Liquid Metal? No, Just Shape-Shifting Robots

Liquid Metal? No, Just Shape-Shifting Robots
👋 Hi, I am Mark. I am a strategic futurist and innovation keynote speaker. I advise governments and enterprises on emerging technologies such as AI or the metaverse. My subscribers receive a free weekly newsletter on cutting-edge technology.

The Terminator T-1000 isn’t here (yet), but scientists have built robots that can flow like liquid, solidify into tools, and even hold a human’s weight. Welcome to the next era of robotics, where machines don’t just move, they morph.

Researchers at UC Santa Barbara and TU Dresden have developed programmable robot swarms that mimic living cells, flowing around obstacles before hardening into weight-bearing structures.

Inspired by embryonic tissue, these 3D-printed bots use motorized gears, light sensors, and rolling magnets to self-organize into wrenches, bridges, and even human-supporting platforms.

The potential applications? Disaster relief, construction, and adaptive manufacturing. But challenges remain. Current models require external control, and scaling to thousands of bots is still a hurdle.

  • Inspired by biology, these robots mimic how cells build muscles and bones.
  • Shape-shifting abilities allow them to flow, solidify, and adapt in real time.
  • Scalability and autonomy will define their future use in real-world applications.

This is more than robotics—it’s a new form of programmable matter. But how do we balance adaptability with control as these machines evolve?

Read the full article on Singularity Hub.

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Dr Mark van Rijmenam

Dr Mark van Rijmenam

Dr. Mark van Rijmenam, widely known as The Digital Speaker, isn’t just a #1-ranked global futurist; he’s an Architect of Tomorrow who fuses visionary ideas with real-world ROI. As a global keynote speaker, Global Speaking Fellow, recognized Global Guru Futurist, and 5-time author, he ignites Fortune 500 leaders and governments worldwide to harness emerging tech for tangible growth.

Recognized by Salesforce as one of 16 must-know AI influencers , Dr. Mark brings a balanced, optimistic-dystopian edge to his insights—pushing boundaries without losing sight of ethical innovation. From pioneering the use of a digital twin to spearheading his next-gen media platform Futurwise, he doesn’t just talk about AI and the future—he lives it, inspiring audiences to take bold action. You can reach his digital twin via WhatsApp at: +1 (830) 463-6967.

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