Researchers at EPFL developed FiberMotor, a thread-like motor that brings electrically powered motion to textiles and soft robots. Measuring 1–3 millimeters in diameter, the device consists of two concentric hollow fibers wrapped with insulated copper-wire electrodes. 

Applying voltage creates electrostatic forces that repeatedly pull the fibers into alignment, causing one fiber to slide inside the other like a telescope. 

The researchers said the motor can generate enough force for soft robotic applications while remaining flexible, silent, and bidirectional, potentially enabling new textile-integrated devices and wearable technologies.

FiberMotor is a thread-like electric motor designed to deliver linear motion from a flexible, textile-compatible form factor. The technology could provide a way to build motors directly into smart clothing and wearable robotic systems without relying on the bulky gears, transmissions, and rigid components used in conventional linear actuators.

FiberMotor measures between 1 and 3 millimeters in diameter and consists of two concentric hollow fibers. Each fiber is tightly wrapped with insulated copper-wire electrodes that are only slightly thicker than a human hair. When an electrical voltage is applied, electrostatic forces pull the two fibers into alignment. This causes the inner fiber to repeatedly slide inside the outer fiber, producing linear motion in a telescoping-like movement.

“Our FiberMotor is the first fiber-format, sliding motor. It produces enough force to actuate devices for soft robotic applications, while remaining silent, flexible, and bidirectional,” said Herbert Shea, head of the Soft Transducers Lab at EPFL, in a statement. 

The motor is designed to convert electrical energy directly into mechanical motion.

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