Breakthrough Technology

In an exciting breakthrough, researchers have introduced an innovative device that masterfully merges magnetic fields with kirigami design principles, enabling the remote control of a flexible, dimpled surface. This technology allows for the manipulation of objects without physically grasping them, making it an ideal solution for moving fragile items, gels, or liquids—especially in compact spaces where traditional robotic arms may struggle.

Design and Functionality

Jie Yin, a leading expert in mechanical and aerospace engineering at North Carolina State University, elaborated on the project, stating, “Our aim was to tackle two main challenges: first, how to move delicate objects that can’t be picked up by grippers; and second, how to utilize a magnetic field to remotely lift non-magnetic items.”

The researchers designed an innovative “metasheet,” which is constructed from an elastic polymer embedded with magnetic microparticles. By incorporating a unique cut pattern inspired by kirigami—a Japanese art of paper cutting—this metasheet is both flexible and robust. The outer edges are secured to a rigid frame, enhancing its structure.

Controlled Movement

By manipulating a magnetic field beneath the metasheet, team members can induce sections of the surface to bulge or sink, creating a wave-like motion that effectively transports various types of objects resting on its surface, from liquid droplets to delicate glass sheets. A video showcasing the mesmerizing motion of the metasheets can be viewed here.

Yin further explained, “By adjusting the magnetic field's direction and strength, we can create controlled movements, allowing us to move objects gracefully, even those with intricate shapes.”

Importance of Kirigami Cuts

The kirigami cuts are crucial as they enhance the metasheet's flexibility while maintaining its fundamental stiffness and mechanical integrity. Yinding Chi, the study's lead author and former Ph.D. student at NC State, mentioned that this adaptability enables significant deformation without compromising strength, and the metasheet shows a remarkable response time of merely two milliseconds to magnetic changes.

Potential Applications

Joe Tracy, also a co-author and professor of materials science, noted that this newly proposed method has seen limited exploration in the combination of magnetic actuation and kirigami principles, suggesting considerable potential applications in areas such as soft robotics and manufacturing.

Future Developments

Looking ahead, the researchers are eager to scale down their device to manipulate smaller objects and volumes of liquid. Additionally, they envision creating haptic technologies powered by this approach, which could revolutionize gaming experiences and enhance accessibility devices.

Stay tuned as these groundbreaking developments in technology could soon change the way we interact with delicate objects in confined spaces and open up exciting new avenues across various industries!

Reference

Chi Y, Evans EE, Clary MR, et al. Magnetic kirigami dome metasheet with high deformability and stiffness for adaptive dynamic shape-shifting and multimodal manipulation. Sci Adv. 2024;10(49):eadr8421. doi: 10.1126/sciadv.adr8421.