2026-10-07 スイス連邦工科大学ローザンヌ校（EPFL）
Bundled FiberMotors lift a 46g chocolate bar. 2026 EPFL CC BY SA 4.0
＜関連情報＞
- https://actu.epfl.ch/news/researchers-design-a-motor-that-looks-like-a-threa/
- https://advanced.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/adma.75156
ファイバーフォーマットフレキシブルリニア静電モーター Fiber-Format Flexible Linear Electrostatic Motors
Sylvain Schaller, Herbert Shea
Advanced Materials Published: 27 September 2026
DOI:https://doi.org/10.1002/adma.75156
ABSTRACT
Linear motion is fundamental to robotics, yet existing solutions are either rigid electromagnetic motors or contractile artificial muscles with limited stroke and trade-offs in force versus displacement. We report a sliding motor in a thin fiber format: a flexible, electrostatic linear actuator with a stroke limited only by fiber length. Comprising two coaxial fibers with helically wound electrodes, this “FiberMotor” generates bidirectional, fast, stepping motion with stroke-independent force and inherent back-drivability, a key feature for safe and transparent human–robot interaction. By eliminating permanent magnets and Joule heating, it offers a compact alternative to traditional motors. Modular bundling allows scaling to higher forces. Supported by an analytical model, this silent, lightweight technology can enable large-scale integration into textiles, providing a promising building block toward future soft exosuits and wearable assistive devices.
