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Department of Defense Army STTR Grant Awarded to Artimus Robotics The Award On December 4th, 2020, the United States Army awarded Artimus Robotics $166,000 through the Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Phase 1 program. The Phase I project seeks to evaluate the feasibility and use of Hydraulically Amplified Self-Healing Electrostatic (HASEL) actuators as the primary mechanism of actuation in human-scale robotic systems. HASEL actuation technology is a new class of smart, soft, and high-speed robotic hardware. The three-phase STTR program requires a small business to collaborate with a research institution, typically a university or nonprofit research institution. Project Objectives The technical objectives of this study are to develop a model appendage that tightly integrates HASEL actuators with control and feedback using a scheme that is easily implemented and scalable. Artimus Robotics intends to identify paths for improving key performance metrics of HASEL actuators, further understand the performance requirements for different bio-inspired robotic morphologies and feasibility for their implementation, and develop sensing and intelligence for HASEL actuation technology. The results of this study will provide a variety of stakeholders within the Army with a toolkit to implement HASEL technologies in a plethora of next generation defense applications. Business Development Artimus Robotics, a spin out of the University of Colorado Boulder, will partner with Dr. Sean Humbert of the Bio-Inspired Perception and Robotics Laboratory (BPRL) to realize the key deliverables of the project. Through this partnership, Artimus Robotics will further the development and technical capabilities of HASEL actuators, specifically the functionality of its smart, self-sensing feedback features. As Artimus brings intelligent actuation technology forward, the benefits will be extended beyond this Army project, with dual-use applications in industrial automation, consumer devices, and other defense applications. Impact Dr. Joseph Myers at the Army Research Office (ARO), and the program manager of the STTR project, emphasized the potential impact of Artimus Robotics HASEL actuation technology, stating at the project kickoff meeting: “The Army has identified actuation of robotics as a critical need for a variety of Army stakeholders to one day fully realize the benefits of next generation robotic technologies. We see HASEL actuation technology as a potential game changer in a variety of defense use cases.” The ARO is an element of the U.S. Army Combat Capabilities Development Command’s Army Research Laboratory and manages the STTR program. Dr. Sean Humbert of the University of Colorado Boulder further highlighted “At the Bio-Inspired Perception and Robotics Laboratory, we take inspiration from nature to solve the unique challenges that distributed and highly deformable robotic systems present. Artimus Robotics’ HASEL actuation technology is an ideal testbed for us to apply novel modeling and synthesis tools that we have created to optimize the sensing and actuation aspects of this type of mobility.” Dr. Timothy Morrissey, CEO and cofounder of Artimus Robotics, provided additional context, “The support from the Army enables Artimus Robotics to accelerate the development of HASEL actuation technology and once again lean into strong relationships with CU Boulder. The advances this STTR project supports will have immediate and direct impact across multiple market segments Artimus is currently active in while also helping our armed forces explore next generation technology. At Artimus, we are honored to be a part of this important national effort.” About Artimus Robotics Artimus Robotics is a robotic hardware company that is changing the way the world moves. Providing breakthrough HASEL actuation technology, Artimus Robotics’ actuation solutions offer increased functionality including smart, soft, and versatile actuation systems to solve a variety of motion challenges. With applications ranging from consumer robotics to defense, Artimus has realized early customer traction in markets such as industrial automation, underwater marine vehicles, and human-machine interfaces. To learn more about Artimus Robotics or how you can use HASEL technology in your application, please visit their website and follow the company on our LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. About DoD Army STTR The Assistant Secretary of the Army for Acquisition, Logistics and Technology (ASA(ALT)) seeks small businesses with strong research and development capabilities to pursue and commercialize specific technologies to meet Army objectives. The objectives of the Army SBIR Program include stimulating technological innovation, strengthening the role of small business in meeting Army research and development needs, and increasing the commercial application of Army-supported research or research and development results. You can learn more about DoD and Army SBIR/STTR Programs here. About BPRL at CU Boulder The Bio-Inspired Perception and Robotics Laboratory (BPRL) is a facility in the Department of Mechanical Engineering at the University of Colorado, Boulder that conducts research and development in the area of biologically inspired robotics. This lab seeks to distill the fundamental sensing, processing and feedback principles that govern robust behavior in organisms to enable new classes of robotic systems with improved agility, locomotion and autonomy. Learn more about BPRL here. For press inquiries: Please contact Derek Jackson, derek@artimusrobotics.com.

