Dätwyler : EAP Development Kit is available now.

The novel Electro Active Polymer (EAP) Stacked Actuator by Datwyler has a very broad field of application. First in line, it acts as a linear actuator, substituting a conventional mechanical drive, i.e. motor, coil system etc.. Further it may provide a haptic feedback at the interface between human and machine. In ergonomics, an EAP can be utilized to morph buttons, hence directly contributing to safety and intuition. However, this tackles only the actuation portion of an EAP. With regards to sensing further possibilities arise; when a pressure is applied to a stacked actuator the change in capacity can be utilized as a sensor or button. As if that not were enough, the two functions work in harmony, further extending the field of use.