Uploaded October 2025 | Updated September 2026, 1 day ago
Ultra-thin conductive microfibres thinner than a human hair can turn objects into healthcare monitors and energy devices: eng.cam.ac.uk/news/smart-microfibres-turn-everyday-objects-healthcare-monitors-and-energy-devices
New #research led by @cambridgeuniversity, in collaboration with Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (GZ) and Queen Mary University of London, could redefine how we interact with everyday tools and devices – thanks to a novel method for printing the microfibres.
The researchers present a one-step adaptive fibre deposition process using 3D printing, set up to satisfy the fast-changing demands of users. The process enables the on-demand deployment of conductive material layers on different surface areas, dependent on the model’s geometry, at the point of use.
These transparent layers can detect real-time #electrocardiogram (ECG) and surface electromyography (sEMG) signals. The researchers demonstrate this function using a #robotic hand, a pencil and a plier tool.
Read the article: eng.cam.ac.uk/news/smart-microfibres-turn-everyday-objects-healthcare-monitors-and-energy-devices
View the open access research paper: doi.org/10.1007/s42765-025-00561-6
Reference:
Ka, S.G.S., Wang, W., Giddens, H. et al. ‘Adaptive Printing of Conductive Microfibers for Seamless Functional Enhancement Across Diverse Surfaces and Shapes’. Advanced Fiber Materials (2025). DOI: 10.1007/s42765-025-00561-6
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(0:23) - Measuring ECG signals (robotic hand)
(0:48) - An overview of the microfibres in action
(0:56) - Measuring ECG and sEMG signals (plier tool)
(1:10) - Measuring ECG and sEMG signals (pencil)
- - -
CREDITS
Footage and images: Stanley Ka
Music: Bensound.com/free-music-for-videos
License code: XA85AY6WLW6WH6SE
Artist: Benjamin Tissot
Ultra-thin conductive microfibres thinner than a human hair can turn objects into healthcare monitors and energy devices: eng.cam.ac.uk/news/smart-microfibres-turn-everyday-objects-healthcare-monitors-and-energy-devices
New #research led by @cambridgeuniversity, in collaboration with Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (GZ) and Queen Mary University of London, could redefine how we interact with everyday tools and devices – thanks to a novel method for printing the microfibres.
The researchers present a one-step adaptive fibre deposition process using 3D printing, set up to satisfy the fast-changing demands of users. The process enables the on-demand deployment of conductive material layers on different surface areas, dependent on the model’s geometry, at the point of use.
These transparent layers can detect real-time #electrocardiogram (ECG) and surface electromyography (sEMG) signals. The researchers demonstrate this function using a #robotic hand, a pencil and a plier tool.
Read the article: eng.cam.ac.uk/news/smart-microfibres-turn-everyday-objects-healthcare-monitors-and-energy-devices
View the open access research paper: doi.org/10.1007/s42765-025-00561-6
Reference:
Ka, S.G.S., Wang, W., Giddens, H. et al. ‘Adaptive Printing of Conductive Microfibers for Seamless Functional Enhancement Across Diverse Surfaces and Shapes’. Advanced Fiber Materials (2025). DOI: 10.1007/s42765-025-00561-6
- - -
(0:23) - Measuring ECG signals (robotic hand)
(0:48) - An overview of the microfibres in action
(0:56) - Measuring ECG and sEMG signals (plier tool)
(1:10) - Measuring ECG and sEMG signals (pencil)
- - -
CREDITS
Footage and images: Stanley Ka
Music: Bensound.com/free-music-for-videos
License code: XA85AY6WLW6WH6SE
Artist: Benjamin Tissot
