Inspired by the octopus, the team of Korean scientists created “a metamaterial synthesis system that allows incremental and reversible adjustment of various mechanical information, by translating the encoded pattern information into distinct stiffness states of mechanical pixels,” said lead researcher Professor Jiyun Kim of the Department of Materials Science and Engineering at the Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST).

The digitally programmable metamaterial has many remarkable capabilities, including shape change and memory, and a deformable cross-sectional ratio under compressive loads. In addition, the new material exhibits application-oriented functions, such as energy absorption and adjustable and reusable pressure distribution. By inputting specific digital commands, the material can operate adjacent LED switches, allowing precise control of force transmission lines. The metamaterial is also compatible with a wide range of devices and gadgets, as well as artificial intelligence technologies. According to the researchers, this material surpasses the limitations of existing materials and has many potential applications in fields that require rapid adaptability, especially the field of robotics.

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