The present invention relates to dielectric actuators or sensors of the
kind wherein electrostatic attraction between two electrodes located on
an elastomeric body leads to a compression of the body in a first
direction and a corresponding extension of the body in a second
direction. The dielectric actuator/sensor structure comprises a first
sheet of elastomeric material having at least one smooth surface and a
second surface and a second sheet of elastomeric material having at least
one smooth surface and a second surface. The sheets are laminated
together with their second surfaces exposed, and there is provided a
first electrode on the second surface of the first sheet and second
electrode on the second surface of the second sheet.