These sub-1mm robots morph and crawl with an electric zap


Cornell University researchers this week unveiled tiny “metasheet” robots capable of transforming into pre-determined shapes and crawling around when electricity is applied. Along with biological organisms, the robots were inspired kirigami, a variation of origami wherein objects are cut in addition to folded.

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The “metasheet” bit of the name, meanwhile, is based on the word “metamaterial,” referring to the little robots’ diverse makeup. They’re constructed from 100 10-nanometer silicon dioxide panels, held together by hinges. The electricity creates an electrochemical reaction that lets the robots expand or contract up to 40% of their size.



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