Dynamic characteristics of a dielectric elastomer actuator fabricated using a stretchable CNT powder electrode

Abstract

Soft haptic feedback devices for a human-robot-virtual reality (VR) interfaces have become popular in soft robotics. Dielectric elastomer actuators (DEAs) have strong potential for use in haptic feedback devices because of their simple structure, good flexibility, and low weight. Since DEAs can operate at a broad range of frequencies to produce multi-sensation feedback, they can potentially be used in haptic feedback applications. One of the challenges facing the use of DEAs in such systems is the lack of an easy DEA fabrication method and the unknown dynamic characteristics of DEAs in different frequency operations. We recently developed a simple and reliable brushing-based fabrication method for DEAs [1]. In this study, we apply our do-it-yourself-like methods to fabricate polydimethylsiloxane-type DEAs and investigate more about dynamic properties of the DEAs towards the realization a haptic feedback system.