Cephalopod-Inspired Magnetic Shape-Morphing System for Complex 3D Transformations with Broad Reconfigurability in 3D Displays and Soft Robotics

Shape-morphing systems capable of actively achieving diverse three-dimensional (3D) configurations are essential for advancements in 3D electronics and soft robotics. However, current shape-morphing technologies encounter challenges such as iterative shape reconfiguration with high geometrical complexity, mechanical stability, and slow response times. Inspired by the 3D skin texturing abilities of cephalopods, 3D magnetic shape-morphing systems are introduced, enabling reversible and continuous transformation with a broad range of complex reconfigurable shapes. This is achieved through thermo-magnetoactive actuation, guided by magnetization profiles created via a 3D magnetic encoding strategy. The system leverages magnetic shape-morphing platforms (MMPs) built with a composite containing elastomer mixed with low melting point alloy (LMPA) particles comprising ferromagnetic particles. The MMP can produce intricate, robust 3D configurations using multimodal magnetic actuation facilitated by tunable stiffness and magnetoactive reconfigurability. Proof-of-concept demonstrations of 3D visio-tactile displays and light-responsive flower robots highlight the potential of bioinspired 3D magnetic shape-morphing systems, suggesting promising applications in 3D electronics, soft robotics, and visio-haptic human interfacing.