Industrial automation uses systems and technology instead of manual processes. The initial benefits of automation were to increase productivity and reduce costs. Today that focus has shifted to improving quality and flexibility. For example, in the automobile industry, industrial automation has reduced the rate of error from 1% to 0.00001%. What is Industrial Automation? Industrial automation has dozens of benefits, including lower operating costs. Automation has a fixed cost upfront and then very low operating costs (scheduled maintenance, occasional upgrades). Manual manufacturing processes have high operating costs. Other benefits of industrial automation include higher productivity, quality, flexibility, information accuracy, and safety. Machinery can run for 24 hours, seven days a week, 365 days a year. They can also withstand a rigorous output, be programmed for new tasks, collect accurate data, and handle hazardous conditions. The four industrial automation systems are fixed automation systems, programmable automation systems, flexible automation systems, and integrated automation systems. Fixed automation systems have a fixed set of tasks that are rarely changed. Programmable automation systems can be changed using electronic controls but can require a significant amount of time to reprogram. Flexible automation systems are almost always controlled by computers and are implemented when the product created varies frequently. Lastly, integrated automation systems are machines that work smoothly under the command of a single control system. Industrial automation is heavily present in our everyday lives. Actuators are present in almost all of these devices, from devices as small as cell phones to as large as airplanes, but they are not all created equally. If you are looking for an actuator that is quiet and can achieve fast and smooth actuation with muscle-like performance, then HASEL actuators may be right for your project. They can be integrated wherever you use electric actuators and even customized to fit the specific needs of your use case.

Linear actuators create motion in a straight line as opposed to conventional electric motors that go in a circular motion. These actuators are used in machine tools, industrial machinery, robotics and any other applications where linear motion is necessary. Here are three major ways industries use linear actuators. Industrial Uses of Linear Actuators 1. Robotics. Perhaps the most common application of linear actuators is in robotics. Specifically, robotics are used to improve production quality, production accuracy, and lower production costs in the automotive industry. Linear actuators excel in controlling and repeating precise movements, monitoring acceleration, and even regulating the amount of force applied. 2. Food and Beverage Manufacturing. Another industry where linear actuators are heavily used is in the food and beverage manufacturing industry. This industry requires lots of automation to meet demand, and manufacturers must streamline processing, packaging, and cleanliness for quality distribution. 3. Material handling. Finally, linear actuators have improved automation in the general workplace. It can streamline manufacturing alongside lowering the cost of production. In this industry, the actuators are responsible for moving loads from one point to another. Because actuators can provide safe, secure, and precise movements, they are ideal for this job. Linear actuators can also be used in window automation, agricultural machinery, and even in cutting equipment. However, while traditional actuators are efficient and precise, they can be noisy. If you need a soft electric actuator that can perform all the tasks of traditional linear actuators silently and without an electric motor, HASEL actuators may be right for you. Whether you’re looking for a contracting actuator or an expanding actuator, both HASEL actuators provide fast and smooth actuation with muscle-like performance.

In the past 80 years of technological innovations, artificial muscles have evolved tremendously to transform medical and industrial uses worldwide. By looking at the delicate but powerful control that human muscles have, engineers and scientists have been able to mimic the same responses in artificial muscles in fields like industrial automation, automotive, medical devices, and aerospace. What Are Artificial Muscles? Artificial muscles, also known as muscle-like actuators, are devices or materials that can mimic natural muscles and change stiffness, contract, expand, or rotate with an external stimulus. The idea is to mimic human muscles as closely as possible, including producing motions like expanding or contracting. Artificial muscles are highly flexible and have wide applications in medicine, robotics, industry, and many other fields. In the same way, our muscles convert different chemicals into energy to operate; artificial muscles use electricity to facilitate mechanical motion. What Can Artificial Muscles Be Used For? Artificial muscles, such as those made by Artimus Robotics, can replace most electric motor actuators to reduce weight and noise while also allowing for precise control. One key example is the use of artificial muscles to create robot arm designs used in service robots. However, they can also be used in: Audio speakers Power generators Motors Pumps and valves Sensors Medical devices Compared to electric motors, artificial muscles are lighter, more robust, cheaper, and more efficient. The soft actuators themselves are also quiet and non-toxic, which makes them ideal for medical use. Many believe that with the introduction of more flexible materials to create artificial muscles, we’re likely to see more of them used in consumer applications, like smart haptic surfaces, and in human-like robotics. What’s Next? Of course, the most exciting use of artificial muscles is within prosthetics. Scientists have managed to create artificial muscle prosthetics that expand and contract like the real thing by mimicking biological muscle. As these artificial muscles continue to advance and improve, many hope to become part of organ transplants. For example, if artificial muscles can be designed to mimic heart valves, they could be used in heart surgery to fix a damaged organ versus waiting for the right organ transplant. That’s one of the most influential applications for artificial muscles and has engineers and scientists excited. About Artimus Robotics Artimus Robotics designs and manufactures soft electric actuators. 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.

