Researchers from Seoul National University have created a robot in the shape of a liquid droplet covered in a layer of nanoparticles.
A liquid robot can seep through cracks like water, recover its shape after damage, and deliver medications directly to the diseased organ. This isn't science fiction; it's precisely the achievement of scientists from Seoul National University . Their invention is the world's first fully liquid robot and has been dubbed a "technological revolution for 2025. "
This robot is controlled using ultrasonic waves and is capable of withstanding significant pressure and recovering its original shape after deformation. It's worth noting that this "liquid robot," similar to a miniature T-1000, is capable of splitting into two parts and then reuniting.
The design is based on a gallium alloy with magnetic nanoparticles. This material remains liquid at room temperature, but under the influence of an electromagnetic field, it can assume any shape, from a thin thread to complex structures. Unlike previous "soft" robots, there is no silicone shell because the robot is entirely liquid, like mercury, but it is controllable.
“This is not just a material, it’s a smart fluid,” said project leader Dr. Kim So-yeon. “Our algorithms allow the robot to adapt in real time, split into parts, navigate around obstacles, and even mimic the texture of surrounding objects.”
