Watch As This Oozing Liquid Robot Breaks Out Of Jail By Passing Through Bars

Have you ever thought about how robots differ from living creatures? One key distinction is their rigidity – while cells are often squishy, robots are typically made of plastic and metal structures. However, researchers from Gachon University and Seoul National University have recently introduced a groundbreaking concept: a liquid robot.

This unique robot, known as a Particle-armored liquid roBot (PB), is not self-propelled. Instead, it is moved using acoustic radiation, specifically ultrasound. Despite its lack of self-propulsion, the PB is capable of a wide range of actions. It can deform, divide, merge, and even engulf foreign substances and transport them away.

The secret behind the PB’s functionality lies in its design. The liquid is surrounded by countless superhydrophobic particles, creating a structure that mimics the dynamic capabilities and structural resilience of biological cells. This innovative approach allows the PB to maintain remarkable stability under various stress conditions.

Unlike previous liquid robots, the PB showcases a level of versatility that sets it apart. It can navigate complex environments, transport cargo, cross water and land boundaries, and adapt to new operational requirements by seamlessly merging with other PBs nearby. This adaptability makes the PB well-suited for unpredictable and dynamically changing environments.

One of the most impressive demonstrations of the PB’s capabilities is its ability to pass through jail bars, reminiscent of the T-1000 in Terminator 2. It can also roll on water without breaking apart, manipulate materials, merge with other PBs, and withstand falls from small heights without collapsing prematurely.

In a virtual mission designed to showcase the PB’s prowess as a liquid robot, researchers successfully retrieved a hazardous material from a hidden location, neutralized it with an antidote, and safely contained it. This mission exemplifies the PB’s potential for applications in biomedical fields such as tumor cell destruction and drug delivery.

The PB represents a significant advancement in the development of miniature machines that mimic cellular behavior. Its capabilities open up a world of possibilities for innovative applications in various industries. The research detailing the PB’s design and functionality has been published in the prestigious journal Science Advances.