Addressable and perceptible dynamic reprogram of ferromagnetic soft machines

Abstract Soft machines actuated by external magnetic fields have gained significant attention for their potential to interact with living organisms and complex environments. However, their adaptability and functionality are often limited by rigid magnetization during operation. In this work, we intr...

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Main Authors: Yuxuan Sun, Boxi Sun, Xiang Cui, Weihua Li, Yue Zhang, Li He, Shutong Nong, Zhengqing Zhu, Jiyang Wu, Dongxiao Li, Xingxiang Li, Shiwu Zhang, Xiangyang Li, Mujun Li
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Nature Portfolio 2025-03-01
Series:Nature Communications
Online Access:https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-025-57454-w
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author Yuxuan Sun
Boxi Sun
Xiang Cui
Weihua Li
Yue Zhang
Li He
Shutong Nong
Zhengqing Zhu
Jiyang Wu
Dongxiao Li
Xingxiang Li
Shiwu Zhang
Xiangyang Li
Mujun Li
author_facet Yuxuan Sun
Boxi Sun
Xiang Cui
Weihua Li
Yue Zhang
Li He
Shutong Nong
Zhengqing Zhu
Jiyang Wu
Dongxiao Li
Xingxiang Li
Shiwu Zhang
Xiangyang Li
Mujun Li
author_sort Yuxuan Sun
collection DOAJ
description Abstract Soft machines actuated by external magnetic fields have gained significant attention for their potential to interact with living organisms and complex environments. However, their adaptability and functionality are often limited by rigid magnetization during operation. In this work, we introduce dynamically reprogrammable magnetic soft machines with in situ reconfigurable magnetization profiles during operations, achieved through the synergy of various magnetic fields. A flexible resonant circuit is integrated into the machine body, enabling addressable and perceptible heating of specific regions via high-frequency fields of varying frequencies. The machine body is composed of microbeads made from a low-melting-point alloy and NdFeB microparticles. When heated, the alloy liquefies, allowing the rotation of NdFeB microparticles under a 40 mT pulsed programming field. Upon cooling, the new configuration is locked in place. This reprogramming process is equally effective for single or multiple machines, enabling versatile multi-pattern deformation of individual machines and cooperation of multiple ones. Furthermore, by incorporating addressable thermal actuation, we demonstrate in situ assembly of multiple robots. This work may enable a broad spectrum of magnetic soft machines with enhanced functionalities.
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issn 2041-1723
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spelling doaj-art-a2aabb713d254da0a3316c6e44d8e6932025-08-20T02:59:58ZengNature PortfolioNature Communications2041-17232025-03-0116111510.1038/s41467-025-57454-wAddressable and perceptible dynamic reprogram of ferromagnetic soft machinesYuxuan Sun0Boxi Sun1Xiang Cui2Weihua Li3Yue Zhang4Li He5Shutong Nong6Zhengqing Zhu7Jiyang Wu8Dongxiao Li9Xingxiang Li10Shiwu Zhang11Xiangyang Li12Mujun Li13Institute of Humanoid Robots, Department of Precision Machinery and Precision Instrumentation, University of Science and Technology of ChinaInstitute of Humanoid Robots, Department of Precision Machinery and Precision Instrumentation, University of Science and Technology of ChinaSchool of Computer Science and Technology, University of Science and Technology of ChinaSchool of Mechanical, Materials, Mechatronic and Biomedical Engineering, University of WollongongThe First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of ChinaThe First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of ChinaInstitute of Humanoid Robots, Department of Precision Machinery and Precision Instrumentation, University of Science and Technology of ChinaInstitute of Humanoid Robots, Department of Precision Machinery and Precision Instrumentation, University of Science and Technology of ChinaInstitute of Humanoid Robots, Department of Precision Machinery and Precision Instrumentation, University of Science and Technology of ChinaInstitute of Humanoid Robots, Department of Precision Machinery and Precision Instrumentation, University of Science and Technology of ChinaInstitute of Humanoid Robots, Department of Precision Machinery and Precision Instrumentation, University of Science and Technology of ChinaInstitute of Humanoid Robots, Department of Precision Machinery and Precision Instrumentation, University of Science and Technology of ChinaSchool of Computer Science and Technology, University of Science and Technology of ChinaInstitute of Humanoid Robots, Department of Precision Machinery and Precision Instrumentation, University of Science and Technology of ChinaAbstract Soft machines actuated by external magnetic fields have gained significant attention for their potential to interact with living organisms and complex environments. However, their adaptability and functionality are often limited by rigid magnetization during operation. In this work, we introduce dynamically reprogrammable magnetic soft machines with in situ reconfigurable magnetization profiles during operations, achieved through the synergy of various magnetic fields. A flexible resonant circuit is integrated into the machine body, enabling addressable and perceptible heating of specific regions via high-frequency fields of varying frequencies. The machine body is composed of microbeads made from a low-melting-point alloy and NdFeB microparticles. When heated, the alloy liquefies, allowing the rotation of NdFeB microparticles under a 40 mT pulsed programming field. Upon cooling, the new configuration is locked in place. This reprogramming process is equally effective for single or multiple machines, enabling versatile multi-pattern deformation of individual machines and cooperation of multiple ones. Furthermore, by incorporating addressable thermal actuation, we demonstrate in situ assembly of multiple robots. This work may enable a broad spectrum of magnetic soft machines with enhanced functionalities.https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-025-57454-w
spellingShingle Yuxuan Sun
Boxi Sun
Xiang Cui
Weihua Li
Yue Zhang
Li He
Shutong Nong
Zhengqing Zhu
Jiyang Wu
Dongxiao Li
Xingxiang Li
Shiwu Zhang
Xiangyang Li
Mujun Li
Addressable and perceptible dynamic reprogram of ferromagnetic soft machines
Nature Communications
title Addressable and perceptible dynamic reprogram of ferromagnetic soft machines
title_full Addressable and perceptible dynamic reprogram of ferromagnetic soft machines
title_fullStr Addressable and perceptible dynamic reprogram of ferromagnetic soft machines
title_full_unstemmed Addressable and perceptible dynamic reprogram of ferromagnetic soft machines
title_short Addressable and perceptible dynamic reprogram of ferromagnetic soft machines
title_sort addressable and perceptible dynamic reprogram of ferromagnetic soft machines
url https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-025-57454-w
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