A group of scientists from China, Hong Kong and the USA has created a metal robot that, under the influence of magnetic fields, is able to change its state from solid to liquid, thanks to which it can pass through gratings and seep into hard-to-reach places. Information about the project is published in the Matter magazine.

The robot is made of magnetic microparticles that are in the shell of gallium — a soft metal that melts at a temperature of only 28.9° Celsius. Under the influence of a magnetic field, the particles heat up and melt gallium, after which the robot goes into a liquid state. Then it cools down and returns to its original state.

The liquid crystal robot is planned to be used in medicine. Scientists believe that in the future it will change the approach to the treatment and conduct of complex operations. And it can also be used as a "smart solder" that can fix elements in hard-to-reach places.

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