A Review of Cooperative Actuator and Sensor Systems Based on Dielectric Elastomer Transducers

Abstract

This paper presents an overview of cooperative actuator and sensor systems based on dielectric elastomer (DE) transducers. A DE consists of a flexible capacitor made of a thin layer of soft dielectric material (e.g., acrylic, silicone) surrounded with a compliant electrode, which is able to work as an actuator or as a sensor. Features such as large deformation, high compliance, flexibility, energy efficiency, lightweight, self-sensing, and low cost make DE technology particularly attractive for the realization of mechatronic systems that are capable of performance not achievable with alternative technologies. If several DEs are arranged in an array-like configuration, new concepts of cooperative actuator/sensor systems can be enabled, in which novel applications and features are made possible by the synergistic operations among nearby elements. The goal of this paper is to review recent advances in the area of cooperative DE systems technology. After summarizing the basic operating principle of DE transducers, several applications of cooperative DE actuators and sensors from the recent literature are discussed, ranging from haptic interfaces and bio-inspired robots to micro-scale devices and tactile sensors. Finally, challenges and perspectives for the future development of cooperative DE systems are discussed.

Improved Electromechanical Coupling in Silicone-Based Elastomer Thin Membranes Filled by Silica-Coated Multiwalled Carbon Nanotubes

“…11,12 Several prototypes have been developed and tested by various research groups, and models have been proposed to estimate their performance. 13,14 Therefore, the main challenge in this field is to achieve significant actuation for a reduced applied electric field. 15 According to Perlin et al, 4 the electrostatic actuation strain of a DE membrane is caused by Maxwell stress 16 and is expressed by the following eq 1…”

“…Several prototypes have been developed and tested by various research groups, and models have been proposed to estimate their performance. , Therefore, the main challenge in this field is to achieve significant actuation for a reduced applied electric field …”

A fast actuated soft gripper based on shape memory alloy wires

“…Zhang et al [16] designed a claw with bistable structure, which can be grasped by bistable transition. Currently, the main actuation methods include traditional forms of pneumatic, hydraulic and electric, as well as intelligent forms of piezoelectric [17,18], dielectric elastomers [19][20][21][22], SMAs [23][24][25][26] and magnetorheological fluids [27,28]. Among them, SMA as the intelligent material with the best memory performance among metal materials is integrated with sensing and actuation [29,30].…”

Analysis of the Performance of a Gel Actuator Made of Plasticized Polyvinyl Chloride/Carboxylated Cellulose Nanocrystals

“…When DC voltage is applied to the gel surface under a reasonable driving structure, the plasticizer particles and polar molecules inside the gel migrate toward the anode under the action of their polarity. The plasticizer particles and polar molecules inside the gel help to migrate toward the anode under their polarity, and thus a creeping deformation at the surface of the anode was observed. − The low price of raw materials makes it much more economical. Many factors make PVC gels shine in the field of flexible actuators.…”