Dielectric elastomer switch-inspired devices for autonomous soft robotics

Publikation: Beitrag in Buch/Konferenzbericht/Sammelband/GutachtenBeitrag in KonferenzbandBeigetragenBegutachtung

Beitragende

Abstract

Dielectric elastomer actuators (DEAs) are widely used in soft robotics because of their high energy density and intrinsic electromechanical coupling. Dielectric elastomer switches (DES) can complement DEAs by providing strain-dependent resistance modulation for simple logic and oscillatory circuits, but most reported DES rely on rigid supporting frames, which hinders their integration into fully soft systems. Here, we present a soft, frame-integrated architecture that unifies DEA actuation and strain-responsive switching. Inspired by inchworm locomotion, the DEA geometry was redesigned to enhance in-plane expansion and horizontal force output. A dual-layer PMMA frame guides membrane deformation and improves force efficiency compared with earlier configurations. Thin-film composite resistors were patterned and mechanically coupled to the deforming membrane; embedding them into frame openings enables reversible, synchronized switching during actuation. This approach provides a scalable pathway toward soft robotic systems with embedded actuation and on-body electrical readout for autonomous operation.

Details

OriginalspracheEnglisch
TitelElectroactive Polymer Actuators, Sensors, and Devices, EAPAD 2026
Redakteure/-innenKentaro Takagi, John D. W. Madden, Cedric Plesse, Stefan S. Seelecke, Anne Ladegaard Skov
Herausgeber (Verlag)SPIE - The international society for optics and photonics
ISBN (elektronisch)9781510698314
PublikationsstatusVeröffentlicht - 17 Apr. 2026
Peer-Review-StatusJa

Publikationsreihe

ReiheProceedings of SPIE - The International Society for Optical Engineering
Band13945
ISSN0277-786X

Konferenz

Titel2026 Electroactive Polymer Actuators, Sensors, and Devices
KurztitelEAPAD 2026
Beschreibungheld at SPIE Smart Structures + Nondestructive Evaluation 2026
Dauer16 - 18 März 2026
OrtSheraton Vancouver Wall Centre
StadtVancouver
LandKanada

Externe IDs

ORCID /0000-0002-8588-9755/work/220700187

Schlagworte

Schlagwörter

  • DE electronics, dielectric elastomer switches, dielectric elastomers, soft robotics