AndTech to Host Online Zoom Seminar on August 21, 2026: 'Dielectric Elastomer Artificial Muscles for Physical AI and Soft Robotics – Fundamentals and Applications in Robotic Hands, Artificial Skin, Power Generation, and Space'

AndTech Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Kawasaki City, Kanagawa Prefecture; President & CEO: Masao Tsuchiyama; hereinafter 'AndTech') will launch a specialized 'Robot Dielectric Elastomer Artificial Muscle' seminar featuring leading experts. This initiative is part of its R&D support Zoom lecture series, designed to meet the growing demand for solutions in dielectric elastomer artificial muscle technology.

The seminar will cover the latest technologies, including the operating principles of dielectric elastomers, material design, CNT electrode technology, and rotary-type DEA motors. It will also explain application cases in next-generation human interfaces such as artificial skin, tactile sensors, haptics, and VR/AR integration.

Additionally, the seminar will introduce a wide range of applications, including medical and caregiving robots, mobility devices, space equipment, and energy harvesting (DE generators), and discuss future prospects for new actuator and sensor technologies supporting the robotics era.

The seminar is scheduled to be held on August 21, 2026.

Details: https://andtech.co.jp/seminars/1f15d55b-f6d4-6fd8-a252-064fb9a95405

Live Webinar Seminar Overview

──────────────────

Theme: Fundamentals of Dielectric Elastomer Artificial Muscles for Physical AI and Soft Robotics, and Their Applications in Robotic Hands, Artificial Skin, Power Generation, and Space

～Development of High-Performance Dielectric Elastomer Actuators, Sensors, and Generators Without Rare-Earth Materials and Their Application to Physical AI～

Date & Time: Friday, August 21, 2026, 13:30–17:30

Participation Fee: 50,600 JPY (tax included) ※ Electronic materials will be distributed

URL: https://andtech.co.jp/seminars/1f15d55b-f6d4-6fd8-a252-064fb9a95405

Webinar Format: Zoom (URL will be sent after registration)

Seminar Program and Speakers

────────────

Program & Speakers:

Dr. Masaki Chiba, Representative, Chiba Science Laboratory / Mr. Michio Waki, Former President & CEO, Wits Co., Ltd.

Knowledge and Technical Issues Addressed in This Seminar

───────────────────────

・Gain up-to-date knowledge on dielectric elastomers (materials, electrodes, driving principles, etc.) and insights into future trends.

・Learn advanced modification and fabrication methods for improving dielectric elastomer materials and electrodes faster than others.

・Understand how dielectric elastomers can easily overcome key technical challenges in priority development areas where countries are competing—critical knowledge.

・Obtain market knowledge on dielectric elastomers (including commercialized products) and learn about support systems for companies aiming to develop these technologies in-house.

Seminar Format

─────────────

This is a live webinar seminar conducted via the web conferencing tool 'Zoom'.

Further details will be provided after registration.

About AndTech Co., Ltd.

────────────

AndTech provides R&D support services by delivering information to clients engaged in research and development across diverse fields such as chemicals, materials, electronics, automotive, energy, medical devices, food packaging, and construction materials.

We assemble top-tier instructors and offer a wide range of services, starting with 'technical workshops and seminars,' followed by 'instructor dispatch,' 'publishing,' 'technical consultant dispatch,' 'market trend research,' 'business matching,' and 'business development consulting.'

We listen closely to our clients and provide effective support to help them enter desired new business areas and markets.

https://andtech.co.jp/

AndTech Technical Seminars

─────────────────

We host numerous web-based seminars monthly with top-tier instructors.

https://andtech.co.jp/seminars/search

AndTech Publications

──────────────

We publish books on carefully selected, high-demand topics.

https://andtech.co.jp/books

AndTech Consulting Services

─────────────────────

We dispatch highly specialized technical consultants with extensive experience.

https://andtech.co.jp/business-consulting

Inquiries

─────────────

Public Relations Contact: Aoki, AndTech Co., Ltd.

Email: pr@andtech.co.jp (replace ● with @)

Full Seminar Program (Recommended for those interested in details)

──────────────────────────────

【Presentation Overview】

Dielectric elastomer (DE) artificial muscles were invented in 1991 by Chiba et al. The principle involves a simple structure with stretchable electrodes attached to the top and bottom of an elastomer, enabling the fabrication of highly efficient DE actuators, DE sensors, and DE generators. The most significant feature of DE is that it does not require rare-earth materials. Currently, a DE actuator using a 0.15g acrylic membrane can lift an 8kg weight by more than 1mm at a speed of 88ms. It can also respond to fine movements such as finger motions, making it ideal for physical AI actuators. Recently, DE has expanded beyond its characteristic linear motion to enable rotational movement similar to conventional motors. Being magnet-free, it is extremely lightweight, highly efficient, and low-cost, attracting global attention. DE is also promising as a DE generator, with power generation efficiency exceeding 70% (in experiments using Yokohama National University’s wave tank, efficiency reached 90.6%). The power generation principle is simple: applying external force (stretching, tapping, twisting) to a DE actuator generates electricity. Previously, large-scale DE generator membranes were difficult to produce, but recent advances have enabled scaling up, and now a single external force can generate power twice, dramatically increasing output and making practical application feasible. Although DE is generally considered to have a short lifespan, within normal usage ranges where deformation is not excessive, it can be used for most actuator, sensor, and generator applications.

In recent years, significant progress in various dielectric elastomer performance metrics has resulted from advances in elastomer material research and breakthroughs in analytical and simulation technologies based on new mathematical models, enabling the design and fabrication of materials tailored to specific applications. Furthermore, significant progress has been made in the selection, improvement, dispersion, sorting, coating, and molding techniques of various electrode materials, including liquid metals. For example, by applying centrifugation and electrophoresis to single-wall carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs), finer diameters and higher metallic CNT content have been achieved, dramatically improving the conductivity of DE electrodes. Moreover, for various applications,