Harvard Creates Shape-Shifting Fabric
Researchers led by Kausalya Mahadevan develop smart textiles that snap into shape and control electronics with a single touch
Harvard scientists have transformed ordinary knitting into a platform for creating fabrics that can snap between different shapes and perform useful functions. The research, led by recent Ph.D. graduate Kausalya Mahadevan, was conducted at the Harvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences.
The team developed specialized, machine-knitted fabrics that can 'snap' from one stable shape to another, a property known as multistability. This was achieved using elastic yarns and industrial knitting techniques, specifically weft knitting. The findings were published in Advanced Functional Materials on September 4, 2026.
The shape-shifting fabrics can control lights, count steps, and respond to movement. By adding conductive yarn, the researchers turned these shape-shifting fabrics into soft electronic switches. This innovation could help advance a new generation of programmable textiles.
## What it means The development of shape-shifting smart fabric has the potential to revolutionize the textile industry. Knitting is no longer limited to making familiar items such as sweaters, hats, and blankets. The ability to create functional fabrics that can change shape, sense movement, and operate as switches opens up new possibilities for a wide range of applications.
The research was led by Kausalya Mahadevan, who is now a postdoctoral associate in the lab of Katia Bertoldi, the William and Ami Kuan Danoff Professor of Applied Mechanics. The team's innovative approach brings physics into knitted textiles, enabling the creation of thick textiles that naturally curve and lock into multiple stable configurations.
## Why it matters The creation of shape-shifting smart fabric is a significant breakthrough in the field of materials science. It demonstrates the potential for conventional knitting techniques to be used in the development of advanced materials with unique properties. As the technology continues to evolve, we can expect to see new and innovative applications of shape-shifting fabrics in various industries, from fashion to healthcare.
