Smart electronic switch made of dielectric elastomers rather than rigid semiconductors could lead to flexible, energy-efficient electronics

https://www.eurekalert.org/news-releases/1123504

"electrically conducting polymer silicone films, rather than silicon or germanium layers... voltage applied to conductive electrode layers (coating both sides of films) causes attraction to each other, compressing film causing expansion... even tiny deformation changes film’s electrical capacitance allowing system to know exactly where it is/ how moving without needing separate, bulky sensors... easily integrated into surfaces... garments providing physical feedback, ultra- small/ lightweight: loudspeakers, pumps, valves"