Symposium SF03: Materials for Robotics

Zenghao Zhang, University of Michigan

Magnetoactive Janus Particle Swarms for Information Display, Memory and Encryption

Written by Ethan To

Magnetic microrobots have gained significant interest in the robotics community because they offer untethered actuation, fast response, flexible control, and are easy to miniaturize. While actuation of a single magnetic robot is relatively straightforward, the design and control of robotic swarms to achieve programmed synchronized and asynchronous motions remains a challenge. Zenghao Zhang and colleagues at the University of Michigan are developing magnetoactive Janus particles (MAJPs), microrobots with programmable magnetization that rotate under magnetic fields and exhibit dynamic color changes for versatile applications. The MAJPs are engineered with tunable structures and properties, enabling precise swarming behavior and reversible switching mechanisms. These capabilities allow for versatile and programmable functions like dynamic displays, memory storage, and information encryption in soft, wearable devices. By harnessing the unique swarming behaviors of MAJPs in applied magnetic fields, this technology paves the way for reconfigurable display systems and multifunctional devices, bridging the gap between soft robotics and responsive metamaterials. Overall, MAJPs represent a significant step toward next-generation soft physical computing devices, opening new horizons in adaptive, intelligent materials and wearable tech.