New designs introduce new innovations; one eliminates valves now needed to direct the flow of hydraulic fluid in heavy equipment, and incorporation of textured "microstructured" surfaces inside pumps improve performance.  Research has shown the "valve less" design could reduce fuel by 40%, and if combined with the advanced microstructured surface concept, even more savings could be realized.

The MAHA Fluid Power Research Center is part of the Engineering Research Center for Compact and Efficient Fluid Power, funded by the National Science Foundation, participating companies and universities.