# Monolithic shape-programmable dielectric liquid crystal elastomer actuators

## TL;DR

This paper introduces a novel monolithic dielectric liquid crystal elastomer actuator that combines fast, efficient actuation with shape programmability, enabling precise and high-speed shape changes suitable for miniaturized soft robotic applications.

## Contribution

The work presents a new integrated actuator material that merges dielectric elastomers and liquid crystal elastomers into a single shape-programmable device with high strain rates and efficiency.

## Key findings

- Achieves strain rates over 120%/s
- Energy conversion efficiency of 20%
- Can move loads over 700 times its weight

## Abstract

Macroscale robotic systems have demonstrated great capabilities of high speed, precise, and agile functions. However, the ability of soft robots to perform complex tasks, especially in centimeter and millimeter scale, remains limited due to the unavailability of fast, energy-efficient soft actuators that can programmably change shape. Here, we combine desirable characteristics from two distinct active materials: fast and efficient actuation from dielectric elastomers and facile shape programmability from liquid crystal elastomers into a single shape changing electrical actuator. Uniaxially aligned monoliths achieve strain rates over 120%/s with energy conversion efficiency of 20% while moving loads over 700 times the actuator weight. The combined actuator technology offers unprecedented opportunities towards miniaturization with precision, efficiency, and more degrees of freedom for applications in soft robotics and beyond.