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Collaboration Partner Recruitment
- mask voice clip
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Magnetorheological Elastomer (MRE)
That Can Reproduce Hardness from
Marshmallows to Erasers
It is possible to reproduce the texture and feel of objects by using the MRE material whose hardness changes
when a magnetic field is applied to it. We are looking for partners who want to develop the market by developing tools
that will help make communication more intuitive and life more comfortable.
Contact Us
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Description
・Partners who can think and create together with us high-performance MRE usage methods and products
・Partners who are familiar with downsizing technology for magnetic field generators that operate the MRE -
Products used
Magnetorheological elastomer (MRE) material whose hardness changes by applying a magnetic field to it
*This product is under development.Therefore, the product specifications are subject to change without advance notice.
MATCHING
POINT
- ・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
Communication technology around the world has undergone remarkable progress in recent years. It is expected that communication technology will evolve further in the future to realize remote communication through a combination of high-speed and high-capacity communications (5G/6G) and VR/AR. Remote communication using video, audio, and VR technology has now permeated our lives. However, we believe we can produce even richer communication in the future if it is also possible to convey the feel when we touch things in addition to using those technologies. Accordingly, we are focusing our attention on haptic feedback technology using the MRE material whose hardness changes when a magnetic field is applied to it. MRE is a unique material that can express hardness from marshmallows to the level of about erasers by applying a magnetic field to it. It has the potential to be able to express sense of touch closer to living organisms than ever before.
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.
The MRE is soft like a marshmallow when a magnetic field is not applied to it
The magnetic powder of the MRE arranges itself like a chain and hardens when a magnetic field is applied to it
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
Hardness changes freely
Possible to mold into any shape
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.
The size of the magnetic field applicator necessary for the MRE becomes larger
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.
Vision for Use01Haptic 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.
Vision for Use02Vibration 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.
Vision for Use03Shape 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.
Inquiries
Murata Manufacturing is looking for partners who can think and create together with us magnetorheological elastomer usage methods and products. If your company is interested in collaborating with Murata Manufacturing, please feel free to contact us using the inquiries form.
*This product is under development.Therefore, the product specifications are subject to change without advance notice.
Message from the developers
Murata Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
Material Process Development Dept. Material Technology Center Technology & Business Development Unit
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.
Inquiries
Murata Manufacturing is looking for partners who can collaborate with us to create new products and applications by using the magnetorheological elastomer (MRE) material whose hardness changes when a magnetic field is applied to it. If your company is interested in collaborating with Murata Manufacturing, please feel free to contact us using the inquiries form.
*This product is under development.Therefore, the product specifications are subject to change without advance notice.
Project Examples for Collaboration
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A revolutionary advance in voice input less affected by noise clipped to a mask, mask voice clip is an input device that isolates the wearer’s voice
Mask voice clip is a voice input device clipped to masks for highly accurate real-time voice isolation even in noisy environments.
We seek parties interested in this technology, those with ideas for potential applications, and those who might consider voice input deployment in medical settings, manufacturing, or construction.more
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Development of a measuring device that makes it possible to visualize the amount of CO2 in seaweed beds "Underwater CO2 measurement and evaluation service" revolutionizes evaluation of blue carbon
Murata's underwater CO2 concentration measuring device enables easy and highly accurate measurement of CO2 in the ocean. Continuous measurement of underwater CO2 concentration has traditionally been considered difficult, so, by making it more accessible, this device holds the potential to greatly change methods for evaluating blue carbon. We are seeking partners for collaboration, including businesses, organizations, and others facing challenges in evaluating blue carbon, as well as companies and others interested in carbon credit trading.
more
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Decentralized exhaust gas circulation one-by-one VOC removal system - Utilizing a compact and lightweight rotor to achieve both energy saving and VOC removal
In order to downsize exhaust circulation concentration systems that treat VOCs, we have achieved downsizing and weight reduction of 20-30% or more for the core component, the rotor. We are looking for collaboration partners who can work together with us to create new VOC treatment solutions that utilize this rotor to achieve both energy savings and VOC removal.
more
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Brain NaviTM — A simple and high-precision brainwave analysis service that enables accurate “visualization” of momentary sensations and cognition
Brain NaviTM enables accurate understanding of human brain responses to stimuli such as seeing and hearing. We are looking for partners who seek to solve challenges by utilizing this analysis data to accurately personalize products and services.
more
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Increasing the added value of products with ultra-thin, high sensitivity sheet-shaped temperature sensors called film thermistors
Murata has developed an ultra-thin sheet-shaped film thermistor with a thickness of 50 microns that can be freely bent or sandwiched and is capable of real-time, multi-point temperature measurement of objects. We are seeking partner companies that wish to develop new products utilizing this technology or that want to make use of it in thermal analysis to solve challenges.
more
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NeuroStoneTM 3D-printed small free-form inter-connected ceramic devices
NeuroStoneTM is a 3D-printed, free-form inter-connected ceramic circuit board that enables freely three-dimensional internal wiring, thanks to Murata' s expertise in material development and co-firing. We are seeking partners to collaborate with us in leveraging this small free-form inter-connected ceramic 3D printing technology to create products that contribute to equipment downsizing and less invasive medical care.
more
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Transparent conductive film using the new material of MFT that can be both conductive and freely shaped
Murata Manufacturing is looking for partners to create new value together with us by utilizing bendable transparent conductive film and transparent conductive film that can be adapted to complex shapes using the new material of MFT (*in-house name).
more
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Lithium-ion secondary battery characterization and degradation diagnosis solution
We are looking for collaboration partners, who are aiming to use batteries safely and efficiently by utilizing battery characterization and deterioration diagnosis technology to non-destructively measure the capacity deterioration factors and resistance increase of Lithium-ion secondary batteries.
more
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Quadruple the power of lithium ion secondary batteries with porous current collectors
We are looking for co-creation partners for the development of porous current collectors and their implementation into lithium ion secondary batteries that would achieve the fourfold power generation compared to that of the conventional lithium ion secondary batteries.
more
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Magnetorheological Elastomer (MRE) That Can Reproduce Hardness from Marshmallows to Erasers
Murata Manufacturing is looking for partners who can collaborate with us to create new products and applications by using the magnetorheological elastomer (MRE) material whose hardness changes when a magnetic field is applied to it.
more
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Exclusive Acoustic Metamaterial from Murata Manufacturing - Ultrasound Transmission Metamaterial technology that enhances the ultrasound transmission through materials
Murata Manufacturing is looking for creative partners that increase the transmittance of ultrasonic waves to enhance the functionality of their devices and open up new markets.
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