Researchers at EPFL’s Soft Transducers Laboratory have developed ultra-thin, thread-like pumps that can be wo...

Researchers at EPFL’s Soft Transducers Laboratory have developed ultra-thin, thread-like pumps that can be woven directly into textiles. Unlike traditional fluid pumps that require bulky external devices, these fiber pumps generate their own pressure and flow using electrohydrodynamic principles. This breakthrough allows liquid to circulate within fabrics silently and without vibration, all while remaining lightweight and flexible.

The innovation opens the door to a new class of smart garments capable of integrated cooling, heating, or haptic feedback. It could also advance wearable robotics and biomedical applications, where compact, washable, and energy-efficient fluid systems are essential. By merging soft materials engineering with textile design, EPFL researchers are redefining what clothing can do.

Credit: @EPFL_en 

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