How the superhero film Venom inspired scientists to create a magnetic robot slime for medical use
- The jellylike substance designed by researchers at the Chinese University of Hong Kong could help retrieve objects from the body
- It is made up of magnetic particles and could also help medical staff carry out other forms of surgery
Researchers at the Chinese University of Hong Kong have developed a robotic slime that could help reduce the need for invasive surgery and help with other medical operations.
The flexible, jellylike substance was partially inspired by the superhero film Venom and is made up of magnetic particles that can be controlled by external magnets.
It can be stretched up to seven times its original length, form complex shapes or swallow and transport harmful objects.
One possible application would be to help doctors retrieve objects that have been accidentally swallowed by putting the slime inside the digestive system, letting it swallow the object and then taking it out.
Zhang Li, a professor at Chinese University who co-created the slime robot, said he expected it could be used as a surgical tool.
“It has extremely large deformation capability … It’s like liquid. When you rotate the magnet, it behaves like an octopus arm to grab an object or wrap it up,” Zhang said on Friday.
