The magnetoelectric (ME) effect, discovered in the 1960s, enables engineers to control electric properties with a magnetic field and vice versa. The only known ME materials to date are solid-state multiferroics, which are under intense study and development for applications in revolutionary memory technologies, and spintronic devices.

On the other hand, solid-state piezolelectrics have been exploited in force sensing devices, enabling very high sensitivity to detect small changes, resulting in excellent resolution. While solid ME materials are well-suited to ‘hard’ devices, imagine the ‘flexibility’ – literally and practically – of liquid ME materials. The EU-funded MAGNELIQ project will develop a new liquid material, a ME liquid, and novel sensors that exploit the unique features of such material.

The developed sensors will target a wide range of applications, including but not limited to industrial, transportation, medical ones. Within the project, these sensors will be integrated in advanced robotic and prosthetic hands, acting as demonstrators/test benches for the newly developed technologies.