North Carolina State Develops Origami Soft Robots with Magnetic Muscles for Non-Invasive Medicine Delivery

Researchers at North Carolina State University have developed a novel 3D printing technique that creates ultra-thin, flexible "magnetic muscles" by infusing rubber-like elastomers with ferromagnetic particles. These thin magnetic films can be integrated onto origami-inspired soft robots, specifically using the Miura-Ori folding pattern, allowing the robots to move and unfold when exposed to external magnetic fields without compromising their surface area or flexibility. This innovation enables controlled, precise actuation of the robots, which are designed for medical applications such as delivering medicine directly to ulcers inside the human body. In experimental tests with a mock stomach, the robots were successfully guided magnetically to ulcer sites, unfolded, and released medicine in a controlled manner while securely staying in place due to the magnetic films. This advancement promises less invasive, safer medical devices capable of navigating and acting inside the body without surgery, marking a significant breakthrough in soft robotics and biomedical engineering. The technique overcomes limitations of traditional magnetic actuators, which rely on rigid magnets that restrict movement and surface area.