Prototype of an active tensegrity unit

Tensegrity structures and hybrid tensegric structures can be defined as spatial systems, which consist only from set of compressed members and set of tensioned members and they can be used to developing systems with a possibility of an active control. Structures with an active control or active structures are equipped with sensors and actuators and they are subjected to continuous monitoring. A test facility with an active tensegrity unit and some basic experimental tests which were carried out are presented in the paper. Results obtained from the experimental tests are compared with the FEM created in ANSYS.