Scientists Create Shapeshifting Robot That Can Liquify And Regain Shape

The scientists are now aiming real-world applications of the machine.

All of us have seen T-1000, the shapeshifting robot from 'Terminator 2'. The character in the 1991 film gave goosebumps to fans and made science enthusiasts wonder if such a thing will ever be possible. But in 30 years, scientists have made it possible. Earlier this month, they announced the creation of a robot that can transition back and forth between solid and liquid states, allowing it to navigate through numerous obstacles and environments without compromising on strength. Researchers applied the technology in different scenarios to demonstrate the capabilities of the robot.

The research was led by a team of scientists from China who said that the ability to overcome the limitations makes the robot useful in areas such as electronic assembly and the medicine field.

"Giving robots the ability to switch between liquid and solid states endows them with more functionality," engineer Chengfeng Pan of The Chinese University of Hong Kong was quoted as saying by Science Alert.

The study detailing this breakthrough has been published in Matter. It describes how microscopic magnetic particles were embedded into liquid metal, and how those particles heated and cooled the metal based on adjusting the magnetic functions.