Electroactive polymers and shape memory alloys

Smart and energy-efficient actuation for production

Abstract

Electroactive polymers and shape memory alloys belong to the group of so-called intelligent materials. They combine simultaneous sensor and actuator properties in their  material behavior and thus enable the construction of smart systems that allow controlled operation without  external sensors. This makes it possible to develop  lightweight, compact and energy-efficient solutions for the production environment. The article first introduces how the materials work and then illustrates how they can provide efficient and sustainable solutions for industrial  automation in the future using a number of application  examples such as smart valves or pneumatic-free gripping systems. The article is dedicated to Prof. Hartmut Janocha on the occasion of his 80th birthday, who, as one of the pioneers in Germany, played a decisive role in shaping the field of intelligent material systems - at that time still known as unconventional actuator technology.