系统和全面地介绍了一门新兴的高新技术--电流变技术，详细说明了该项技术的发展历史、特征、机理、现状、存在问题以及今后在我国发展该项技术的几点建议。

A new high-tech development with potential wide applications——electrorheological technology (ERT) is introduced in this paper, in which following contents are included. The Definitions of ER effect and ERT, background and history of research and development of ERT worldwide, understanding and mechanism of ERT, potential engineering applications of ERT, principal problems and obstacles in the development of ERT are presented. In addition, some suggestions for ERT development in China are proposed.