Robots who imitate life: Dresden researchers revolutionize materials!

Robots who imitate life: Dresden researchers revolutionize materials!

Dresden, Deutschland - Scientists of the Excellence Cluster Physics of Life (Pol) at the Technical University of Dresden (TUD) and the University of California Santa Barbara (UCSB) have made groundbreaking progress in robotics by developing robot groups that behave like intelligent materials. These results were published on February 20, 2025 in the specialist magazine Science and aimed to imitate the ability of cells, arrange themselves independently and to form complex structures. Prof. Otger Campàs and Matthew Devlin, the main authors of the study, were inspired by biological processes to optimize the functions of these robots.

The new robots that have the look of small hockey pucks can adapt their shape and develop different material thicknesses. The researchers have integrated three central biological processes for this: active forces, biochemical signal transmission and cell cell liability. Magnetic elements in the robots ensure liability between the units and enable behavior that is comparable to rigid materials. Dynamic forces between the robot units support the transforming of the collective robot system.

technological innovations in detail

An outstanding feature of this robot group are the eight motorized gear wheels on any robot that is responsible for interaction and reconfiguration. In addition, light sensors with polarization filters are used to precisely control the movements of the robots. The functioning group currently consists of twenty units, which can be scalable, but larger systems are also possible. The potential applications of this technology are diverse: from robot materials that carry heavy loads and manipulate objects, right down to self -healing materials.

The underlying principles of this research are not only limited to robotic construction, but also span an arc on the current developments in materials science. In this way, research approaches are increasingly bringing the areas of biology and technology together, whereby biological processes and organisms are integrated directly into innovative functional materials. The work at the Fraunhofer Institute shows that the focus is on the development of biomimetic materials, which imitate natural functions of nature in the constructive area.

A central research aspect is to create biocompatible and bioactive materials that enable targeted interactions with human tissue. Advances in molecular biology, biotechnology and polymer chemistry support these efforts and, among other things, lead to new implant materials that promise improved integration into the human organism. The goal is to minimize irritation and extend the durability of medical technology products, which ensures inexpensive and patient -friendly care.

The interaction between technical and biological systems is considered crucial, especially with regard to applications in the health sector. The transfer of biological principles to materials science is an important part of the circular economy that pursues closed circulars of materials. These strategies include the substitution of fossil raw materials through renewable materials and the return of residues.

The developments in the field of bio-intelligent materials go well with the goals of the high-tech strategy 2025 of the federal government, which focuses on a bio-based economy. Researchers at the Fraunhofer Institute are based on using integrated, computer-aided material developments (ICME) in order to achieve future-oriented research goals. Cooperation between the institutions thus promises promising progress in the development of intelligent materials and robot technologies.

The work was supported by the National Science Foundation (NSF) and the German Research Foundation (DFG), which underlines the importance of research and indicates that innovative approaches in robotics and materials science are still integral components of scientific development. For further information you can do the articles from the Technical University of Dresden here and from Fraunhofer Institut view here