Researchers at the University of Missouri and University of Chicago have developed an artificial material, called a metamaterial, which can respond to its environment, independently decide, and perform an action not directed by a human being. For example, a drone making a delivery might evaluate its environment including wind direction, speed, or wildlife, and automatically change course to complete the delivery safely (ScienceDaily, 2021).

     Guoliang Huang, Huber and Helen Croft Chair in Engineering, and co-author on the study, said the mechanical design of their new artificial material incorporates three main functions also displayed by materials found in nature.  These include sensing, information processing, and actuation or movement.

     Some examples of these natural materials include the quick reaction of a Venus fly trap's leafy jaws to capture an insect, chameleons changing the color of their skin to blend into their surroundings, and pinecones adjusting their shapes in response to changes in air humidity, Huang said. (ScienceDaily, 2021)

     The material uses a computer chip to control or manipulate the processing of information that's needed to perform the requested actions, then uses the electrical power to convert that energy into mechanical energy. The researchers' next step is to implement their idea in a real-world environment.

Works Cited

ScienceDaily. (2021, 11 2). University of Missouri-Columbia. An artificial material that can sense, adapt to its environment. Retrieved from Science Daily: www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2021/11/211102180532.htm