Topic: Small-scale Magnetic Soft Robotics

Magnetic soft robotics is a fascinating and emerging field that explores soft robots capable of deforming and navigating in response to external magnetic fields. When these robots are further downscale to small scales, i.e., millimeters and below, their unique ability to navigate tortuous, confined and complex spaces with unprecedented adaption, agility and safety promises unparalleled benefits across various engineering domains, including space exploration, additive manufacturing, biomedicine, and so on. Research into small-scale magnetically actuated soft robots is highly active within both academic and industrial communities, which involves a variety of disciplines, such as materials, physics, mechanics, mechanical engineering, and control science. Although the past decade has witnessed a rapid evolution of this field, a noteworthy gap still lies in the way toward real-world applications. We believe miniaturized magnetic soft robots hold vast potential for the near future, though achieving this potential will require considerable research efforts.

This Special Issue focuses on the current state of the art in materials synthesis, manufacturing technologies, control theories and functional applications of small-scale magnetic soft robots. It aims to attract contributions from both academic and industrial researchers to advance existing knowledge and present innovative ideas for future developments and technologies. We invite authors to submit original research and review articles covering the potential topics related to small-scale magnetic soft robotics.

Soft robotics, magnetic actuation and control, magnetic composite materials, 3D printing; photolithography, mechanical and deformation model, control methodology and automation, engineering applications

31 Mar 2025