This shape-shifting graphene material may power next-gen soft robots

Researchers at McGill University have developed ultra-thin graphene oxide films that can fold, move, and sense motion like animated origami, paving the way for advanced soft robotics and adaptive devices. These graphene oxide sheets are both strong and flexible, overcoming previous limitations of brittleness and manufacturing challenges. The material can be folded into complex shapes without cracking, enabling soft robots that operate safely around humans without rigid parts or heavy motors. The folded structures respond to environmental triggers such as humidity, opening and closing reversibly, or can be embedded with magnetic particles for remote control via external magnetic fields. This versatility allows the same base material to be adapted for diverse applications, from medical tools navigating delicate spaces to smart packaging reacting to environmental changes. Beyond actuation, the graphene oxide layers exhibit changes in electrical conductivity as they bend or fold, enabling the material to sense its own motion. This integrated sensing-actuation capability reduces the need for separate components, simplifying design and minimizing size. The researchers describe these as the first reconfig