Abstract

Dielectric elastomers are some of the most suitable and promising materials for building artificial muscles. However, significant technology constraints have hindered wide spread adoption of dielectric elastomer actuators (DEAs). In my talk I will address how careful selection of the elastomer and electrode materials, in parallel with development of a robust fabrication method, can overcome most limitations of DEAs. Several robotic demonstrations serve to show the versatility, high energy and power densities of multilayered actuators.

Mihai “Mishu” Duduta is originally from Romania and completed his Bachelor’s degree in Materials Science and Engineering at MIT . During his time at MIT he co-invented the semi-solid flow battery, then worked for the start-up company spun out to develop it: 24M Technologies. Since 2014, he has been pursuing a PhD in Mechanical Engineering and Materials Science at the Harvard School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, focusing on novel materials for soft robotics under the supervision of Prof. David R. Clarke and Prof. Robert J. Wood.