3D Printed MEMS Actuators

Researchers at MIT have created a new way of making a 3D printed mechanism to determine how force is being put on an object. These objects are printed on a single print bed, allowing for rapid prototyping.  Objects like joysticks, switches or handheld controllers, “interactive input devices,” are being designed.  The inner cells stretch or compress changing the capacitance of the opposite electrodes.  Using capacitive sensing, these variations can be quantified and used to analyze the extent and direction of the utilized forces.

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3D Printed MEMS Actuators – Initial Search Video:

3D Printed MEMS Actuators – Discussion Video:

3D Printed MEMS Actuators – Initial Search: