Magnetoactive phase transitional matter (MPTM) are miniature robotic machines that can change their shape by switching between liquid and solid state.[1]
Description
editMPTMs consist of liquid metal embedded with a neodymium magnet.[1] MPTMs can be programmed to change shape when needed, by using heating and ambient cooling.[1] Heat is generated from an incorporated heating element, or by use of magnetic pulses, switching the robot into liquid mode.[1] Ambient temperatures provides cooling to change the robot into a solid state.[1] The magnetism of the metal holds the machine together while in liquid mode.[1]
History
editMPTMs were first created by a collaboration of scientists from Sun Yat-sen University, Carnegie Mellon University, Chinese University of Hong Kong, and Zhejiang University.[2][3] Their robot incorporated a heating element, and was able to melt itself to change shape.[3] The first MPTM incorporated neodymium, iron, and boron microparticles in gallium and had a melting point of 29.8 °C.[2][4]
Potential uses
editA January 2023 academic paper demonstrated the potential to use MPTMs for mechanical assembly in hard to reach locations, and in medical procedures.[1] Medical use cases were delivery of drugs in the human stomach and the removal of foreign objects.[1]
See also
editReferences
edit- ^ a b c d e f g h Wang, Qingyuan; Pan, Chengfeng; Zhang, Yuanxi; Peng, Lelun; Chen, Zhipeng; Majidi, Carmel; Jiang, Lelun (2023-01-25). "Magnetoactive liquid-solid phase transitional matter". Matter. 6 (3): 855–872. doi:10.1016/j.matt.2022.12.003. ISSN 2590-2393. S2CID 256296374.
- ^ a b "Shape-Shifting Robot Can Turn into Liquid and Escape Cage | Sci.News". Sci.News: Breaking Science News. 2023-01-26. Retrieved 2023-02-18.
- ^ a b "Shape-shifting robot melts itself to escape lab jail". BBC News. Retrieved 2023-02-18.
- ^ Wang, Qingyuan; Pan, Chengfeng; Zhang, Yuanxi; Peng, Lelun; Chen, Zhipeng; Majidi, Carmel; Jiang, Lelun (2023-01-25). "Magnetoactive liquid-solid phase transitional matter". Matter. 6 (3): 855–872. doi:10.1016/j.matt.2022.12.003. ISSN 2590-2385. S2CID 256296374.