Magnetic liquid metal robot can merge and squeeze through gaps

Researchers from Seoul National University and Gachon University created a liquid robot from liquid metal coated with dense microscopic particle armour and embedded magnetic particles.

The robot can split into multiple droplets, merge back into one body, squeeze through gaps smaller than its diameter, and engulf foreign objects.

Its particle-armoured liquid robot (PB) design combines liquid metal's fluidity with solid material stability, inspired by biological cells.

The study, published in Science Advances, could impact minimally invasive medicine, industrial inspection, and disaster response.