Development of origami actuator driven with low voltage

2016 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 15K18014
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Young Scientists (B)
• Allocation Type: Multi-year Fund
• Research Field: Intelligent mechanics/Mechanical systems
• Research Institution: National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology
• Principal Investigator: Hara Yusuke 国立研究開発法人産業技術総合研究所, 機能化学研究部門, 主任研究員 (90452135)
• Project Period (FY): 2015-04-01 – 2017-03-31
• Keywords: アクチュエータ / 高分子 / 導電性高分子 / キャパシター / ソフトアクチュエータ / ソフトロボット / マニュピュレータ

Outline of Final Research Achievements

Polymer actuator has light weight, flexibility, high molding manufacturing, and does not occur the metal fatigue because of organic materials. It is also characterized by driving with silent and no heat generation. Due to the flexibility of polymeric materials, very soft movements can be easily produced compared to actuators comprising electromagnetic motors and gears. In this research, we aimed to develop a capacitor type paper actuator with a very thin shape driven by low voltage. To develop such a soft actuator, PEDOT (poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene)) / PSS (poly(styrenesulfonate) ) was adopted as an electrode material of the paper actuator. The polymer actuator adopted a water-soluble polymer as the insulation layer. By using the PEDOT / PSS thin film and the insulating layer made of the water soluble polymer, we developed the thin polymer actuator.

Free Research Field

知能機械学・機械システム