These sub-1mm robots morph and crawl with an electric zap

Cornell University researchers this week unveiled tiny “metasheet” robots capable of transforming into pre-determined shapes and crawling around when electricity is applied. Along with biological organisms, the robots were inspired kirigami, a variation of origami wherein objects are cut in addition to folded.

The “metasheet” bit of the name, meanwhile, is based on the word “metamaterial,” referring to the little robots’ diverse makeup. They’re constructed from 100 10-nanometer silicon dioxide panels, held together by hinges. The electricity creates an electrochemical reaction that lets the robots expand or contract up to 40% of their size.