The capability of elastomer-ic materials to act as electronic sensors and to self-heal is driving innovate research and partnerships in the rubber industry. Toyoda Gosei, for instance, this month exhibited its next-generation 'e-rubber' materials for dielectric actuators and sensors at a sports business expo in Japan. Displays included soft e-rubber actuators that offer a next-generation power source in place of electromagnetic motors and soft, tactile/pressure sensors. The company also showed ideas to attach lightweight sensors to sports shoes and other sporting goods. The e-rubber parts were said to be resistant to impact, lightweight, and soft and could, for example, be attached to shoe insoles.
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