Magnetic 'metabot' can expand, assume new shapes, and move like a robot—but without motor or internal gears

Material? Robot? It's a metabot

The invention is a metamaterial, which is a material engineered to feature new and unusual properties that depend on the material's physical structure rather than its chemical composition. In this case, the researchers built their metamaterial using a combination of simple plastics and custom-made magnetic composites. Using a magnetic field, the researchers changed the metamaterial's structure, causing it to expand, move and deform in different …

Magnetic 'metabot' can expand, assume new shapes, and move like a robot—but without motor or internal gears

In an experiment reminiscent of the "Transformers" movie franchise, engineers at Princeton University have created a type of material that can expand, assume new shapes, move and follow electromagnetic commands like a remotely controlled robot, even though it lacks any motor or internal gears.

Material? Robot? It's a metabot - Science Tech Updates

In an experiment reminiscent of the Transformers movie franchise, engineers at Princeton University have created a type of material that can expand, assume new shapes, move and follow electromagnetic commands like a remotely controlled robot even though it lacks any motor or internal gears. “You can transform between a material and a robot, and it […] The post Material? Robot? It’s a metabot appeared first on Science Tech Updates.