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Vector-stimuli-responsive magnetorheological fibrous materials
Smart cloth that can shapeshift on demand could open up a range of applications, but integrating magnetics into the thin fibres required for weaving has proven tricky. Now, researchers have developed a way to melt soft magnetics into fibres similar to the ones used in the industrial production of clothes.
These fibres allowed the researchers to build fabric patches that can ‘breathe’, gloves that can transmit tactile sensations, and ‘fingertips’ for robots that allow them to pick up soft, squishy objects without harming them. They hope this work will allow designers to share touch-based information across the world and help build reactive wearables for video games, as well as giving robots a soft touch.
