Studies of electro-active polymer actuators and their applications

Abstract

Electroactive polymer actuators are soft actuator devices that utilize various phenomena in which polymer materials such as polymer gels and elastomers are deformed by the application of voltage. They are characterized by their light weight, flexibility, workability, and elasticity, and are being studied for a variety of applications including medical and welfare uses. In this presentation, the present status of research and development of electroactive polymer actuators will be introduced, focusing on actuators made of ion-conductive polymers, carbon nanotubes, and dielectric gel materials that the author has been involved in the development of.