High-resolution tactile display operated by an integrated 'Smart Hydrogel' actuator array

Georgi Paschew; Andreas Richter

doi:10.1117/12.848811

9 April 2010 High-resolution tactile display operated by an integrated 'Smart Hydrogel' actuator array

Georgi Paschew, Andreas Richter

Proceedings Volume 7642, Electroactive Polymer Actuators and Devices (EAPAD) 2010; 764234 (2010) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.848811
Event: SPIE Smart Structures and Materials + Nondestructive Evaluation and Health Monitoring, 2010, San Diego, California, United States

Abstract

Here we introduce a high-resolution tactile display based on the integration of 4,320 actuators with a density of about 300 actuators per cm² into an array displaying both visual and tactile information. The actuators are fabricated simultaneously by UV-patterning. Intrinsically active polymers called "smart hydrogels" are used as actuators which are sensitive to changes in temperature. The high resolution temperature field is controlled by a computer using an optical interface that is controlled by a computer. Thus the temperature is adjusted for each actuator and it can be independently controlled. An actuator pixel changes color from transparent to opaque providing a visual monochrome functionality. The altitude and the elasticity change as well. Therefore the tactile display is able to generate artificial impressions about contours, textures, profiles and the softness of a surface. The actuators are covered by a thin foil equipped with knobs, which can additionally vary the tactile impressions. For fabrication an inexpensive modified dry photoresist technology was used for the masters of up to (200 × 155) mm². This device demonstrates a high integration into MEMS with a monolithically fabricated actuator array of temperature-sensitive active polymer and an optoelectronic control.

Citation Download Citation

Georgi Paschew and Andreas Richter "High-resolution tactile display operated by an integrated 'Smart Hydrogel' actuator array", Proc. SPIE 7642, Electroactive Polymer Actuators and Devices (EAPAD) 2010, 764234 (9 April 2010); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.848811

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