Background <p>Conventional dynamic vibration absorbers face critical limitations in bandwidth and adaptability, particularly under variable excitation or stringent operational demands.</p> Objective <p>To cope with vibration systems under variable or complex load conditions, it is necessary to design an intelligent dynamic vibration absorber with superior performance.</p> Methods <p>This study leverages the magnetic field-dependent properties of magnetorheological components to design and fabricate a compact dynamic vibration absorber with tunable stiffness. The dynamic mechanical performance of the absorber was systematically evaluated using a universal testing machine and vibration exciter. Subsequent vibration control efficacy tests were conducted on a laboratory-scale scaled-down shaft system.</p> Results <p>The dynamic vibration absorber exhibits a wide range of adjustability. When the current in the dynamic vibration absorber coil increases, the equivalent stiffness of the magnetorheological elastomer(MRE) elevates while the damping initially augments then attenuates; increased excitation amplitude leads to reduced stiffness and diminished damping; enhanced excitation frequency results in elevated stiffness but decreased damping. Adjusting the current enables effective modification of the vibration attenuation band.</p> Conclusions <p>This study designs and validates a compact MRE-based vibration absorber suitable for engineering applications. By combining quasi-static and frequency-domain testing, the material properties were systematically analyzed with respect to variations in current, excitation frequency, and amplitude.</p>