Having ‘opposable thumbs’ is often one of the traits referred to when somebody is tasked with defining a distinctly human characteristic. It separates us from a host of other members of the animal kingdom. Essentially, opposable thumbs help us to securely grip items we encounter in our everyday life. From gathering, preparing and eating food, to holding hands with a loved one, our human ability to grasp objects is a trait that we use with extreme frequency. What is soft robotics? Soft robotics refers to the sub-field of robotics that deals with the construction of robots that can mimic flexible human behavior. These include grasping, twisting, bending, extending, compressing, and other similar movements. Robots that can successfully replicate these kinds of movements could hold all kinds of benefits for humans, not unlike the soft actuators at Artimus Robotics. Traditionally, robotic grips consisted of tough joints and extenders that could be dangerous if in contact with humans. Soft robotics is the mission to ‘soften’ these robots, bringing more nuance and lifelike movements. Instead of crushing the life out of anything they come into contact with, ‘soft robotics’ has been able to construct helpful gripping mechanisms that assist in settings such as elderly care and minimally-invasive surgery. Types of soft actuators An ‘actuator’ is the soft robotics term for ‘mover’. It describes a system that facilitates the nuanced and elastic movement of a soft robot. Usually, an actuator is made up of an inextensible layer and a fiber wrapping. When inflated, the actuator can achieve different planes of motion depending on how it is wrapped or designed. Bending. To achieve a bending motion, the actuator needs to be wrapped in symmetrical, double-helical wrapping and a strain-limiting sheet on one side. This style of wrapping prevents the actuator from extending ‘radially’ (perpendicular) and can only do so ‘axially’ (straight) - inducing the bending motion in tandem with the restrictions imposed by the sheet. Extending. To achieve a completely straight extension, a double-helical wrapping is added once again, but the inextensible layer is excluded so that any radial expansion is eliminated. Twisting. The key to replicating a twisting motion with a soft actuator is to use single-helix wrapping instead of double, as mentioned previously. This is a very basic overview of how actuators can be manipulated to move in different ways. To mimic more human movements, the actuator can be divided into segments with different planes of motion assigned to each. For example, part of an actuator can be made to extend, while another can be for twisting and bending at the same time. The resulting ability to program robots to produce extending, grabbing, and twisting motions can help humans massively when it comes to manufacturing, medicine, and other fields. -- Jack Vale is a writer from Happy Writers, Co. in partnership with fence & event rental supplier Viking Fence.

