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Liquid Robot Mimics Living Cells, Offers Breakthrough in Soft Robotics

  • tech360.tv
  • 2 days ago
  • 2 min read

A team of researchers has developed a next-generation liquid robot that can transform, separate, and fuse like biological cells, marking a major advancement in soft robotics.


Small yellow droplet on a white surface next to a curved structure with windows against a black background. Inset shows arrows. Text: "10 mm".
Credit: Science Advances

The study, published in Science Advances, showcases a particle-armoured liquid robot that combines the flexibility of liquid with the structural stability of solids. The robot is encased in dense hydrophobic particles, allowing it to deform, recover from high-impact drops, and withstand extreme compression without breaking.


Led by Professor Ho-Young Kim from Seoul National University’s Department of Mechanical Engineering, the team includes Professor Jeong-Yun Sun from the Department of Materials Science and Engineering and Professor Keunhwan Park from Gachon University’s Department of Mechanical, Smart, and Industrial Engineering.


Scientific diagrams showing liquid interactions, labeled A-E. Components include PB I, PB II, and surfactant-coated outlet, indicating processes like penetration and merging.
Credit: Science Advances

The robot can perform a range of complex tasks, including passing through metal bars, capturing and transporting foreign substances, and merging with other liquid robots. It can also move freely on both water and solid surfaces.



Researchers demonstrated that the robot could repeatedly perform these functions and developed a method to control its speed using ultrasound. These capabilities suggest potential applications in biomedical fields, such as targeted drug delivery and therapeutic procedures inside the human body.


The robot’s ability to navigate narrow spaces also makes it suitable for deployment in complex machinery, rugged terrain, and disaster zones. Possible uses include exploration, cleaning, chemical-based obstacle removal, and nutrient delivery.


Hyobin Jeon, the study’s first author, explained that the team initially considered using conventional liquid marble techniques but improved stability by coating an ice cube with particles and then melting it.


Professor Kim noted that future work will focus on enabling the robot to change shape using sound waves or electric fields. Professor Sun added that the team aims to enhance the robot’s material properties for broader industrial applications.

  • South Korean researchers developed a liquid robot that mimics living cells

  • The robot is encased in hydrophobic particles, combining liquid flexibility with solid stability

  • It can pass through barriers, merge with others, and move on water and land


Source: TECHXPLORE

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