Programmable Matter with Free and High-Resolution Transfiguration and Locomotion

"Hot flow in the cold changes shape in a dead world comes matter to life" Programmable matter that allows free shape transfiguration and locomotion on command promises ubiquitous access to objects or functions of interest. Current approaches for the autonomous reshaping of solid objects (smart materials, soft actuators, modular robotics) are limited in spatial resolution and shape. Solid-liquid phase change pumping as a mechanism for the contactless transfiguring and locomotion of solid objects is introduced. Thin objects are deformed into any intended shape with sub-millimeter resolution and the ability to freely change their topology is demonstrated, including adding or removing holes, splitting and merging. The unique locomotion of objects through millimeter-sized constrictions narrower than their body size is demonstrated, followed by restoring the original shape. This approach opens up avenues for developing autonomous programmable matter with free shape transfiguration. Free shape-changing and locomotion of solid objects is now possible with solid-liquid phase change pumping. Current methods have limitations in shape and resolution. This technique reshapes thin objects with sub-millimeter precision, allowing them to pass through narrow constrictions and then regain their original form. This offers a new path for advanced programmable matter.image