A new generation of soft, flexible robots is emerging with the potential to save lives in disaster zones and revolutionize how medicine is delivered within the human body. Developed by an international research team led by Penn State, these robots combine flexible electronics with magnetically guided movement, enabling them to crawl through tight spaces or navigate internal organs.

Unlike traditional rigid machines, these soft robots are made from pliable materials that mimic the natural motion of living organisms. Their ability to squeeze through confined areas makes them ideal for complex environments like collapsed buildings or the human gastrointestinal tract. Until now, one of the main challenges in soft robotics has been embedding sensors and electronics without compromising flexibility.

To address this, the research team focused on integrating smart sensing systems directly into the robots. Traditional soft robots typically rely on external control and cannot independently interact with their surroundings. By incorporating flexible electronics, the new design allows the robots to sense environmental changes and operate semi-autonomously, reducing the need for constant human input.

The key innovation lies in the seamless combination of soft materials and distributed electronics. By spreading electronic components across the robot’s structure, the team preserved the robot’s flexibility while maintaining its functionality. These robots can crawl, twist, and even roll into a ball, movements made possible by embedding hard magnetic materials within their soft framework. An external magnetic field directs their actions, eliminating the need for onboard power sources or wired connections.

A major obstacle was the stiffness of even flexible electronics, which are significantly more rigid than soft robotic materials. To minimize the impact, the electronics were strategically distributed throughout the robot’s body. Another challenge was dealing with electromagnetic interference. Strong magnetic fields used for movement could disrupt the performance of electronic sensors. To prevent this, the layout of the electronics was carefully designed to shield sensitive components, ensuring reliable operation.

With these engineering hurdles overcome, the soft robots can now be remotely guided and respond independently to environmental stimuli. In disaster scenarios, they can navigate debris while detecting heat or physical barriers. In medical settings, they could identify changes in pH or pressure, enabling precise drug delivery or accurate sample collection.

One future application under development is a “robot pill” — a miniature version that could be swallowed and travel through the digestive system. This device could diagnose disease, monitor conditions, or deliver medication directly to targeted areas, offering a less invasive alternative to procedures like biopsies. The researchers are also working toward even smaller versions that could be injected into blood vessels for cardiovascular treatments, expanding the range of non-invasive medical technologies.

While these soft robots have yet to receive an official name, the research team is continuing to refine their design for real-world use in both emergency response and advanced healthcare.

By Impact Lab