EPFL's FiberMotor uses sliding fibers for softer robot motion

Researchers at EPFL in Switzerland developed FiberMotor, a motor made of two hollow fibers wrapped in hair-thin insulated copper wire that slide telescopically when voltage is applied. A single unit holds 75 grams, four bundled together lift a 46-gram chocolate bar and bend a robotic finger, and a knee-garment prototype shows wearable potential. The design still needs 3,000 volts and silicone oil lubrication every few hours of use.

• A single FiberMotor holds 75 grams; four lift a 46-gram chocolate bar
• Stroke length is limited only by fiber length, not motor size
• Tests ran the motors at 3,000 volts from a high-voltage supply
• Silicone oil must be reapplied between fibers every few hours