Soft Actuators Overview Consider for a moment your arm, a simple action, say, lifting a cold drink from a table on a hot summer’s day. Your bicep contracts as your tricep relaxes so that the drink is lifted from the table toward your mouth. And when you’re done, the process reverses: tricep contracts, bicep relaxes, and voila, the drink is back where it started. Not a process we intentionally think about very often . . . until something goes awry. For someone who has suffered, for example, impairment from a stroke, such actions may not be so simple, or how about for those who need prosthetic limbs? A subsection of the robotics field is grappling with a potential paradigm-shifting technology that could provide affordable and efficient solutions in such situations. Soft actuators are devices that employ soft, pliable materials that can be stimulated by various means such as electricity, chemical triggers, light, heat, or pH to create motion. But why bother? To answer this question, consider that simple motion we began with. To reproduce that lifting motion for someone who needs a robotic prosthetic arm, reciprocal systems have to be in place to create the counteracting forces of contraction and extension. Traditional actuators are constructed of steel and would have to be manufactured to individual arm lengths. Weight becomes a factor in producing an actuator that produces sufficient force, as does the price of producing the components. Soft actuators offer an easier-to-produce, cost-efficient, lightweight alternative with a high power-to-weight ratio. In one experiment, a soft specialized actuator utilized heat to cause expansion of the material. When encased, the expanded material acted like a contracting muscle. Because they are lightweight, affordable, and easily customizable, such units would make the fabrication of body-specific arms much cheaper and quicker. Such devices are already being tested on stroke patients who have limited hand function and on heart patients. Traditional heart replacement has required a device with which the blood comes into contact, which has caused complications such as thromboembolism, infections, and allergic reactions. With a soft actuator heart replacement, the device essentially fits the outside of an existing heart, assisting it in its complex contractions and relaxations without coming into direct contact with the blood. Soft actuation is still in its early stages, but it offers great promise in the field of prosthetics. Its resistance to damage and greater compatibility between robotic function and human tissue predict a future of prosthetics that will operate and appear more lifelike. -- Ivan Young is a writer with Happy Writers, Co. in partnership with wrought iron door manufacturer Abby Iron Doors.

A linear actuator is an actuator that creates motion in a straight line instead of the circular motion usually seen in conventional electric motors. Linear actuators are used in machine tools, industrial material machinery, computer peripherals, and even valves and dampers. There are several main types of linear actuators. 5 Types of Linear Actuators 1. Mechanical or electromechanical linear actuators. These actuators convert rotary motion into linear motion. The difference between mechanical or electromechanical linear actuators is whether an internal or external power source drives the actuator. 2. Hydraulic linear actuators. Hydraulic linear actuators use a pressurized hydraulic fluid. That fluid is usually oil. The basic design for these actuators is a hundred years old and best used for rugged applications that require high force, power, and volume. 3. Piezoelectric actuators. These actuators use voltage to expand. They are great for extremely fine positioning down to the subnanometer range with a very short range and motion. They can also handle extreme loads, and they have the fastest acceleration rate available. 4. Pneumatic linear actuators. These actuators use pressurized air or gas. Like the hydraulic linear actuator, these actuators have been around for hundreds of years, but today they are powered by an electric compressor. Items that use pneumatic linear actuators are things like air compressors, pumps, dentistry, and nail guns, to name a few. 5. Compact linear actuators. Lastly, compact linear actuators, such as those made by Artimus Robotics, are specifically designed for low noise and situations where space is a priority. Most compact linear actuators feature a slim design while not compromising on maximum load potential or speed. There are a variety of different actuators, each one perfect for its intended use. Some of the oldest are hydraulic and pneumatic actuators, while mechanical, piezoelectric, and compact actuators are a little newer to the market. Compact actuators offer more freedom during the design process because they can work for many kinds of projects where space-saving designs are crucial. Written by Chris Glover Brand Buddy LLC

Anyone who flies is familiar with the sensations experienced during takeoff, approach, landing, and taxi, but what you may not be familiar with is the series of devices that make this all possible, devices collectively known as actuators. Actuators are devices that convert electricity into pressure, temperature, or mechanical movements. Traditional actuator technologies like hydraulic and pneumatic systems have been around for a while, but new actuator technologies like HASEL actuators are becoming increasingly utilized in aircraft construction. What they have over the hydraulic and pneumatic systems of the past is that they are extremely lightweight so they increase fuel efficiency, reduce emissions, lower operating and maintenance costs, optimize performance, reduce noise, and provide higher levels of safety. Take, for example, those simple flap adjustments you might have seen from the window. Flaps, edge slats, and stabilizer trim are all driven essentially by hydraulic motors. Where the hydraulic systems previously required a centralized fluid feed and cooling systems, electrohydrostatic actuators are self-contained units that have no need for external hydraulic pumping that uses extra power nor the cooling systems that further sap energy and create extra weight. They’re self-contained, so they offer fewer areas of potential leakage or failure. In that same flap mechanism, the flap is moved by another type of actuator called a linear actuator, which converts an electric motor’s rotary movement into linear movement. This mechanism drives a stainless steel piston that can telescope outward or collapse inward to either push or pull the item to which it is attached. Another type of actuator commonly used in aircraft is the rotary actuator, which you might see used, for example, to help the nosewheel steering system pivot through the 360-degree arc required for precision turning. Because actuators are compact in comparison to their counterparts, they become important components of the safety redundancies of aircraft. Important systems in planes require double and even sometimes triple mirror systems in case of primary failure. Jet engines are protected in the case of fire, for example, by actuators that block off the fuel supply, a safety system that requires redundancy. Duplicate actuators take up far less space and load than other comparable systems, especially lightweight actuator technologies like the metal-free HASEL actuator technology. In fact, you can thank actuators for controlling aircraft velocity and engine speed, for increasing the angle of descent so that you can land, for opening landing gear bays, for powering the system that lowers the wheels, for that telltale reverse engine surge that says you’ve arrived, and even for opening the cargo bay doors so that your luggage makes it to the conveyors. In short, actuators make your flights cost less and keep you safer from take-off to touch-down. About Artimus Robotics Artimus Robotics designs and manufactures soft electric actuators. 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.

