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 . <EOS>