Scientists create a 'lymphatic system' for robots, paving the way for self-powered wearables and machines

What if the next generation of soft robots and advanced wearables could power themselves, untethered from bulky electrical systems? A team of researchers from Zhejiang University has brought that vision closer to reality by creating a revolutionary soft pump inspired by the human lymphatic system.

Published in SmartBot, their work introduces a highly flexible, fiber-like pump that can be powered by everyday movements—such as wind blowing or a simple hand crank—harnessing this ambient energy to create a self-sufficient system. This innovation could transform fields from medicine to exploration, enabling robots that operate autonomously and wearable devices that provide comfort without cumbersome batteries.

“We’re moving toward a future of soft machines that can interact safely with people and adapt to complex environments,” said Professor Wei Tang, one of the lead researchers. “But their ‘hearts’—the pumps that drive movement—have remained a bottleneck. Our goal was to create a soft, efficient, and truly autonomous pump to change that.”

A Biological Blueprint for Innovation

The research team found their solution within the human body. Unlike the central heart, the lymphatic system uses a distributed network of vessels with one-way valves to move fluid—no single, powerful pump is required. Mimicking this design, the scientists developed soft fiber pumps (SFPs) that are compact, durable, and easy to produce.

Using a low-cost 3D printing technique, they created customizable pumps in various shapes and sizes. Two key designs were developed: a high-performance version with spiral electrodes, and a highly durable version with parallel electrodes, inspired by the segmented structure of lymphatic vessels.

Power from Motion: The Self-Sustaining Pump

One of the most groundbreaking features is the pump’s power source. By integrating a disc-shaped triboelectric nanogenerator (TENG), the team enabled the pump to generate its own electricity from simple rotational motion. This means that wind, flowing water, or even a person’s movement could provide enough energy to run the system—no external power supply required.

“This turns everyday motion into a power source,” explained Professor Jun Zou, co-lead of the project. “It’s a key step toward making soft machines that are genuinely self-sustaining.”

From Artificial Muscles to Smart Gloves: Real-World Applications

To demonstrate the pump’s versatility, the team showcased several applications:

· Lifting a weight using an artificial muscle, showing its potential for creating movement in robots.

· Controlling fluids in a micro-environment, relevant for lab-on-a-chip diagnostics.

· Regulating temperature in a wearable glove, highlighting its use in smart clothing for personalized comfort.

These examples illustrate how the fiber pump could act as a compact, efficient “heart” for a wide range of self-powered technologies.

Toward a More Autonomous Future

This lymphatic-inspired, motion-powered pump marks a leap forward in soft robotics and wearable tech. It opens the door to medical devices powered by a patient’s own movements, search-and-rescue robots that operate independently in remote areas, and everyday wearables that are both functional and discreet.

“By combining nature’s design with innovative energy harvesting,” said Professor Tang, “we’re not just building better machines—we’re building smarter, more independent systems that can enhance our lives in countless ways.”

About Zhejiang University, China

As one of China's leading and most comprehensive research universities, Zhejiang University is dedicated to seeking truth and pursuing innovation. The university offers a wide spectrum of academic disciplines across science, engineering, medicine, humanities, and social sciences. This robust foundation supports cutting-edge interdisciplinary research and provides a dynamic and enriching educational environment for future leaders. Through its commitment to academic excellence and societal impact, Zhejiang University strives to address global challenges and contribute to a sustainable future.

Website: https://www.zju.edu.cn/english/

About Prof. Zou from Zhejiang University, China

Prof. Zou received the B.Eng and Ph.D. degrees in mechatronic engineering from Zhejiang University, China in 2000 and 2006, respectively. He is currently a professor in the Department of Mechanical Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China. He also serves as the assistant to the dean, the secretary-general of the Robotics and Smart Equipment Technology Alliance in Zhejiang University. His current research focuses on robotics, smart manufacturing, and fluid power transmission.