If you’re looking for an actuator that has a short stroke, wide area, and consistent force motion, then you are likely looking for a bladder-type inflatable actuator or an air bladder actuator. These actuators are very specific to their niche, but when they are needed, they provide motion that is more cost-effective than the other systems. Air Bladder Actuator Alternatives Inflatable bladder-type actuators are becoming the standard for soft brakes on belt conveyors, workholders, and parts positioners. They are also used for expanding mandrels, clamps, and bonding bladders. However, air bladders aren’t the only ones of their kind. If you’re looking for the soft, compliant, select performance you get from inflatable bladder-type actuators with better control, you may want to invest in HASEL actuators from Artimus Robotics. HASEL (Hydraulically Amplified Self-healing Electrostatic) actuator technology from Artimus Robotics utilizes soft materials, such as thin plastic films and liquids, to achieve soft compliance. These materials allow for easy integration, and the actuators can adapt and conform to their environment. These actuators are also electrically controlled, and they provide direct conversion of electrical energy to mechanical energy. This eliminates the need for valves and gears, once again increasing the ease of implementation. HASEL actuators challenge air bladder actuators by offering muscle-like performance, high speeds, and soft precision while still having the benefits of a traditional air bladder actuator. HASEL actuators may be the solution for your project if you are looking for an actuator made with soft materials and designed to fit into any environment that offers speed and precision. Not only are HASEL actuators pliable, but they also provide direct conversion of electrical energy to mechanical energy, eliminating extra materials in your build. The following video shows an example of an electric alternative to a conveyor air bladder in an accumulation conveyor. About Artimus Robotics Artimus Robotics designs and manufactures soft electric actuators. 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.

Yes, it sounds like something from Back to the Future or an episode of Star Trek, and it may not be too far off. Imagine a home where the windows sense the ambient temperature and humidity and open or close automatically based on your desired comfort levels. This, however, is not the stuff of science fiction, but technology that exists today thanks to a device called a linear actuator. Unlike conventional electric motors, straight-line, which move in a circle, a linear actuator converts the rotation of a motor into straight line power. Think of a telescoping rod that can both push and pull, an action that allows the device to slide, lift, or tip items from small movements performed by microactuators to large heavy movements such as raising a garage door or collapsing a retractable sunroof. Thanks to the creation of small actuators they can fit into cramped spaces where traditional pneumatics and hydraulics are not practical. They also require far less maintenance, last longer, and are energy efficient. That may be why actuators are appearing in home settings in a variety of innovative ways. In the Home In this digital age, linear actuators have found a place in the smart control movement. Combined with cellular technology, actuators are being used to create automatic windows and doors, gates, lighting and much more. Such innovation has tied in neatly with eco-movement where we can program automated systems to operate for maximum energy efficiency within our homes. The linear actuator has also found a place in the minimalist decorative movement and with the tiny home movement. Actuators are being utilized to create everything from retractable beds to kitchen appliances that stow themselves away in cabinetry. Finally, actuators are being utilized to make living easier for those who are older or who have specific needs based on physical differences. Chairs that raise up, beds that tilt the occupant into a comfortable position, even cabinetry that lowers for those in wheelchairs are all made possible by linear actuators. A few of the other potential uses of actuators in the home are: Tables that retract into the floor to create more space when not in use. Computers that can lift out of a table surface so that the space can double as an office and, when not in use, a dining area. Retractors that automatically open and close pool covers. Spice racks that rise out of the counter for use and stow themselves away when not needed. Desktops that can be raised as standing desks, and adjusted back down for sitting. TVs that can be extended out of beds, entertainment centers, and wall nooks. Solar panels that can be raised by day and laid flat at night. Garage door openers that are not only stronger and seal better, but also don’t require the annual lubrication of traditional systems. By Ivan Young Happy Writers, Co.

