Kinitics Automation to Highlight Methane Reduction and Material Standardization at SMST 2026
VANCOUVER, BC, April 16, 2026 – Kinitics Automation is proud to announce its continued participation in the International Conference on Shape Memory and Superelastic Technologies (SMST) 2026.
Taking place from May 4-8, 2026, at the Hilton La Jolla Torrey Pines in La Jolla, California, this premier event brings together the world’s leading experts in smart materials. Kinitics has a long and active history with the SMST conference, and we are pleased to once again contribute to the technical discourse that drives our industry forward.
Kinitics’ involvement has spanned multiple years and includes thought leadership contributions that range from technical papers on novel aerospace actuators at SMST 2024 in Cascais, Portugal to participating in expert panels on the future of SMA technology at SMST 2022 in Carlsbad, California.
Our President, Dean Pick, has also led sessions at past SMST Entrepreneurial Workshops, sharing critical design methodologies with the next generation of innovators. This year, we continue that tradition of leadership with two key presentations that address both the application and the future of shape memory alloys.
Presentation: Advancing a Global Standard for SMA Actuation
The first session, “A Specification for Wrought NiTi-based SMA for Actuation,” on Tuesday, May 5, 2026 Dean will focus on the foundational work required to ensure the continued growth and adoption of SMA technology. As the technical contact for the ASTM draft specification and and leader of the Design Working Group within the Consortium for the Advancement of Shape Memory Alloy Research and Technology (CASMART), Dean will outline the roadmap for standardizing the materials used in industrial actuators.
This session will also detail the critical need for a unified specification covering material properties, testing methods, and performance metrics. Establishing these standards is crucial for guaranteeing the consistency and reliability of SMA components, which will in turn accelerate their integration into mission-critical applications across the aerospace and industrial automation sectors.
Presentation: Applying SMA Technology for Methane Emissions Reduction
The second session titled “Application of a SMA Actuator to Reduce Methane Emissions from the Energy Sector,” on Thursday, May 7, 2026, Dean will present a detailed overview of the Kinitics KVA38 valve actuator and explain its role in decarbonizing the natural gas industry. This presentation will showcase how Kinitics’ SMA-powered actuators are engineered to directly replace methane-venting pneumatic controllers—a significant source of greenhouse gas emissions.
Drawing on data from extensive field trials and successful commercial deployments, the talk will provide a clear case study on how SMA technology offers a reliable, maintenance-free, cost-effective solution for energy operators to meet stringent environmental regulations without compromising performance. This work is a testament to how advanced materials can be leveraged to solve immediate, real-world environmental challenges.
Advancing Clean Technology in Heavy Industry
Together, these presentations underscore the potential for smart materials to transform industrial standards. Kinitics Automation’s objective is to engineer practical, reliable solutions that help heavy industries meet emissions reduction targets and improve operational efficiency.
Kinitics’ work in aerospace, critical infrastructure, and the energy sector continues to show that SMA-based actuators are a key part of the technology blueprint required for modern industrial applications. By demonstrating the scalability and reliability of SMA technology, we empower industries to move away from legacy systems and embrace a more sustainable, all-electric future.
Connect with Kinitics at SMST 2026
Events like the SMST conference are vital for the collaboration and knowledge-sharing that drive our industry forward. We encourage attendees, prospective partners, and fellow engineers to connect with Dean during the event.
Whether you are interested in the engineering behind our latest actuator, exploring the integration of SMA technology into your operations, or discussing the practical applications of electric actuation, Kinitics welcomes the opportunity to meet. Please feel free to reach out to our team through our website to schedule a meeting in advance.
We look forward to connecting with you at SMST 2026.