Dielectric Elastomer Network with Large Side Groups Achieves Large Electroactive Deformation for Soft Robotic Grippers

Abstract Dielectric elastomer actuators (DEAs) face an acknowledged challenge: On the one hand, the majority of elastomers only achieve small electroactive deformation (> human muscle), and a large output force (≈500 times self‐weight). the elastomer capable of manufacturing a soft electroactive gripper is demonstrated with large deformation, large force, and rapid response, which enables grasping fragile objects of various complex shapes in an agile away.