Conducting polymers (CPs) expand and shrink with doping and dedoping, respectively, driven electrochamically, able to be used as actuators. Of the advantages mentioned below, the large electrochemical stress, 10 times larger than that of mammalian skeletal muscle, has been attracting engineers who need powerful actuators. The moderate strain (1-3%) has however been responsible for little attention to put CP actuators to practical use. Recent breakthrough both in electrochemical strain and stress of CP actuators should enhance interest in CP actuators as artificial muscles.

・Doping and dedoping of anions

・Conformation change of PPy chains triggered by redox reaction

Applications of PPy actuators to artificial muscles
　　　　1. Film Type Actuators
　　　　2. Artificial Muscle Pumps
　　　　3. Artificial Muscle Fibers
　　　　4. Novel Composite Actuator
　　　　5. Haptic Display Device