Overview

• Princeton researchers have developed 'metabots,' modular metamaterials inspired by origami that can transform and move without internal motors or gears.
• The system uses external magnetic fields for power and control, enabling precise and complex behaviors from simple electromagnetic inputs.
• Metabots consist of Kresling-pattern units with chirality, allowing reversible deformations and unique non-reciprocal behaviors like hysteresis.
• A 100-micron prototype metabot was fabricated using laser lithography, showcasing potential applications in biomedical and micro-robotics fields.
• Researchers demonstrated dynamic thermal regulation, adjusting surface temperatures between 27°C and 70°C, highlighting potential uses in adaptive materials and energy systems.