In a proof-of-concept study that integrates smart materials, machine learning and an optical control system, a team of Rice researchers led by materials scientist Hanyu Zhu used a light-patterning ...

A separate silicone rubber layer, embedded with neodymium iron boron (NdFeB) magnetic particles, is bonded to the PI-PAA film. This “triple-layer sandwich” provides a powerful trifecta of responses: ...

Like octopuses squeezing through a tiny sea cave, metatruss robots can adapt to demanding environments by changing their shape. These mighty morphing robots are made of trusses composed of hundreds of ...