Nat Mater January 2025 PMID 39261721

Electronically configurable microscopic metasheet robots.

Qingkun Liu, Wei Wang, Himani Sinhmar, Itay Griniasty, Jason Z Kim, Jacob T Pelster, Paragkumar Chaudhari, Michael F Reynolds, Michael C Cao, David A Muller, Alyssa B Apsel, Nicholas L Abbott, Hadas Kress-Gazit, Paul L McEuen, Itai Cohen

Full text PDF Download social card

Mentions

Peak: 4 in Sep 2024

across 4 sources since Sep 2024

Extended reach

230,964

potential audience

Total likes

563

Video views

171,833

Mentions per month

Sep 2024 – Nov 2025

Where it's discussed

News17 articles
X / Twitter6 posts
YouTube2 videos
Blogs2 articles

AI synopsis

What people are saying

The discussions reflect enthusiasm for the research, with mentions of its inspiration from kirigami and how the metasheet robots can contract and 'swim,' emphasizing their innovative design and potential uses; use of terms like 'inspired by,' 'can change structure,' and 'potential applications' illustrate both respect and curiosity about the technology.

AgreementModerate agreement

Most discussions acknowledge the significance of the research, highlighting its inspiration from kirigami and its potential applications.

InterestHigh interest

Posts express high interest, focusing on the innovative aspects like shape-changing capabilities and miniature size.

EngagementModerate engagement

Participants reference specific features such as rapid shape alteration and movement mechanisms, indicating a moderate level of engagement.

ImpactModerate impact

Many recognize the potential for advancing micro-robotics and developing new technologies, suggesting a meaningful impact.

Abstract in brief

Shape morphing is crucial for movement in tiny organisms, and the study introduces tiny robots (metabots) that can change their shape effectively.
These robots utilize a kirigami design with parts ranging from 10 nm to 100 μm, allowing them to expand and contract rapidly, achieving movement within 100 ms.
The technology allows for customizable shapes and motion patterns, paving the way for diverse applications like micromachines, adjustable optical devices, and small-scale medical tools.

Read the full abstract

All mentions

Micro Metasheet Robot Achieves Shape-Shifting Movement with Electricity

Researchers at Cornell University developed a 1mm robot made of silicon dioxide panels that folds, flips, and crawls using just a spark of electricity. Inspired by kirigami, it can rapidly morph into complex shapes…

uncover reality · Jun 29, 2025 170,963 views

Development of Untethered Micro-robots for Autonomous Tasks in Microfluidics

Origami Adventures · Nov 14, 2025 666 views

Electrically Controlled Microscopic Morphing Robots for Diverse Applications

Shape morphing is crucial for movement in tiny organisms, and the study introduces tiny robots (metabots) that can change their shape effectively. These metasheet kirigami robots can expand, contract rapidly, and are…

AJE Video Bytes · Oct 9, 2024 204 views

Sudipta Barua

@RSuns777 · X

RT @NatureMaterials: Related paper: Electronically configurable microscopic metasheet robots @LASSP_Cornell @Cornell https://t.co/Vzg0JO1U…

Feb 2, 2025 · 1 share · 572 followers View post →

Nature Materials

@NatureMaterials · X

Related paper: Electronically configurable microscopic metasheet robots @LASSP_Cornell @Cornell https://t.co/Vzg0JO1Ul7

Jan 21, 2025 · 6 likes · 1 share · 54,700 followers View post →

Life Science Journal Content

@lsn_jc · X

Electronically configurable microscopic metasheet robots #science #publication #research #journal https://t.co/GwhCthkK9y

Sep 15, 2024 · 263 followers View post →

Dvich

@D_vich · X

RT @Edward__Back: Voici un robot métafeuille inspiré du kirigami et d’une taille microscopique. Il peut se contracter pour changer sa struc…

Sep 13, 2024 · 1 share · 1,236 followers View post →

Edward Back

@Edward__Back · X

Sep 12, 2024 · 1 share · 25 followers View post →

Victor Victory

@PBensalah · X

Electronically configurable microscopic metasheet robots https://t.co/eRs8Nx4fmw

Sep 11, 2024 · 2,328 followers View post →