NUS scientists create groundbreaking fibres to transform human-robot interactions
- A team from the National University of Singapore developed innovative fibres with self-healing, light-emitting, and magnetic capabilities.
- The SHINE fibres can be powered wirelessly and manipulated through external magnets, making them suitable for applications in robotics and smart textiles.
- This development aims to enhance human-robot interactions and promote sustainable practices in light-emitting technologies.
In Singapore, on December 6, 2024, a group of interdisciplinary scientists from the Department of Materials Science and Engineering at the National University of Singapore (NUS) announced their development of multifunctional fibres known as SHINE fibres. These fibres possess remarkable properties: they can emit light, heal themselves after damage, and respond to magnetic forces. The scientists aim to leverage these features for various applications, including enhancing human-robot interactions, soft robotics, and smart textiles. The SHINE fibres stand out from other light-emitting fibres currently available in the market. While most existing variants lack self-repair capabilities and do not offer manipulation via magnetic forces, the SHINE fibres are designed to combine all these functionalities within a single scalable device. This innovation not only promotes efficiency and durability but also enhances the versatility of the fibres for various technological applications. A notable aspect of the SHINE fibres is their coaxial design, which integrates a nickel core that provides magnetic responsiveness, a zinc sulphide-based electroluminescent layer that allows for vivid light emission, and a hydrogel electrode that ensures transparency in the fibres. According to Associate Professor Benjamin Tee, the lead researcher of this study, the SHINE fibres boast a luminance of 1068 cd/m2, significantly exceeding the suggested threshold of 300 to 500 cd/m2 for visibility in bright indoor environments. The researchers envision additional capabilities for the SHINE fibres, such as the potential for dynamic pattern changes in interactive displays and the integration of sensing functionalities to monitor environmental conditions like temperature and humidity. By facilitating better perceptibility and adaptability, these fibres could significantly improve not only human-robot interactions but also contribute to the development of sustainable light-emitting textiles, making them recyclable and longer-lasting due to their self-healing properties.