EPFL Researchers Create FiberMotor for Enhanced Soft Robotics Applications
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- leaderobot.com
Swiss scientists at EPFL have developed the FiberMotor, a thin, flexible fiber motor designed for soft robotics. This innovation aims to maintain the integrity of soft-bodied robots by eliminating the need for rigid motors, thus enhancing their functionality.
The FiberMotor, which ranges from 1 to 3 millimeters in diameter, consists of two concentric hollow polymer fibers and utilizes electrostatic actuation. This allows it to support loads of up to 75 grams individually and lift a 46-gram chocolate bar when bundled, making it suitable for light-load applications like robotic fingers and assistive clothing.
Future developments will focus on improving the durability and performance of the FiberMotor through the spinoff company Elecsyor. Researchers believe that integrating this technology into mobility-assisting clothing and VR systems could revolutionize soft robotics, enabling a fully flexible design that does not rely on traditional rigid components.
Original report
Swiss Scientists Develop Flexible Fiber Motor for Soft Robotics
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