A releasable fastening system comprises a knob portion comprising a knob element,
a cavity portion comprising a cavity configured to receive the knob element, and
an ionic polymer metal composite actuator disposed at the knob element. The ionic
polymer metal composite actuator is operable to mechanically interlock the knob
element with the cavity. A method of operating a releasable fastening system comprises
contacting a knob portion with a cavity portion to form a releasable engagement,
wherein the knob portion comprises a knob element disposed on a first support,
and wherein the cavity portion comprises a cavity disposed at a second support;
maintaining constant shear forces and constant pull-off forces between the knob
portion and the cavity portion; and activating an ionic polymer metal composite
actuator at the knob portion to facilitate the interlocking of the knob portion
and the cavity portion.