Compliant Micro Actuator made from Dielectric Polymer

In this paper, we discusses compliant actuators those are made of electrostrictive polymer. Electrostrictive polymer actuators(EPAs) are based on the deformation of dielectric elastomer polymer in the presence of an electric field. We address actual design and fabrication method of an actuator using the electrostrictive polymer. We have developed primitive prototypes of the actuator using elastic restoring force. And they actuators have 1 to 3 DOF, 1 DOF actuators are simple linear actuators and 3 DOF actuator has linear actuation and steering capability. They are simple in structure with lightweight, high trust, force and large stroke. Basic design principles and experimental procedures for confirming their performance will be introduced.