A shape-memory alloy (SMA, smart metal, memory metal, memory alloy, muscle wire, smart alloy) is an alloy that "remembers" its original, cold-forged shape: returning the pre-deformed shape by heating. This material is a lightweight, solid-state alternative to conventional actuators such as hydraulic, pneumatic, and motor-based systems. Shape-memory alloys have applications in industries including medical and aerospace.
Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shape-memory_alloy
Basically, if you heat an SMA above its transition temperature, it will form into a certain shape. This has to be 'trained' so that it can remember the shape. After it cools it will return back to its original shape.
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