# EPFL fiber motor lifts load and flexes robotic finger in lab tests

_Published Sunday, October 11, 2026 at 9:06 AM EDT · Robotics · Latest · Tier 2 — Notable_

![The thin, flexible FiberMotor could have applications not only in soft robotics, but also in assistive garments, haptic feedback systems, and prosthetics — Primary](https://assets.newatlas.com/dims4/default/c933064/2147483647/strip/true/crop/6240x3276+0+114/resize/1200x630!/quality/90/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fnewatlas-brightspot.s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com%2F96%2F7d%2F0a1503e3423abeb286202efb8fd1%2F6240x3504-1.jpg&na.image_optimisation=0)

EPFL researchers demonstrated a flexible fiber motor that can lift a load and flex a tendon-driven robotic finger in laboratory tests. Four motors bundled together lifted a 46-g chocolate bar, while individual motors supported stationary loads equivalent to about 75 g.

Each FiberMotor measures 1 to 3 millimeters in diameter and contains two nested hollow polymer fibers wrapped with copper-wire electrodes. Electrical current creates electrostatic forces that slide the inner fiber within the outer one.

Without gears or transmissions, the motor yields to an opposing external force instead of locking up. The researchers are working through spinoff Elecsyor to improve its durability and performance.

## Sources

- [New Atlas: Technology-Innovation-Outdoor News](https://newatlas.com/robotics/fibermotor-flexible-motor/)

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Canonical: https://techandbusiness.org/newswire/WLLu8hU9QLaV4pZ127IB2P
Published: 2026-10-11T13:06:31.691Z
Story chronology: 2026-10-11T11:00:00.000Z
Retrieved: 2026-10-11T15:59:05.063Z
Publisher: Tech & Business (techandbusiness.org)