Rubbery logic gates

Abstract

Dielectric elastomer actuators (DEAs) that possess muscle-like characteristics have received a lot of attention in areas like soft robotics. Traditionally, electronic control for dielectric elastomer (DE) artificial muscles was achieved with rigid external circuitry. Recently, however, a flexible piezoresistive electrode, the dielectric elastomer switch (DES), was introduced that can operate high voltage DEA switching and control. It has been demonstrated that DESs can control charge in high voltage analogue and digital circuitry. In this contribution, we demonstrate high voltage operation of the seven basic Boolean logic gates using mechanosensitive DESs. Logic elements made with DESs may provide signal processing capabilities in DE artificial muscles.