This Pea-Sized Pump Powers Robots With Almost No Electricity

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Издатель May 31, 2026

A Tiny Pump Could Change The Future Of Robotics Forever

Researchers at the University of Bristol have developed an ultra-small liquid-metal pump that could transform the next generation of soft robots, wearable devices, and medical technologies.
Called the LIMA Pump (Liquid Metal Magnetohydrodynamic Pump), this device is about the size of a pea, weighs only 0.2 grams, and operates at less than 0.1 volts. Despite its tiny size, it can generate enough fluid motion to power soft robotic systems.
The technology works by moving a droplet of liquid metal inside a magnetic field. When a small electrical current passes through the droplet, it creates a Lorentz force that pushes the liquid back and forth, generating a pumping action without bulky motors or compressors.
This breakthrough matters because traditional soft robotic systems often rely on large, rigid hardware that limits flexibility and portability. The new pump provides a lightweight, efficient alternative.
Researchers have already demonstrated robotic butterfly wings, a color-changing bracelet, and a haptic fingertip device powered by this technology.
Future applications could include smart bandages, wearable robotics, VR haptic systems, medical devices, environmental sensors, and even edible robots.

Credit Reference:
Paper: A Flexible Liquid Metal Magnetohydrodynamic Pump For Soft Robotic Systems
Authors: Saba Firouznia et al.
Journal / Conference: Nature Communications (2026)
DOI: 10.1038/s41467-026-72798-7
Provided by: University of Bristol

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