Dielectric elastomer actuators (DEAs) are energy efficient, compact, and operate silently. DEAs consist of an elastomer membrane sandwiched between two stretchable electrodes. Optimizing the quality of both the elastomer and the stretchable electrodes is essential to improve the DEAs performance. Herein, novel strategies are reported to achieve fast, reliable, and low‐cost fabrication of DEAs. The strategies utilize a soft brush to directly pattern carbon nanotube (CNT) powder on the elastomer membrane and tune the mechanical and surface‐adhesiveness characteristics of a polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) membrane by altering the mixing ratio of the curing agent and base polymer. A uniaxial engineering tensile test on PDMS indicates that a softer material is formed when less curing agent is used. The softer PDMS has a sticky surface, which allows the CNT powder to be physically bound to the surface. Field‐emission scanning electron microscopy (FE‐SEM) images prove that the strong CNT network is formed on the surface of the elastomer. The electromechanical investigation also indicates that the electrical conductivity is improved for a stickier PDMS surface. The optimal performance of PDMS 30‐1 in static and cyclic DEA tests shows that the brushing of CNT combined with soft and sticky elastomer membranes can increase the DEA performance.

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Rolling motions have been observed in many animals and insects. In the previous fluidic rolling system, a deformed chamber and long cables were imperative to drive the soft rolling actuators, which required high pressure and a sophisticated controlling strategy. In this study, we propose a soft fluidic roller using a simple structure composed of a bendable and twistable electrohydrodynamic (EHD) pump and a layer of natural latex. To realize the rolling motion, we first optimized the electrode and channel height of the EHD pumps using different patterns and designs. We also examined the output power, efficiency, pressure loss, bending, and twisting performance. Subsequently, the optimized electrodes and channel height were selected to design the power source of the EHD roller. This roller was lightweight (0.7 g) with an amount of liquid (0.6 g). This EHD robot can roll as the EHD fluid oscillates under a duty-controlled voltage realized using a high-voltage circuit. Next, we investigated the influence of frictional forces on rolling performance. Finally, the rolling motion in the liquid was demonstrated. This study extends the EHD pumps to independent soft actuators integrated with a soft power source.