An energy absorbing assembly includes a covering; and a shape memory material
in operative communication with the covering, wherein the shape memory material
has a first shape attached to an underside of the covering and is operative to
change to a second shape in response to an activation signal. The second shape
of the shape memory material can cause the covering to expand or expand and detach
from a surrounding surface medium. The energy absorbing assembly is used to absorb
kinetic energy of an object impacting the assembly. Methods of operating the assembly
are also disclosed.
