Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jan 5, 2026

Design and Fabrication of an Elastomeric Unit for Soft Modular Robots in Minimally Invasive Surgery
Published on: November 14, 2015
On-demand orbital maneuver of multiple soft robots via hierarchical magnetomotility
Sukyoung Won1, Sanha Kim2, Jeong Eun Park1
1Department of Polymer Science and Engineering, Inha University, 100 Inha-ro, Michuhol-gu, Incheon, 22212, Republic of Korea.
Abstract:
Magnetic soft robots facilitate the battery-free remote control of soft robots. However, parallel control of multiple magnetic robots is challenging due to interference between robots and difficult maneuvers. Here we present the orbital maneuvering of manifold magnetic soft robots. Magneto-induced motion (magnetomotility) that includes the hierarchy of rotation and resultant revolution allows for the independent control of the robot's velocity and orbital radius. The soft robot achieves a speed of 60 body length (BL) s-1, which is approximately 50, 000 times faster with 1/7 the weight of the current lightest legged soft robot. The hierarchical magnetomotility is suitable for versatile locomotion such as stairs and uphill climbing, underwater and above water swimming. Owing to their swimming functionality, a swarm of such soft robots is capable of transportation of cargo. On-demand orbital maneuvering of magnetic soft robots provides a new methodology for concurrent actuation of multiple robots exhibiting collective behaviors.
Related Concept Videos
One-Degree-of-Freedom System
A one-degree-of-freedom system is defined by an independent variable that determines its state and behavior. One example of a one-degree-of-freedom system is a simple harmonic oscillator, such as a...
The Movement of Organelles and Vesicles
Three-Dimensional Force System:Problem Solving
To solve a three-dimensional force system, first resolve each force into its respective scalar components. Do this using...
Hierarchy of Motor Control
Torque On A Current Loop In A Magnetic Field
Consider a rectangular current-carrying loop containing N turns of wire, placed in a uniform magnetic field. The net force on a current-carrying loop...
Cell Motility through Blebbing
Blebbing Through the Matrix
In multicellular...

