Soft 3D electromagnetic structures with rapid, complex shape morphing

Abstract

Soft 3D systems capable of dynamic, real-time shape morphing have broad applications in flexible electronics, biomedical devices, and soft robotics. Existing methods typically rely on stress relaxation in prestretched elastomeric substrates to transform 2D precursors into 3D structures. However, these structures lack the ability for further localized programmability after transformation. This work introduces a class of soft, 3D morphable electromagnetic structures that enable fast, reversible shape transformations, with precise local programmability even after the initial 3D transformation. These systems provide access to sophisticated geometries and motions that were previously unattainable. This approach combines controlled compressive buckling of liquid metal microfluidics and Lorentz force actuation to drive the transformation, guided by multiphysics computational modeling. A 4D electronic system serves as an application example, demonstrating the potential of these spatially and temporally programmable soft systems.