Electrostatic motors are now common in MEMS applications, but researchers at the University of Wisconsin and spinoff C-Motive Technologies have brought macroscale electrostatic motors back.

This electrostatic machine will spark from the round discharge electrodes when the crank is turned steadily. The crank rotates Plexiglas wheels that have small metal discs on them. Redistribution of ...

This is an electrostatic machine created around 1880 by British inventor James Wimshurst. Wimshurst machines were used during the 19th century in physics research. They were also occasionally used to ...

This electrostatic device was invented between 1880-1883 by British inventor James Wimshurst. It was used for generating high voltages, the machines were frequently used to power X Ray tubes.

The key to the Wimshurst machine’s operation lies in a process called electrostatic induction, which is essentially the influence that a charged object can exert on nearby objects, even without ...