2-dimensional impact-damping electrostatic actuators with elastomer-enhanced auxetic structure

Xuechuan Wang (), Yongyue Wang, Mingzhu Zhu and Xiaokui Yue ()
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Xuechuan Wang: Northwestern Polytechnical University
Yongyue Wang: Northwestern Polytechnical University
Mingzhu Zhu: Northwestern Polytechnical University
Xiaokui Yue: Northwestern Polytechnical University

Nature Communications, 2024, vol. 15, issue 1, 1-12

Abstract: Abstract Biomimetic robots yearn for compliant actuators that are comparable to biological muscle in both functions and structural properties. For that, electrostatic actuators have been developed to imitate bio-muscle in features of fast response, high power, energy-efficiency, etc. However, those actuators typically lack impact damping performance, making them vulnerable and unstable in real applications. Here, we present auxetic electrostatic actuators that address this issue and demonstrate muscle-like performance by using elastomer-enhanced auxetics and electrostatic zipping mechanism. The proposed actuators contract linearly on applied voltage, producing large actuation strength (15 N) and contraction ratio (59%). Fabricated from readily available materials, our prototypes can quickly attenuate vibrations caused by impacts and absorb shock energy in 0.3 s. Furthermore, leveraging their 2-dimensional working mode and self-locking mechanism, a stiffness-changing muscle for a robotic arm and an active tensegrity device exemplify the potential applications of auxetic electrostatic actuators to a wide range of bionic robots.

Date: 2024
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DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-51787-8

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