Demonstration of the deformability of e-MG robots. Credit: Advanced Materials (2025). DOI: 10.1002/adma.202419077
In the UK, a group of researchers have revealed something that seems to come from a science fiction horror movie, a robot made of gel, able to bend, stretch, and slither much like something from the Venom universe.
The material is called e-MG (electro-morphing gel) and it alters shape in real-time, in response to electric signals. Developed by the University of Bristol and Queen Mary University of London, the "soft robot" is controlled remotely, using ultra-thin electrodes, it does not use motors, nor magnets.
The prototype, called Gymnast, can do continuous and fluid motions. The robot even sticks to surfaces and "walks" upside down. It maintained functionality after over 10,000 cycles of deformation. In tests the Gymnast stretched, twisted, and oscillated through spaces in the laboratory like a living organism.
What is bonkers about Gymnast is that it also works with rigid parts too - which means as hybrid machines become more prevalent, we are likely to see soft, organic movements incorporated into machines that "technically" move in a planned precise motion.
Researchers suggest uses in surgery, rescue missions, or potential uses in space exploration. Except honestly, with the way Gymnast looks and moves, you have to ask yourself...
Are we building machines or are we birthing synthetic creatures?
References:
https://techxplore.com/news/2025-10-shapeshifting-soft-robot-electric-fields.html
https://www.bristol.ac.uk/news/2025/october/soft-robotics-breakthrough.html
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