Applications of ionic polymer-metal composites: Multiple-dof devices using soft actuators and sensors

Abstract

In this paper, we described several robotic applications developed using IPMC materials, which the authors have been developed as attractive soft actuators and sensors. We introduced following unique devices as applications of IPCM actuators: (1) haptic interface for virtual tactile displays, (2) distributed actuation devices, and (3) a soft micromanipulation device with three degrees of freedom. We also focused on aspects of sensor function of IPMC materials. The following applications are described: (1)a three-DOF tactile sensor and (2)a patterned sensor on an IPMC film. © 2007 Springer-Verlag London Limited.