator (APA) based mechanism was mounted to the skis, creating a bending moment in opposition to the vibration measured at the tip of the ski by an accelerometer. Tests showed that vibrations were reduced by 30dB, and skiers reported vast improvements in comfort and performance.

The breadth of use of motion control technology really is wide-ranging!