Magnetic Metasheet Material Moves Objects Like a Conveyor Belt
Yinding Chi
Scientists at North Carolina State University (NCSU) have developed a magnetic “metasheet” capable of moving objects and liquids without the need for robotic arms or grippers.
The device consists of a sheet made of elastic polymer with magnetic microparticles embedded in it. They etch a kirigami pattern of tessellating triangles into the surface, providing greater flexibility for controlled deformations.
How the Magnetic Field Manipulates the Metasheet
The idea is that by moving a magnetic field beneath the metasheet, different areas of it will rise or fall.For example, they can create a depression by making the magnetic field attractive to the particles and form a hill by making it repellent. The system responds in as little as two milliseconds.
“You can make the surface of the metasheet move like a wave by controlling the direction of the magnetic field,” said Jie Yin, co-author of the study. “Adjusting the strength of the magnetic field determines how much the wave rises or falls.”
Demonstrating the Metasheet’s Capability to Move Objects
Using this mechanism, they can remotely control the metasheet to move objects by raising and lowering different areas.The team demonstrated this with a variety of non-magnetic objects, such as small beads, a glass slide, a wooden plate, a leaf, and even water droplets using a superhydrophobic version of the material. In all cases, the team could roll and move these items to specific locations through controlled sequences of the magnetic field.
The researchers state that this approach could be useful for moving fragile objects or those with shapes that are unsuitable for robotic arms, grippers, and other systems. The next steps involve scaling the technique, and the scientists also see other potential applications in the future.
Yin said, “We are also interested in using this approach to create haptic technologies, with applications ranging from gaming to accessibility devices.”
Read the original article on: New Atlas
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