In a self-contained actively-controlled stabilization system within a hand-grip, all components are contained within the handgrip, and one generic handgrip can be attached to a variety of devices for a wide range of applications, thereby increasing portability, reducing weight and bulkiness, and decreasing complexity and application dependence. The handgrip includes a sensor, a controller and an actuator which preferably employs at least one shape memory alloy wire. The actuator drives a platform mechanism which may be configured such that the elevation and azimuth degrees of freedom are coupled or uncoupled. Direct, rotational and other platform mechanisms may be used with the invention.