Shape memory alloys (SMAs) are unique materials capable of recovering predefined shapes through reversible phase transformations between austenite and martensite phases. This behavior enables SMAs to exhibit the shape memory effect and pseudoelasticity, al ...
Dielectric Elastomer Actuators (DEAs) enable the realization of energy-efficient and compact actuator systems. DEAs operate at the kilovolt range with typically microampere-level currents and hence minimize thermal losses in comparison to low voltage/high ...
Shape Memory Alloys (SMAs) have gained significant attention due to their high work density in order to fabricate compact and lightweight actuators. However, the major drawback of thermally activated SMAs is the time that takes for these materials to cool ...
We present variable stiffness dielectric elastomer actuators (DEAs), combining a single DEA actuator with embedded shape memory polymer (SMP) fibers, which can be electrically addressed to locally reduce the stiffness by a factor of 100. The device accommo ...
