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Scientists Discover Way to Send Information into Black Holes Without Using Energy

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Scientists Turn Industrial Waste Sulfur into Self-Moving Robots Using 4D Printing

Imagine a future where robots can move, change shape, and even repair themselves—without wires, motors, or complex electronics. Now imagine these robots are made from industrial waste. This is no longer science fiction. A groundbreaking innovation in 4D printing is turning waste sulfur into smart materials that can create self-moving soft robots.

A joint research team led by Dong-Gyun Kim from Korea Research Institute of Chemical Technology, along with Professor Jeong Jae Wie of Hanyang University and Professor Yong Seok Kim of Sejong University, has developed the world’s first sulfur-based 4D printing technology. Their research was published in the prestigious journal Advanced Materials.

What is 4D Printing?

4D printing is an advanced form of 3D printing. While 3D printing creates static objects, 4D printing adds the dimension of time. This means the printed objects can change their shape or function when exposed to external conditions like heat, light, or magnetic fields.

In simple terms, 4D-printed materials are “smart.” They can respond to their environment without needing motors or human intervention.

The Problem with Sulfur Waste

Every year, huge amounts of sulfur are produced as a by-product of petroleum refining. According to United States Geological Survey, global sulfur production reached around 85 million tons in 2024.

Most of this sulfur goes unused or is stored as waste, which creates environmental and storage challenges. Scientists have been searching for ways to turn this abundant material into something useful.

The Rise of Sulfur Plastics

One promising solution is sulfur-based polymers, also known as sulfur plastics. These materials are gaining attention because they offer unique advantages.

Unlike traditional plastics, sulfur plastics can transmit infrared light. This makes them useful for applications like infrared camera lenses. They also have the ability to capture heavy metals, making them valuable for water purification systems.

Because they reuse industrial waste and offer advanced functionality, sulfur plastics are considered environmentally friendly and part of a circular economy.

The Challenge: Making Sulfur Printable

Despite their benefits, sulfur plastics have one major limitation—they are difficult to use in 3D printing. Their internal structure is tightly cross-linked, which makes them rigid and hard to process.

To solve this problem, the research team redesigned the material at the molecular level. They created a loosely cross-linked sulfur polymer network. This new structure improved flowability, allowing the material to be easily extruded through a 3D printer.

This breakthrough made it possible to print complex shapes using sulfur-based materials for the first time.

Adding the “Fourth Dimension”

The real innovation comes from giving these printed structures shape-memory properties. By carefully controlling the sulfur content and internal structure, the researchers enabled the material to change shape when exposed to heat or light.

For example, a printed object can remain in one shape and then automatically transform into another when heated. This transformation happens without motors, wires, or external mechanical systems.

This is what makes the technology truly “4D.”

Fast and Strong Chemical Welding

Another impressive feature of this technology is its ability to self-join components. Using a near-infrared (NIR) laser, the material can undergo a chemical welding process in just eight seconds.

During this process, internal chemical bonds temporarily break and then reconnect, creating a strong joint between parts. This eliminates the need for adhesives or additional tools.

It works similarly to snapping LEGO blocks together, but at a molecular level. This allows engineers to build complex structures quickly and efficiently.

Tiny Soft Robots That Move on Their Own

One of the most exciting applications of this technology is in soft robotics. By adding about 20% magnetic particles to the material, the researchers created tiny robots—smaller than 1 centimeter—that can move autonomously.

These soft robots do not require batteries or motors. Instead, they respond to external magnetic fields. Combined with their shape-memory properties, they can perform complex movements and tasks.

This opens up possibilities for applications such as:

  • Medical devices that move inside the human body

  • Environmental sensors in hard-to-reach areas

  • Micro-robots for precision manufacturing

100% Recyclable and Sustainable

Sustainability is a key highlight of this innovation. The material supports closed-loop manufacturing, meaning it can be fully recycled.

After use, the printed structures can simply be melted and reused as printing material. This allows for 100% recycling without losing performance.

In a world facing growing environmental challenges, this kind of circular system is extremely valuable. It reduces waste, lowers costs, and minimizes environmental impact.

Why This Breakthrough Matters

This research is important for several reasons. First, it transforms industrial waste into high-value materials. Instead of treating sulfur as a problem, it becomes a resource.

Second, it advances the field of soft robotics. The ability to create small, self-moving robots without complex hardware could revolutionize industries like healthcare, manufacturing, and environmental monitoring.

Third, it supports sustainable manufacturing. Fully recyclable materials align with global efforts to reduce waste and promote eco-friendly technologies.

The Future of Smart Materials

According to Dr. Dong-Gyun Kim, this study represents the first successful example of upcycling sulfur waste into advanced robotic materials. He believes that smart, recyclable materials will play a major role in future automation technologies.

Looking ahead, we may see:

  • Wearable health devices that adapt to the human body

  • Soft robots that assist in surgeries

  • Smart materials that repair themselves automatically

  • Sustainable electronics made from industrial waste

Conclusion

The development of sulfur-based 4D printing technology marks a major step forward in both materials science and robotics. By combining sustainability with innovation, researchers have created a system that not only reduces waste but also enables futuristic applications.

From self-moving robots to fully recyclable materials, this breakthrough shows how science can turn everyday industrial by-products into powerful tools for the future.

What was once considered waste is now shaping the next generation of smart technologies—and this is just the beginning.

Reference: J. H.Hwang, S.Won, J. M.Lee, et al. “Closed-Loop and Sustainable 4D Printing of Multi-Stimuli-Responsive Sulfur-Rich Polymer Composites for Autonomous Task Execution.” Adv. Mater.37, no. 44 (2025): e07057. https://doi.org/10.1002/adma.202507057

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