Development of human-friendly polymeric actuators based on nano-carbon electrodes

— Toward the practical realization of artificial muscles —

Abstract

Human-friendly machines are expected to increase in demand. To meet this demand, we have developed electrically driven soft actuators　based on ionic polymers. This paper describes the development process, design guidelines, current state of R&D, and future prospects for　low-voltage, polymeric actuators based on nano-carbon electrodes.