This paper presents an overview of cooperative actuator and sensor systems based on
dielectric elastomer (DE) transducers. A DE consists of a flexible capacitor made of a thin layer
of soft dielectric material (e.g., acrylic, silicone) surrounded with a compliant electrode, which is
able to work as an actuator or as a sensor. Features such as large deformation, high compliance,
flexibility, energy efficiency, lightweight, self-sensing, and low cost make DE technology particularly
attractive for the realization of mechatronic systems that are capable of performance not achievable
with alternative technologies. If several DEs are arranged in an array-like configuration, new concepts
of cooperative actuator/sensor systems can be enabled, in which novel applications and features
are made possible by the synergistic operations among nearby elements. The goal of this paper is
to review recent advances in the area of cooperative DE systems technology. After summarizing
the basic operating principle of DE transducers, several applications of cooperative DE actuators
and sensors from the recent literature are discussed, ranging from haptic interfaces and bio-inspired
robots to micro-scale devices and tactile sensors. Finally, challenges and perspectives for the future
development of cooperative DE systems are discussed
