The present invention relates to animated devices that include one or more
electroactive polymer transducers. When actuated by electrical energy, an
electroactive polymer produces mechanical deflection in one or more
directions. This deflection may be used to produce motion of a feature
included in an animated device. Electroactive polymer transducers offer
customizable shapes and deflections. Combining different ways to
configure and constrain a polymer, different ways to arrange active areas
on a single polymer, different animated device designs, and different
polymer orientations, permits a broad range of animated devices that use
an electroactive polymer transducer to produce motion. These animated
devices find use in a wide range of animated device applications.