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Phys.org — Technology · October 7, 2026 · On the brief until October 21, 2026

Threadlike motor uses sliding fibers to drive flexible robotic devices without gears

Mechanical EngineeringMaterials ScienceBiomedical Engineering
THE AI ANGLE
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EPFL researchers built a threadlike motor that uses electrostatic forces between concentric fibers to produce gear-free linear motion. The flexible, backdrivable fibers can slide inside each other and flex a tendon-driven robotic finger when bundled together. This gives engineers a way to integrate distributed linear actuation directly into wearable textiles without bulky transmissions.

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Students can debate whether bundling low-force electrostatic fibers can reliably replace rigid geared motors in load-bearing assistive devices.

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