The dielectric elastomer generator (DEG) has attracted attention in converting mechanical energy into electrical energy, due to its high energy density, fast response, and light weight, which together make DEG a promising technology for electromechanical conversion. In this article, recent research papers on DEG are reviewed. First, we present the working principles, parameters, materials, and deformation modes of DEG. Then, we introduce DEG prototypes in the field of collecting mechanical energy, including small-scale applications for wind energy and human motion energy, and large-scale applications for wave energy. At the end of the review, we discuss the challenges and perspectives of DEG. We believe that DEG will play an important role in mechanical energy harvesting in the future.

Soft, low‐cost, high‐performance generators are highly desirable for harvesting ambient low frequency mechanical energy. Here, a dielectric elastomer nanogenerator (DENG) is reported, which consists of a dielectric elastomer capacitor, an electret electrostatic voltage source, and a charge pump circuit. Under biaxial stretching, DENG can convert tensile mechanical energy into electrical power without any external power supply. Different from traditional DEG with the charge outward transfer in direct current (DC), the DENG works based on shuttle movement of internal charges in an alternating current (AC). Through alternating current (AC) method, the charge density of the DENG can reach 26 mC m⁻² per mechanical cycle, as well as energy density of up to 140 mJ g⁻¹. Due to the all‐solid‐state structure without air gap, the DENG is capable of working stably under different ambient humidity (20 RH%–100 RH%). To demonstrate the applications, a water wave harvester based on the DENG is constructed. The integrated device powers a sensing communication module for self‐powered remote weather monitoring, showing the potential application in ocean wave energy harvesting.

To investigate the influence of varying concentrations and types of carbon fiber (CF) on the mechanical properties of polyamide 6 (PA6) composites, this study explores the mechanical properties of PA6 composites with various CF types and quantities. The micro-morphology of the composites and the CF length distribution were characterized. The results indicate that the inclusion of carbon fibers significantly enhances the tensile, flexural, and notched impact strengths of PA6. Specifically, when about 30 wt% of CF T300 was added, the tensile and flexural strength of the composite reached a maximum of 166 MPa and 224 MPa, respectively, representing increases of 236.6% and 229.6%, respectively, compared to pure PA6. The maximum flexural modulus achieved 14.6 GPa, which was six times as large as that of pure PA6. Moreover, the CF length in the PA6 matrix follows a near-Gaussian distribution. A proper CF length and orientation, along with strong interfacial bonding between CF and the PA6 matrix, contribute to improved mechanical properties. The overall performance of T700-reinforced composites is better than that of T300-reinforced ones due to T700’s higher precursor strength and better fiber-length retention. This study provides guidance for fabricating high-performance PA6 composites.

The development of a soft crawling robot (SCR) capable of quick folding and recovery has important application value in the field of biomimetic engineering. This article proposes an origami-inspired vacuum-actuated foldable soft crawling robot (OVFSCR), which is composed of entirely soft foldable mirrored origami actuators with a Kresling crease pattern, and possesses capabilities of realizing multimodal locomotion incorporating crawling, climbing, and turning movements. The OVFSCR is characterized by producing periodically foldable and restorable body deformation, and its asymmetric structural design of low front and high rear hexahedral feet creates a friction difference between the two feet and contact surface to enable unidirectional movement. Combining an actuation control sequence with an asymmetrical structural design, the body deformation and feet in contact with ground can be coordinated to realize quick continuous forward crawling locomotion. Furthermore, an efficient dynamic model is developed to characterize the OVFSCR’s motion capability. The robot demonstrates multifunctional characteristics, including crawling on a flat surface at an average speed of 11.9 mm/s, climbing a slope of 3°, carrying a certain payload, navigating inside straight and curved round tubes, removing obstacles, and traversing different media. It is revealed that the OVFSCR can imitate contractile deformation and crawling mode exhibited by soft biological worms. Our study contributes to paving avenues for practical applications in adaptive navigation, exploration, and inspection of soft robots in some uncharted territory.