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This Liquid Robot Can Transform, Separate, and Fuse Like Living Cells

In the quest to develop robots that mimic the behaviors of living organisms, one of the biggest hurdles has been replicating the fluidity and adaptability of biological cells. These cells possess an extraordinary ability to deform, divide, fuse, and capture foreign substances—traits that traditional solid robots struggle to emulate. But what if robots could harness the power of liquids to overcome these limitations? A breakthrough study led by Professor Ho-Young Kim and his team has introduced a new generation of liquid robots that can deform, split, merge, and even carry cargo, mimicking the behavior of living cells in a way that was previously unimaginable. This innovative robot, named the Particle-armored liquid robot (PB), promises to revolutionize the fields of soft robotics and biomedical applications.

The Challenge of Replicating Biological Functions in Robots

For years, engineers and scientists have attempted to replicate the versatility and deformability found in biological cells. Unlike traditional robots, which are rigid and often break under pressure, biological cells can adapt their shape, split into parts, merge with others, and even engulf foreign objects. This flexibility allows them to perform tasks like moving through narrow spaces, adapting to changing environments, and transporting essential materials. The challenge, however, lies in translating these cellular abilities into artificial machines.

Traditional robots are built with rigid parts that limit their ability to adapt. To solve this problem, scientists have long searched for ways to incorporate the deformability of liquids into robotic structures. Liquids can flow and change shape in ways that solids cannot, but the challenge has been how to combine the fluidity of liquid with the stability and control necessary for effective robotic functions.

The Breakthrough: Particle-Armored Liquid Robots

In their recent study published in Science Advances, Hyobin Jeon and colleagues at Seoul National University and Gachon University have developed a groundbreaking solution: a particle-armored liquid robot (PB). This robot is made of a liquid core, which is coated with an unusually high density of superhydrophobic (water-repelling) particles. The result is a highly stable and deformable robot that combines the best of both worlds—the fluidity of liquid and the structural stability of a solid.

The PB robot can withstand extreme compressions and high-impact drops without breaking, and it can return to its original shape just like a droplet of water. This deformability allows it to perform a wide range of functions, such as navigating through complex environments, engulfing and transporting cargo, merging with other PB robots, and adapting to various terrains.

How It Works: A Dynamic Combination of Liquids and Solids

The concept behind the PB robot is simple yet ingenious. By encapsulating a liquid blob with hydrophobic particles, the robot gains the flexibility of liquid and the structural support of solid materials. This "particle armor" not only prevents the liquid from spilling out but also enhances the stability of the robot, making it resistant to pressure and impact.

The PB robot's unique design allows it to change its shape dynamically. It can move through narrow gaps, stretch, shrink, and even merge with other PB robots to form larger entities. This ability to fuse and separate gives it a significant advantage over traditional rigid robots, which are often limited by their fixed forms.

Experimental Success: Real-World Applications

The research team, led by Professors Kim, Sun, and Park, demonstrated several practical functions of the PB robot. One of the most striking features of this liquid robot is its ability to move across both solid surfaces and water. Similar to the "T-1000" liquid robot from the 1991 movie Terminator 2, the PB robot can pass through obstacles like metal bars, capture and transport foreign substances, and merge with other PB robots.

The team also developed a technique to control the robot's movement using ultrasound. This technology enables precise control of the PB robot's speed and direction, offering a level of flexibility that is unmatched by traditional robots.

Potential Applications: From Biomedical to Industrial Uses

The potential applications for this liquid robot are vast. One of the most promising areas is in biomedical and soft robotics. The PB robot's ability to deform and navigate through narrow spaces makes it ideal for targeted drug delivery and therapeutic interventions inside the human body. It could be used to transport medicine to specific sites or remove foreign substances without damaging surrounding tissues.

Beyond medicine, the PB robot's adaptability and flexibility make it an excellent candidate for a variety of industrial and emergency response applications. It could be deployed in large numbers to navigate through complex machinery, clear obstacles in rugged terrains, or conduct search-and-rescue operations in disaster zones. Its ability to pass through tight spaces and adapt to different environments opens up new possibilities for robotic exploration and cleaning tasks.

The Future of Liquid Robotics

While the current iteration of the PB robot is already impressive, the research team is not stopping there. Professor Kim and his colleagues are working on technologies that will allow the robot to change its shape freely using sound waves or electric fields. These advancements could further enhance the robot's capabilities, making it even more versatile and useful in a wide range of applications.

Additionally, the team is focused on improving the material properties of the PB robot to expand its industrial potential. They aim to create robots that can perform more complex tasks, such as interacting with sensitive materials or functioning in extreme environments.

The Road Ahead: Toward Biomimetic Machines

The development of the PB robot marks an important step toward creating miniature machines that can perform like living cells. The ability to create robots that can deform, divide, fuse, and adapt to their surroundings is a significant leap forward in the field of soft robotics. These robots can move through environments that were previously inaccessible to traditional machines and perform tasks that require a high degree of flexibility and adaptability.

As the team continues to refine their technology, the potential for liquid robots to revolutionize fields like medicine, manufacturing, and disaster response becomes clearer. The PB robot is not just a new type of machine—it is a glimpse into the future of robotics, where artificial systems can mimic the remarkable abilities of living organisms.

Conclusion

The development of particle-armored liquid robots represents a significant breakthrough in the field of soft robotics. By combining the deformability of liquids with the stability of solids, these robots can perform a range of functions that were once considered impossible for artificial machines. As researchers continue to refine this technology, the future of liquid robots looks bright, with the potential to revolutionize industries from medicine to disaster response. The PB robot is just the beginning, and the possibilities for biomimetic robots are endless.

Reference: Hyobin Jeon et al, Particle-armored liquid robots, Science Advances (2025). DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.adt5888.

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