Energy absorbing assembly and methods for operating the same

An energy absorbing assembly (10) includes a covering (12); and a shape memory material (14) in operative communication with the covering (12), wherein the shape memory material (14) has a first shape attached to an underside of the covering (12) and is operative to change to a second shape in response to an activation signal. The second shape of the shape memory material (14) can cause the covering (12) to expand or expand and detach from a surrounding surface medium. The energy absorbing assembly (10) is used to absorb kinetic energy of an object impacting the assembly. Methods of operating the assembly are also disclosed.