Artificial Muscles: Dielectric Electroactive Polymer-Based Actuation

For decades both material scientists and engineers have sought to find an artificial equivalent of muscle to help in the development of new transducer technology. A specific class of electroactive polymers (EAP) known as `dielectric elastomers' have demonstrated most potential because they can undergo large deformation, have a high energy density and a relatively fast response. This contribution introduces dielectric elastomers and discusses the research challenges that need to be addressed before the full potential of the actuator technology can be realized.