Matrix of 16 DEAs driven by integrated array of flexible 1 kV TFTs

Dielectric Elastomer Actuators (DEA) are soft transducers with high energy density and high strain. Their control has to date been tricky given the high voltages involved. We show here that by integrating DEAs with flexible thin-film-transistors we can control any DEA in an array by applying only 30 V to the TFT gate.
This approach enables complex flexible systems with dozens to hundreds of independent DEAs for applications in haptics, Braille displays, and soft robotics.
full details published in Advanced Materials 2017:
onlinelibrary.w...

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Great content. Keep it up!