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Shapeshifting Liquid Metal Droplets for Soft Fluidic Machines
Saba Firouznia1,2, Christian Romero1,2, Hemma Philamore1,2
1School of Engineering Mathematics and Technology, University of Bristol, Bristol, BS8 1TW, UK.
Advanced Materials (Deerfield Beach, Fla.)
|October 23, 2025
Summary
Liquid metal shapeshifting (LMSS) uses instabilities for fluidic power generation. This novel method enables low-voltage pumps and diverse soft machine applications.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Soft Robotics
- Microfluidics
Background:
- Droplet dynamics are vital for microfluidics, materials science, and soft robotics.
- Electric and magnetic fields offer precise droplet handling but can cause instabilities.
- Leveraging these instabilities in liquid metal offers new energy transduction possibilities.
Purpose of the Study:
- Introduce liquid metal shapeshifting (LMSS) for fluidic power generation.
- Demonstrate LMSS in a soft, bidirectional pump driven by low voltage.
- Explore LMSS applications in wearable technology and soft robotics.
Main Methods:
- Utilized Lorentz forces and surface tension for liquid metal droplet manipulation.
- Developed a pump with a simple design: two electrodes, a liquid metal drop, and a magnet.
- Powered the device using low voltage, comparable to an AAA battery.
Main Results:
- Achieved high energy transduction in conductive liquid metal droplets.
- Demonstrated a soft, bidirectional pump outperforming previous designs.
- Showcased LMSS versatility in photoprotective skin, robotic actuators, and adaptive clothing.
Conclusions:
- LMSS is a transformative material platform for compact fluidic power supplies.
- The technology has broad potential in lab-on-a-chip devices, robotics, and adaptive materials.
- LMSS is foundational for next-generation multifunctional, fluidic-driven soft machines.
