An actuator includes a base electrode, a counter electrode facing the base electrode, a first terminal connected to the base electrode, and a second terminal connected to the counter electrode. The base electrode includes a non-metal base material, a conductive thin film disposed on a side of the non-metal base material, the side facing the counter electrode, and an insulation layer disposed on the conductive thin film. The first terminal is connected to the conductive thin film. The counter electrode includes a flexible conductor that is deformable via a Coulomb force acting between the base electrode and the counter electrode upon application of a voltage to the first terminal and the second terminal.

A Static Electrostatic Generator (SEG) is disclosed which produces static charges at high voltage and low current. The SEG is capable of generating positive or negative charges on a metal sphere by reversing the polarity of a DC source. The conversion efficiency of the system is about 47% and its design is simple, lightweight, and easy to manufacture. The SEG is a static device and no mechanical movement is required to produce charges. Also, the design is easily scalable.

Robust electro-static (ES) device embodiments, with application to energy storage flywheels as an example, are described that provide reliable, high-efficiency operation in the presence of thermal and mechanical perturbations, as well as seismic events. Electro-static generators and motors, when augmented with magnetic bearings, passive three-dimensional stabilization techniques and dynamic touch-down bearings, enable robust performance in the face of these environmental concerns, as well as efficient operation during typical operational sequences, including spin-up and steady-state modalities.

Provided are an electromechanical transducer including a light movable member that is easy to move and charged portions whose amount of electrostatic charge does not substantially change over time and a method for manufacturing such an electromechanical transducer. The electromechanical transducer using electrostatic interaction between a charged portion and a counter electrode to perform transduction between electric power and motive power includes a fixed substrate, a movable member being movable with a predetermined distance maintained between the fixed substrate and the movable member, the movable member having grooves in a surface facing the fixed substrate, the grooves being formed at intervals in a moving direction of the movable member, charged portions formed on the surface of the movable member so as to alternate with the grooves; counter electrodes disposed on a surface of the fixed substrate in the moving direction, the surface facing the movable member, and a cover layer containing copper and covering at least side walls of the movable member inside the grooves.

An electrostatic machine includes a drive electrode and a stator electrode. The drive electrode and the stator electrode are separated by a gap and form a capacitor. The drive electrode is configured to move with respect to the stator electrode. The electrostatic machine further includes a housing configured to enclose the drive electrode and the stator electrode. The stator electrode is fixed to the housing. The electrostatic machine also includes a dielectric fluid that fills a void defined by the housing, the drive electrode, and the stator electrode. The dielectric fluid includes an ester.

The embodiments in this disclosure are directed towards, for example, a hydro-electric actuator which pushes a contained dielectric liquid by applying an electrostatic force. The dielectric liquid is within at least one closed chamber in some embodiments. The disclosure includes a method of making at least one closed chamber using at least one dielectric film. In some embodiments, the at least one dielectric film is coated with electrodes from opposite sides.

A magnetic sensing approach for determining a positioning characteristic of a soft robotic actuator. A magnetic field or a change in magnetic field of a magnetic member may be measured as it undergoes concurrent displacement with a soft actuator. Additionally, an example rolling robotic wheel is illustrated. The robotic wheel may utilize magnetic sensing as described herein.

The present invention is directed to providing an electrostatic actuator that can generate a large electrostatic force even if composed of a ribbon-shaped electrode film.

In an electrostatic actuator 10, 20 including a ribbon-shaped first electrode film 11 and a ribbon-shaped second electrode film 12, a plurality of first electrodes 1 formed of the first electrode film 11 and a plurality of second electrodes 2 formed of the second electrode film 12 are folded and laminated between one end 13 and the other end 14 of the electrostatic actuator 10, 20, and the plurality of first electrodes 1 include a pair of end electrodes 1a that are adjacent to each other in a direction in which the first electrode film 11 extends in a ribbon shape and are respectively positioned at the one end 13 and the other end 14 when laminated and at least one intermediate electrode 1b that is positioned between the end electrodes 1a when laminated.

A Static Electrostatic Generator (SEG) is disclosed which produces static charges at high voltage and low current. The SEG is capable of generating positive or negative charges on a metal sphere by reversing the polarity of a DC source. The conversion efficiency of the system is about 47% and its design is simple, lightweight, and easy to manufacture. The SEG is a static device and no mechanical movement is required to produce charges. Also, the design is easily scalable.

Methods of estimating tribological damage described herein include examples where varying power is applied between surfaces engaged in frictional contact. Calculations evaluate power consumed at the relevant frictional contact and temperature values may be gathered to supplement the calculated power. Instantaneous and cumulative assessments of damage are calculated based on that information. Measurements or calculations of electrical power may be used as part of the damage assessment.