World’s first 4D printing tech turns sulfur waste into self-moving soft robots

undefined 17, 2026

Source: interestingengineering

Researchers from Korea Research Institute of Chemical Technology and partner universities have developed a new 4D printing method that turns sulfur waste into recyclable, self-moving soft robots. Using sulfur-based polymers, the printed structures can change shape and move in response to heat, light, or magnetic fields, without motors. The material can also be melted and reused, creating a closed-loop system. This breakthrough could advance sustainable soft robotics for uses in medicine, manufacturing, and automation.

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