A dielectric elastomer actuator (DEA) which can provide reconfigurable 3D shape morphing was reported in this work. The reconfigurable actuator was fabricated by integrating the DEA with the ethyl cellulose (EC) paper. The mechanical actuation from the DEA under electrical bias was “instructed” by the origami EC paper to achieve designed shape changes. The crease patterns in the EC paper can be reprogrammed on demand, delivering alternative shape changes in the reconfigurable actuator. The strategy developed in this paper provides a promising approach to create sophisticated 3D shapes from DEAs without the requirement of complicated and bulky device architectures.
- Jiangxin Wang
- Shaohui Li
- Pooi See Lee
