U.S. scientists developed a kind of remotely controlled soft robots that can move to a targeted position and be reconfigured into new shapes, revealing potential applications in biotechnology* and aerospace.

The study published in the Science Advances journal described the soft robots made of a polymer* embedded with magnetic iron microparticles* and controlled by light and magnetic fields.

Researchers at North Carolina State University used light from a light-emitting diode* (LED) to heat up the material that is relatively stiff under normal conditions, and the polymer became pliable*. Then, they demonstrated that the robot’s shape can be remotely controlled by applying a magnetic field.

After the robot took a desired shape, the researchers removed the LED light, and then the robot resumed the original stiffness, locking the shape in place.

In an experimental test, the researchers used the soft robot as a “grabber” for lifting and transporting objects. (SD-Agencies)