Researchers have developed a novel origami robot that can traverse obstacles and uneven terrains by contracting and expanding in response to magnetic fields, showcasing potential for biomedical, space exploration, and environmental applications.

This robot features a new ultra-thin magnetic film created through a 3D printing technique, which embeds ferromagnetic particles into soft materials, making it significantly more space-efficient than traditional rigid magnets.

The innovative magnetic film is designed to be directly placed onto specific parts of the origami robot without compromising its surface area, enhancing its flexibility and functionality.

A major breakthrough involved increasing the concentration of ferromagnetic particles in the rubber elastomer by incorporating a hot plate during curing, resulting in stronger magnetic forces and more effective actuation.

Researchers overcame previous limitations of ferromagnetic particles in rubber by using UV light curing combined with a hot plate, which allowed for higher particle loading without curing issues.

The magnetic films are produced by co-extruding rubber polymers with ferromagnetic particles, and enhanced curing through UV and thermal processes enables loading up to 75% by weight, boosting magnetic responsiveness while maintaining flexibility.

This magnetic actuation technology enables the robot to stay in place and deliver medicine safely in a non-invasive manner, representing a significant advancement in minimally invasive medical treatments.

Overall, the technology's scalability, wireless control, and multifunctionality promise broad applications across biomedicine, space exploration, and other fields, as demonstrated by the prototype robots.