Researchers Developed Foldable Soft Electromagnetic Robot
The new soft robot features a six-spoke elastomer body capable of navigating complex environments like the human digestive tract.
Updated on Sept. 21, 2026 in Robotics
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Scientists have engineered a versatile soft robot that utilizes liquid metal channels and Laplace forces to achieve nine distinct locomotion modes. The device can fold to reduce its volume by 79%, enabling potential future applications in medical procedures.
Why it matters
This innovation provides a flexible solution for performing targeted tasks within the human gastrointestinal tract. Its ability to transition rapidly between movement styles offers a new framework for navigating delicate biological spaces.
The robot reaches a high-speed rolling velocity of 818 mm per second and can reduce its volume by 79% when folded. It is capable of transitioning between its nine locomotion modes in under 0.35 seconds.
The details
Embedded with liquid metal channels, the elastomer body responds to static magnetic fields to generate movement through Laplace forces. This design allows the robot to perform complex actions including crawling, jumping, swimming, and rolling within constrained spaces.
Timeline
The peer-reviewed research article was published on September 21, 2026.
The Tech Race
This development represents a major shift toward soft, biocompatible machines that replace rigid, traditional surgical instrumentation. By utilizing liquid metal and magnetic control, this device positions itself at the forefront of the race to commercialize autonomous medical micro-robotics.
This technology aims to improve medical outcomes by enabling less invasive diagnostic and treatment procedures. Future iterations could eventually reduce recovery times and physical discomfort for patients requiring gastrointestinal interventions.
The takeaway
The development of this robot highlights the increasing feasibility of using magnetic, soft-bodied machines for precision medical tasks. These adaptable devices could soon change how physicians approach internal diagnostics.
Further reading
For more on the latest advancements in autonomous machines, visit our Robotics section.
More information
Review the full findings in the peer-reviewed research article.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Nature.
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