Researchers design a motor that looks like a thread
EPFL engineers have created a flexible, thread‑like motor called FiberMotor, composed of two concentric hollow fibers with copper‑wire electrodes that slide to produce motion. The device can generate enough force to actuate soft robotic systems, supporting loads of up to 75 grams individually and lifting a 46‑gram chocolate bar when four are bundled. FiberMotor offers silent, flexible, bidirectional linear motion without gears, making it suitable for wearable assistive devices and smart textiles.
EPFL engineers have created a flexible, thread‑like motor called FiberMotor, composed of two concentric hollow fibers with copper‑wire electrodes that slide to produce motion. The device can generate enough force to actuate soft robotic systems, supporting loads of up to 75 grams individually and lifting a 46‑gram chocolate bar when four are bundled. FiberMotor offers silent, flexible, bidirectional linear motion without gears, making it suitable for wearable assistive devices and smart textiles.
The motor’s lightweight, flexible design aligns with Swiss AI research priorities in developing advanced wearable robotics and smart textiles.
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