An apparatus for applying a composite layup, the apparatus comprising: a support platform; a plurality of passive actuators coupled to the support platform, wherein each one of the plurality of passive actuators comprises: a shaft comprising a first shaft end and a second shaft end, opposite the first shaft end; and a gripper coupled to the second shaft end, wherein the shaft is freely movable relative to the support platform in a first direction along an axis of linear shaft movement; wherein movement of the shaft relative to the support platform in a second direction, opposite the first direction, along the axis of linear shaft movement is automatically inhibited; wherein movement of the shaft in the second direction is selectively enabled; wherein each one of the plurality of passive actuators further comprises a collar; wherein the shaft is received by the collar; wherein the collar enables free linear movement of the shaft relative to the collar in the first direction; wherein the collar engages the shaft to automatically inhibit linear movement of the shaft relative to the collar in the second direction; wherein each one of the plurality of passive actuators further comprises a housing; wherein the housing is coupled to the support platform; wherein the collar is coupled to the housing; and wherein the shaft extends through the housing; wherein the support platform comprises: a frame; and a plate assembly coupled to the frame and comprising a plurality of plate openings; and a portion of the housing of each one of the plurality of passive actuators is situated in a corresponding one of the plurality of plate openings. a support platform; a plurality of passive actuators coupled to the support platform, wherein each one of the plurality of passive actuators comprises: a shaft comprising a first shaft end and a second shaft end, opposite the first shaft end; and a gripper coupled to the second shaft end, a shaft comprising a first shaft end and a second shaft end, opposite the first shaft end; and a gripper coupled to the second shaft end, wherein the shaft is freely movable relative to the support platform in a first direction along an axis of linear shaft movement; wherein movement of the shaft relative to the support platform in a second direction, opposite the first direction, along the axis of linear shaft movement is automatically inhibited; wherein movement of the shaft in the second direction is selectively enabled; wherein each one of the plurality of passive actuators further comprises a collar; wherein the shaft is received by the collar; wherein the collar enables free linear movement of the shaft relative to the collar in the first direction; wherein the collar engages the shaft to automatically inhibit linear movement of the shaft relative to the collar in the second direction; wherein each one of the plurality of passive actuators further comprises a housing; wherein the housing is coupled to the support platform; wherein the collar is coupled to the housing; and wherein the shaft extends through the housing; wherein the support platform comprises: a frame; and a plate assembly coupled to the frame and comprising a plurality of plate openings; and a portion of the housing of each one of the plurality of passive actuators is situated in a corresponding one of the plurality of plate openings. a frame; and a plate assembly coupled to the frame and comprising a plurality of plate openings; and a portion of the housing of each one of the plurality of passive actuators is situated in a corresponding one of the plurality of plate openings.