Smart microfibers turn everyday objects into health care monitors and energy devices
University of Cambridge | Edited by Lisa Lock, Reviewed by Andrew Zinin
A new study led by the University of Cambridge, in collaboration with the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (GZ) and Queen Mary University of London, has demonstrated a novel method for printing ultra-thin conductive microfibers, potentially transforming how people interact with everyday objects and tools.
Fibers thinner than a human hair
These fibers, with diameters ranging from nano- to micro-scale, are thinner than human hair and can be tuned on demand to add sensing, energy conversion, and electronic connectivity to materials such as glass, plastic, and leather. The team has also successfully applied the technology to unconventional materials like porous graphene aerogels, unlocking new possibilities for human–machine interaction.
One-step adaptive 3D fiber printing
The researchers developed a one-step adaptive fiber deposition process using 3D printing, enabling conductive layers to be applied directly to surfaces depending on geometry and use case. The findings were published in Advanced Fiber Materials.
These transparent microfiber layers can capture real-time electrocardiogram (ECG) and surface electromyography (sEMG) signals. Demonstrations were performed using a robotic hand, a pencil, and a plier tool.
Demonstrated applications
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Robotic hand: 400 PEDOT:PSS fibers were printed around a robotic finger. When a human finger pressed against it, the system recorded ECG signals, showing the potential for cost-effective “electronic skins” that enable robots and prosthetics to sense human interaction.
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Pencil and pliers: Hundreds of fibers were wrapped around the handles of a pencil and pliers. As participants wrote or cut objects, the setup measured sEMG signals from the thumb tendon, enabling detection of abnormal muscular or cardiac activity.
Potential uses
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Remote health care: Robots or tools could monitor vital signs such as ECG without requiring wearable devices—particularly useful in elderly care or telemedicine.
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Hazardous environments: Workers using tools in electrical, chemical, or high-heat settings could be monitored for cardiac stress or fatigue, allowing early intervention.
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Human–robot collaboration: Real-time bio-signals could guide robots to adapt behavior, for example, slowing down if the human partner shows signs of strain.
Professor Shery Huang, head of the Biointerface Research Group at Cambridge, stated: “These dry microfiber electrodes are durable and can be removed after use without damaging or staining the objects. Our approach to integrating customizable electronic functions into existing items paves the way for a sustainable ‘Fiber-of-Things’ future—revolutionizing diagnostics, treatments, and wearable technologies.”
