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New material that can control hardness from that of marshmallows to erasers via use of a magnetic field
Magnetorheological elastomer (MRE)
Recommended for:
- Companies that want to revitalize remote communication such as with games, AR/VR, medical care, and factory automation
- Companies that have issues with vibration control in their products in fields such as home appliances
- Other companies with the need to change the hardness of products
Realistic Reproduction of Hardness and Feel
Magnetorheological elastomer (MRE) is a material created by mixing resin and magnetic powder. Its hardness changes when a magnetic field is applied to it. When no magnetic field is applied to it, it is soft like a marshmallow. However, its hardness can be changed up to the level of about an eraser by applying a magnetic field to it. When a magnetic field is applied to an MRE, the magnetic powder aligns along the lines of the magnetic force and forms many chains. This is the mechanism by which the MRE hardens. The magnetic field is generated by installing and operating a magnetic field generator using an electromagnet or permanent magnet under the MRE.
Features of Murata Manufacturing's MREs
BenefitsWorld's highest level rate of change in hardness
Murata Manufacturing's unique know-how is used in the resin and magnetic powder mixing process and ratio, the molecular weight design of the resin, and the magnetic properties and particle size design of the magnetic powder (patent pending). We have realized the world's highest level rate of change in hardness*, from a marshmallow to the level of about an eraser, with this advanced design technology. *As of June 2024 according to our research
ChallengeDownsizing the Magnetic Field Generator
A large magnetic field generator that generates a strong magnetic field (500 mT) is necessary to reproduce the hardness of an eraser with an MRE. It is necessary to place an electromagnet or permanent magnet under the MRE. Our challenge now is that the size of that electromagnet or permanent magnet is approximately 10 to 30 times the volume of the MRE.
Potential of MRE: Expanding for Both Companies and Consumers
We are mainly exploring the potential for applications that take advantage of the haptic feedback, vibration control, and shape retention functions of MREs. This technology will be useful for both companies and consumers. Therefore, it is expected to be used and commercialized in a wide range of fields.
Haptic Feedback
Giving sensations to AR/VR
It will be possible to set up a device equipped with MRE at the hands and feet of people and then reproduce a sense of touch linked to AR/VR images. This, for example, will make it possible to express the hardness of the objects the user touches to create a more realistic experience.
Game consoles
It will be possible to reproduce the optimal control button hardness for each player. Equipping an MRE on the inside or outside of the buttons will make it possible to change their hardness.
Remote medical diagnosis
A doctor with an MRE on hand will use a sensing device to sense if a remote patient has a lump, tumor, or other issue. This is a tool that would allow patients to receive an examination by touch without having to go to the hospital.
Vibration Control
Home appliance
It will be possible to suppress shaking by using MREs in products that generate relatively large vibrations such as large home appliances.
Shape Retention
If an MRE without a magnetic field applied is pressed against a material and then a magnetic field is applied in that state, the shape of that material can be retained.
Robot hands
We envision MREs being used in the tip of robot hands. If an MRE is pressed against an object you want gripped, the shape of that material will be retained by generating a magnetic field. It is thus a mechanism that allows objects of any shape and hardness to be gripped. If a robot moves at high speed, there is a risk that the object it is gripping may become damaged or deformed due to inertia. However, it will be possible to absorb shocks and ensure less susceptibly to damage with robot hands that use MREs. This will allow robots to move at high speed, leading to improvements in the work speed and efficiency over the entire processes.
FAQ
That is because the magnetic powder aligns in chains along the lines of the magnetic force when a magnetic field is applied to the material to harden it. Removing the magnetic field leads to the magnetic powder alignment collapsing and the material returning to its original softness.
Currently, a magnetic field generator approximately 10 to 30 times the size of the volume of the MRE is required. Downsizing the magnetic field generator is a future development challenge.
MRE can be processed into diverse shapes. Moreover, it can also retain its shape. Therefore, it is possible to carry out design to suit the product design and usage environment.
Carrying out appropriate design using highly environmentally resistant resins and magnetic powder makes it possible to achieve waterproofness and weather resistance. Therefore, we can expect MRE to also be utilized in outdoor devices and outdoor event equipment.
Carrying out appropriate resin matrix design makes it possible to extend the period during which the physical properties of the material maintained. Nevertheless, deterioration does occur. It is necessary to conduct durability evaluations under the usage conditions to determine the frequency of replacing the MRE.
Inquiries about Magnetorheological Elastomer (MRE)
Please feel free to contact us if you are interested in magnetorheological elastomer (MRE) that can reproduce hardness ranging from that of marshmallows to that of erasers, or if you want to learn more about this technology.
*This product is under development. Therefore, the specifications are subject to change without prior notice.
Message from the developers
Murata Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
Material Process Development Dept. Material Technology Center Technology & Business Development Unit
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Kano Hyoui
Hironobu Kubota - MRE technology has a variety of possibilities. However, first, we would mainly like to explore ways of using its function of haptic feedback. In particular, we hope to attract the attention of companies developing VR/AR-based platforms. We would like to aim to develop realistic haptic functions. Moreover, we would also be happy if we could borrow the strength of companies familiar with magnetic field design and electromagnet design. We feel that the size of the magnetic field generator necessary for these MREs is where our challenge lies. If we can solve this challenge, we think the situations in which MREs can be used will expand even further.
Notices
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We have posted the magnetorheological elastomer (MRE) development theme for which we are looking for collaboration partners.
Inquiries
Please feel free to contact us if you are interested in magnetorheological elastomer (MRE) that can
reproduce hardness ranging from that of marshmallows to that of erasers, or if you want to learn
more about this technology.
*This product is under development. Therefore, the specifications are subject to change without
prior notice.
