Origami Twist‐Inspired Microbuilding Blocks for Multifunctional Shape‐Morphing Micromachines

Abstract

The development of intelligent micromachines, crucial for complex tasks in confined spaces, is hindered by limited functionalities due to material constraints and incompatible nanofabrication methods. Drawing inspiration from the efficient motion and deformation of origami structures, a microbuilding block with strong torsional properties is developed. This block serves as a connector between a rigid frame and a soft artificial muscle, fabricated through multistep two‐photon polymerization. When assembled into slender, high‐aspect‐ratio forms, these programmable blocks enable reversible shape changes and sophisticated 3D (three‐dimensional) morphing in response to external stimuli. The design, which integrates rigid and soft materials, enables the rigid surface to be coated with magnetic material, allowing controlled operation under external magnetic fields. When exposed to a rotating magnetic field of 20 mT at 5 Hz, the micromachine assembled from microbuilding blocks reaches a maximum speed of 380 µm s−1. In addition, a hybrid fabrication approach is developed that combines 2D (two‐dimensional) lithography with 3D direct laser writing, embedding a microelectronic layer into the shape‐morphing system. The successful cargo delivery in a 3D microchannel shows this method's potential to enhance micromachine intelligence by improving adaptability and enabling closed‐loop control with flexible microelectronics.