This paper presents development of an special metal hydride(SMH) actuator system using a peltier module. The newly developed simple SMH actuator, consisting of the plated hydrogen-absorbing alloy as a power source, Peltier elements as a heat source and a cylinder with metal bellows as a functioning part, has been developed. The SMH actuator is characterized by its small size, low weight, noiseless operation and a compliance similar to that of human body. A new SMH actuator that uses reversible reactions between the heat energy and mechanical energy of a hydrogen absorbing alloy. It is well known that hydrogen-absorbing alloys can reversibly absorb and desorb a large amount of hydrogen, more than about 1000 times of their own volume. To improve the thermal conductivity of the hydrogen-absorbing alloy, an electro-less copper plating has been carried out. For this purpose, the effects of the electro-less copper plating and the dynamic characteristics of the SMH actuator have been studied. The hydrogen equilibrium pressure increases and hydrogen is desorbed by heating the hydrogen-absorbing alloys, whereas by cooling the alloys, the hydrogen equilibrium pressure decreases and hydrogen is absorbed. The SMH actuator has the characteristic of being light and easy to use. Therefore, it is suitable for medical and rehabilitation applications.