A cable system, a latch assembly employing the cable system and processes thereof include a cable comprising at least one section formed of an active material having one end fixedly attached to a connector, wherein the connector is disposed between a first stop and a second stop, the first and second stops fixedly attached to a stationary support and having an aperture for slidably receiving the cable; and an activation device in operative communication with the active material, the activation device being operable to selectively provide an activation signal to the active material and effectuate a change in a length of the cable section formed or a flexural modulus property of the active material. Suitable active materials include shape memory alloys and electroactive polymers.