One embodiment of an electro-mechanical actuator, comprised of a braid (1) of insulated wires of shape memory material, trained to a contracted length, connected at the ends to primary fixture (2) and secondary fixture (3). These fixtures guide the electrical path through the braid from the electrical power source (4), in a winding path through the braid (5-10), and to electrical ground (11). Other embodiments are described and shown.