Researchers at Cornell University have developed microscale robots, each measuring less than 1 millimeter, that transform from flat, 2D structures into 3D shapes when activated by electricity. These robots, printed in a 2D hexagonal “metasheet,” can move by crawling, thanks to a novel kirigami-based design. Kirigami, related to origami, introduces cuts into the material, enabling the robots to fold, expand, and move.
The robots’ ability to change shape is attributed to their construction, which consists of around 100 silicon dioxide panels connected by over 200 actuating hinges, each 10 nanometers thick. When these hinges are electrochemically triggered, the panels fold into different formations, allowing the robots to expand or contract by up to 40% and adopt various shapes. The system’s design could enable the robots to interact with their environment, such as wrapping around objects and returning to a flat state.
The research, detailed in a paper titled “Electronically Configurable Microscopic Metasheet Robots,” was published on September 11 in *Nature Materials*. The project was led by physics professor Itai Cohen, with postdoctoral researchers Qingkun Liu and Wei Wang as co-lead authors. Cohen’s lab has a history of developing microrobotic systems, including those that can move autonomously and manipulate fluids.
Looking ahead, Cohen’s team is exploring the next stage of metasheet technology. They aim to integrate these mechanical structures with electronic controls to create what they call “elastronic” materials—responsive materials with capabilities beyond those found in nature. Potential applications include reconfigurable micromachines, biomedical devices, and materials that could react to stimuli faster than conventional systems. Cohen suggests that this technology could lead to a new class of intelligent matter, capable of energy harvesting and highly adaptive responses.
Photo: The kirigami robot is a hexagonal tiling composed of approximately 100 silicon dioxide panels that are connected through more than 200 actuating hinges.
Credit: Rebecca Bowyer
