Researchers have reported developing soft magnetorheological textile fibres that deform and modulate stiffness under human-safe magnetic fields. The fibres were produced by dispersing magnetic powders within a polymer matrix, enabling programmable mechanical control while retaining softness, flexibility and breathability. The approach addressed weight and rigidity constraints associated with earlier magnetorheological systems without requiring high magnetic field strengths.
- The fibres were fabricated at roughly 57 micrometres in diameter and responded to low-strength magnetic fields driven by electrical and programmable control.
- Unlike conventional magnetorheological materials, the fibre format allowed spinning into yarns and multilayer fabrics capable of large-area, controllable deformation.
- The findings were reported in a peer-reviewed Nature publication detailing the development of fibre-based magnetorheological textiles.
THE STUDY: The research reported the development of soft magnetorheological fibrous materials that respond directionally to magnetic fields while retaining core textile properties. The work focused on translating magnetorheological behaviour from rigid components into fibre form, enabling programmable mechanical modulation within fabrics. According to the study, the approach addressed limitations related to weight and rigidity, and demonstrated controlled deformation under low-strength magnetic field conditions.
- The fibres were fabricated as soft magnetic polymer composites designed for textile-scale integration and directional magnetic response.
- The composite fibre structure enabled controllable magnetorheological behaviour within a soft, textile-compatible material system.
- The research was awarded HK$62.37 million under the Research Grants Council’s 2024/25 Theme-based Research Scheme to support its experimental development and validation.
THE TECHNOLOGY: Unlike traditional smart materials that respond to scalar stimuli such as voltage or temperature, these magnetorheological textiles offer unique directionally controllable responses. This mechanism allows for precise intelligent modulation while replacing rigid magnetic devices with flexible alternatives.
- The fibres were engineered to respond under human-safe magnetic field strengths rather than high-intensity fields used in earlier systems.
- The materials combined lightweight structure with programmable control, allowing mechanical properties to be modulated without compromising textile performance.
APPLICATION EXAMPLES: The researchers demonstrated the fibres’ capabilities through three innovative fabric materials designed to show controlled deformation and stiffness modulation in practical contexts.
- A flexible textile gripper was shown to grasp soft or irregular objects by electrically controlling fabric stiffness through magnetic field activation.
- An all-fabric haptic glove was used to emulate surface textures and tactile hardness for applications such as training, rehabilitation and virtual interaction.
- Active ventilation and thermal-regulation fabrics were demonstrated by adjusting air permeability through fibre structure deformation driven by controlled magnetic fields.
WHAT THEY SAID
The core objective of our research team is to overcome the application limits of traditional magnetorheological technology, extending it to fibre form, and enabling precise intelligent modulation while remaining compatible with textile properties such as softness and breathability.
— Tao Xiaoming
Director, Research Institute for Intelligent Wearable Systems; Chair Professor of Textile Technology
The Hong Kong Polytechnic University
From raw material selection to processing technology, we have taken industrialisation needs into consideration. We adopt commodity-grade, mass production-ready raw materials and mature processing techniques, paving the way for rapid translation in fields such as food production, medical rehabilitation and metaverse interaction.
— Pu Junhong
Assistant Professor (Research), School of Fashion and Textiles
The Hong Kong Polytechnic University
