Dielectric elastomer actuators (DEA), also known as artificial muscles or electroactive polymers (EAP), can create both haptic and tactile feedback. The monolithic actuators are quiet, light, shock and impact-resistant, and suitable for many different applications such as automotive or IFE control panels , VR, AR, gaming, robotics and general industry.
The base of the stack actuators is freely selectable and can be customised to the available space in the particular application. Its soft material flexibly adapts itself to curved surfaces and enables its seamless integration between the substrate and surface.
Based on the electrostatic operating principle, the silicone actuators require little energy to maintain their positions. The actuators’ elastomer material enables a large deflection of 4.5% of its length, which can save on additional damping and preload elements, thereby simplifying the design and reducing manufacturing costs. The actuators can perform both fast pulses and slow deformations while continuously starting and stopping any desired deflection. As a result, the component can simultaneously assume several functions and reduce system complexity.
