Abstract: Improved microgrippers using piezoelectric polymers are disclosed utilizing a pair of levers formed in a plier-like structure having piezoelectric polymer composite sheets connected between the levers or between each lever and a third intermediate lever or through a drive linkage to the levers. By appropriate application of electric fields, jaws formed at the ends of the levers are moved toward and away from each other to accomplish the grasping and releasing action.

Abstract: A gripping apparatus for gripping and releasing objects and for use with a micromanipulator. Spaced cantilever jaws extending in substantially the same direction from a support are each formed of a pair of elongated ribbons of piezoelectric polymer bonded together in oppositely polarized orientation. An electrically conductive thin film is bonded to the outer surfaces of the laminate. A voltage is applied to the conductive films causing the polymer ribbon laminates to bend toward or away from each other dependent upon the polarity of the applied voltage so that they grip an object.