The Polymer Society of Korea

Abstract

We developed reconfigurable shape displays that programmatically generate tangible three-dimensional topographies with tunable surface textures on a thin-film substrate, driven by photothermal–pneumatic, electrohydraulic and electromechanical actuation. The three platforms are based on (i) a light-absorbing elastomer/stiffness-tunable polymer bilayer laminate, (ii) a PVC-gel composite with a dielectric-liquid layer and (iii) a dielectric elastomer with compliant electrodes, respectively. We expect these shape displays to help transmit high-dimensional tactile information through electronic devices and to enable more realistic interaction in augmented and virtual environments.