Edit: See this article for a noise comparison of pneumatic, electric, and HASEL actuator technologies. In many applications, linear actuators need to be small, discrete, and quiet. In healthcare settings, silent actuators are important because increased noise can distract workers or patients, or the sound of the actuator can distract from the purpose of the product. This also goes for home automation as well. Most of us enjoy a quiet home, and as we add more mechanical devices into our lives, the need for silent actuators goes up. How Quiet are Silent Actuators When it comes to measuring the sound output of an actuator, volume is measured in decibels. Put simply, a decibel is a unit used to measure the intensity of the sound or the power level of an electrical signal by comparing it with a given level on a logarithmic scale. For example, a decibel range of 20-30 is akin to a ticking watch or a bedroom at night, while something at 40-50 is a refrigerator sound or speech. 80-90 dB is a piano or symphony concert. 130-140 dB is the noise of a screaming child, thunderclap, jet plane, or gunshot. Finally, 180-190 dB would be like a rocket launch. Servos (motor-driven) and pneumatic (compressed air or gas powered) actuators are the loudest due to the driving mechanisms. Other electric actuators are rated below 65 dB, which is fairly quiet, or the same level as a sewing machine, shower, or rainfall. Silent actuators, however, are generally quieter than this. The best-selling silent actuators on the market have a decibel rating of less than 45, meaning they sound like a quiet whisper, but they aren’t completely silent. Some of the quietest electric actuators available are offered by Artimus Robotics and they actuate with only a slight, barely-noticeable noise as the plastic film changes shape. This is a dramatic difference from the traditional but loud electric servo and pneumatic actuators. When looking into a silent actuator, it is important to consider the way the manufacturer took the measurement. Don’t hesitate to ask them what the testing standards are and how far they were from the device when they took them. However, be realistic with the results that you find. While silent actuators are very quiet, you will likely never find an actuator with a decibel rating of less than 30. Written by Chris Glover Brand Buddy LLC

In the past, electric actuators were made from a ball, acme, or roller screw connected to a coupler which was connected to an electric motor. As the screw turns, it moves the piston that is connected to the rod or carriage. The rod or carriage moves the load. New soft electric actuators, such as those made by Artimus Robotics, are actuators where all the pieces are made from soft materials instead of hard ones, often with unique driving mechanisms (don’t need an electric motor). As opposed to pneumatics, electric actuators provide better control and positioning, help adapt machines to flexible processes, and are lower cost. The benefits of soft electric actuators Soft electric actuators are made from very inexpensive materials—usually a thin plastic film, a commodity electrode, and a commodity dielectric fluid. Soft actuators are actuators where the material changes in shape or size in response to stimuli, including electricity, heat, light, or pH. Soft electric actuators, specifically, are great for soft mechatronics and robots. These actuators are compatible with traditional type devices, and they can easily be integrated with energy devices and electric drivers. Soft actuators are often used in soft robotics, where every component or material is more easily pliable than traditional robots. Another benefit to soft actuators and soft robots is that they will mimic human tissues and be beneficial in making prosthetic limbs and joints supports. In the medical field, the use of fully soft robotics, including soft actuators, is endless. They can also potentially be used in remote places, such as in space to explore other planets and even help in disaster scenarios, such as earthquakes or fires where they would be required to squeeze through small spaces. Soft robotics and soft actuators are fairly new, but they present plenty of amazing possibilities. They consume little power while being able to change their shape or size, making them similar to human muscles and opening up a world of new possibilities Written by Chris Glover Brand Buddy LLC