Robot Hands With Electroactive-Polymer Fingers

Multifinger electroactive-polymer grippers (MEPGs) are simple, compact, lightweight robotic end effectors with fingers that bend and function similarly to human fingers. The fingers are made from electroactive polymers, which are well suited to use in bending-type actuators because they can be formed into various shapes, are flexible and tough, and damp vibrations. In comparison with electroactive ceramics, electroactive polymers are much lighter and exhibit about 100 times as much actuation strain. Like other polymers, electroactive polymers can be mass-produced at relatively low cost.