# BRITE Pivot: Manufacturing, Mechanics and Actuation of Liquid Crystal Elastomer (LCE)-based Architected Fabrics

> **NSF 01002526DB NSF RESEARCH & RELATED ACTIVIT** · North Carolina State University (NC) · $599,999

## Abstract

This BRITE Pivot project supports research that intends to advance the development of next-generation smart fabrics that can sense, adapt to, and interact with their environments autonomously. While current smart fabrics integrate sensors or actuators into textiles, they typically depend on external hardware or human intervention to function, limiting their potential for true autonomy, energy efficiency, and lightweight design. This research seeks to address a fundamental challenge: how to design textile materials that can physically respond to environmental changes—such as heat or light—without relying on traditional electronic controls or power systems. By embodying physical intelligence directly into the material and structure of the fabric, the project aims to create self-regulating textiles that change shape or stiffness in response to stimuli, enabling applications in wearable healthcare, rehabilitation, human-machine interfaces, and responsive clothing. The research supports the national interest by promoting the progress of science and engineering through interdisciplinary innovation across advanced manufacturing, smart materials, textile engineering, and soft robotics. It also fosters workforce development and public engagement through educational outreach, including programs for K-12 students. By reducing the complexity and cost of smart fabric systems, this work has the potential to impact diverse fields such as personalized medicine, assistive technologies, respon

## Key facts

- **NSF award ID:** 2527304
- **Awardee organization:** North Carolina State University (NC)
- **SAM.gov UEI:** U3NVH931QJJ3
- **PI:** Jie Yin
- **Primary program:** 01002526DB NSF RESEARCH & RELATED ACTIVIT
- **All programs:** CONTROL SYSTEMS, Dynamical systems, DACS QUARTERLY EXPENDITURES, MFG MACHINES & METROLOGY, THERMALLY DRIVEN PROCESSES, ROBOTICS, Manufacturing, MANUFACTURING
- **Estimated total:** $599,999
- **Funds obligated:** $599,999
- **Transaction type:** Standard Grant
- **Period:** 09/01/2025 → 08/31/2028

## Primary source

NSF Award Search: https://www.nsf.gov/awardsearch/showAward?AWD_ID=2527304

## Citation

> US National Science Foundation, Award 2527304, BRITE Pivot: Manufacturing, Mechanics and Actuation of Liquid Crystal Elastomer (LCE)-based Architected Fabrics. Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-06-08 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nsf/2527304. Licensed CC0.

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