UK engineers build tiny pump that could let robots move without bulky motors
Engineers at the University of Bristol have developed a miniature liquid-metal pump that uses electromagnetic forces to move fluids. This 0.2-gram device could enable new advancements in soft robotics and wearable technology by eliminating the need for bulky mechanical motors.
Why it matters
This innovation significantly reduces the size and weight of soft robotic components, potentially revolutionizing the design of flexible wearables and medical devices.
Engineers at the University of Bristol have developed a miniature liquid-metal pump weighing just 0.2 grams that could help soft robots move without bulky pumping systems. With a volume of 0.086 cubic centimetres, the device can drive a robotic butterfly’s flapping wings, change the colours of a bracelet and power a wearable that squeezes a fingertip to simulate touch. The researchers say the pump operates at less than 1 volt, while the university’s announcement puts its operating voltage below 0.1 volts. The findings, published in Nature Communications on May 12, 2026, could open new possibilities for lightweight wearable devices and flexible robots.How does the liquid-metal pump work?The device, known as a liquid-metal magnetohydrodynamic (LIMA) pump, uses electromagnetic forces to move liquid through a small, flexible channel.
Get smarter about the news
Sign up free for a feed built around what you actually care about, Dive Deeper research on any story, and the full text of every article.
Create free accountAlready have an account? Sign in