Autonomous oscillatory shape change of DEA induced by the charge–discharge process under a constant voltage

Despite the promising characteristics of Dielectric Elastomel Actuator(DEA)as a practical soft actuator,the need of high voltage for its operation prevents the successful fabrication of a practical DEA,that is,the high voltage generation takes a bulky and costly power supply.Induction of complex shape change motion of DEA such as oscillatory shape change takes even a more bulky and costly multipurpose power supply.It is a serious practical issue to be overcome.In our latest study,however,we could build a simple DEA system which exhibited a relatively complex and autonomous oscillatory shape change merely under a constant voltage,though the voltage needed was high.This successful outcome must broaden the potential usefulness of DEA as a practical soft actuator.