HASEL actuators, Dielectric Elastomer Actuators (DEAs), Electroactive Polymers (EAPs), and other electrostatic technologies (including electrostatic chucks, electroadhesion, and electrospinning) need high voltage power and control, and very few high voltage (HV) electronics options are available. Existing options for HV electronics are expensive, large, and heavy. They offer limited control options and nearly always include only a single high voltage output.
Out of necessity, Artimus Robotics developed high voltage amplifiers to drive and control HASEL actuators. Artimus HV electronics were developed specifically for use with HASEL actuators, not as standalone products. However, significant interest from customers working with electrostatic technologies prompted Artimus to offer HV electronics as standalone products.
These turnkey products have several benefits over other high voltage power supply products, including a compact and lightweight form factor, integrated digital control, programmable waveforms, and most importantly, multichannel capabilities that provide up to 8 independently controlled HV outputs.
Multichannel high voltage electronics products are rare. Implementation of one Artimus product instead of using multiple single-channel high voltage amplifiers results in massive budget and space savings for customers who wish to independently drive and control multiple capacitive loads. This capability is extremely attractive for mobile or cost-sensitive modular applications.
In 2024, Artimus Robotics launched a multichannel high voltage electronics product line. These products offer options of 2, 4, 6, or 8 independently controlled high voltage output channels, each with programmable waveforms. Additional products and capabilities are in development, including miniature battery-powered multichannel high voltage electronics, bipolar operation, capacitive sensing, and low-cost high voltage electronics.
The following video shows a comparison of the industry standard single-channel high voltage electronics product with an Artimus Robotics multichannel high voltage electronics product. Note the significant improvements in size, weight, noise, and control.
Want to learn more about high voltage electronics development efforts? Contact Artimus Robotics at info@artimusrobotics.com.
About Artimus Robotics
Artimus Robotics designs and manufactures soft electric actuators and high voltage control electronics. The technology was inspired by nature (muscles) and spun out of the University of Colorado. HASEL (Hydraulically Amplified Self-healing ELectrostatic) actuator technology operates when electrostatic forces are applied to a flexible polymer pouch and dielectric liquid to drive shape change in a soft structure. These principles can be applied to achieve a contracting motion, expanding motion, or other complex deformations. For more information, please visit Artimus Robotics or contact info@artimusrobotics.com.