Magnetic ‘metabot’ can morph and move robotically, no gears.

Imagine a material that can morph, elongate, and glide seamlessly like a robot, yet operates brilliantly without motors or intricate internal gears. Welcome to the world of the **”metabot,”** a groundbreaking invention by engineers at **Princeton University** that is revolutionizing our understanding of materials and robotics.

The Magic of Metabots: How Do They Work?

At the heart of this innovative creation lies a **metamaterial**, ingeniously designed to perform functions beyond the realm of ordinary materials. “You can transform between a material and a robot, and it is controllable with an external magnetic field,” explains researcher **Glaucio Paulino**, the Margareta Engman Augustine Professor of Engineering at Princeton.

Drawing Inspiration from Origami

Published in the journal **Nature**, the researchers reveal that their inspiration came from the intricate folds of **origami**. With a unique combination of simple plastics and specially formulated magnetic composites, the metabot changes shape, expands, and moves—all under the influence of a magnetic field, making these transformations possible without manual manipulation.

Enter the Metabot: A New Era in Robotics

Dubbed the **“metabot,”** this cutting-edge invention is a modular assembly of reconfigurable unit cells that demonstrate a captivating behavior when manipulated. “The **electromagnetic fields** carry power and signal at the same time… this research has pushed the boundaries of power electronics,” noted **Minjie Chen**, associate professor at the Andlinger Center for Energy and the Environment. The research demonstrates the ability to transmit torque remotely and precisely, enabling intricate robotic movements.

Unveiling Complex Behavior Through Chirality

The modular aspect of this metabot utilizes **chirality**, which allows for extraordinary movements and transformations. Postdoctoral researcher **Tuo Zhao** states, “The metabot can make large contortions—twisting, contracting, and shrinking—in response to a simple push.” With chirality, the light-weight design enables complex responses to stimuli.

Impacts Beyond Robotics

Experts in the field are recognizing the profound implications of this technology. **Xuanhe Zhao**, a materials and robotics specialist from MIT, remarked that the research “opens a new and exciting avenue in origami design and applications.” Moreover, **Davide Bigoni** from the Università di Trento envisions potential **paradigm shifts** across various sectors including **soft robotics**, **aerospace engineering**, and even energy absorption.

Potential Applications: A Glimpse into the Future

The ramifications of this research are substantial. Imagine these metabots being utilized to deliver **medicines** directly to targeted areas in the human body or assisting surgeons in delicate operations by repairing damaged tissues with precision!

Towards a Smart Future

One remarkable application the researchers demonstrated was a **thermoregulator**, capable of shifting between absorbing and reflecting heat. In an experiment, they adjusted its surface temperature from 27°C (80°F) to an impressive 70°C (158°F) based on sunlight exposure, showcasing control over thermal regulation.

Additionally, possibilities abound for the development of devices such as **antennae** and **lenses** that interact with wavelengths of light, marking further advancements in various fields.

Innovative Geometry: The Kresling Pattern

The geometry utilized in this metabot is critical to its performance. The researchers cleverly engineered **plastic tubes** with structurally supportive struts that interactively twist and compress. Known as **Kresling Patterns**, this innovative design allows for independent movement of sections when influenced by magnetic fields, creating fluid dynamics and intricate behavior.

A Step Towards Simulating Complex Systems

Paulino explains the unique asymmetrical behavior of the metabot mimics a phenomenon known as **hysteresis**, where system responses hinge on historical changes. This innovative approach could enable direct simulations of complex systems, leading to breakthroughs in fields ranging from engineering to economics.

Ultimately, this pioneering research showcases the potential for engineering intelligent systems that can mimic the functionality of logic gates—thus paving the way for the future of **computational materials**.