Microrobot Controlled Electrodeposition Metamaterial

We show progress towards developing a metamaterial made from a swarm of microscale robots. The robots, in solution, electrodeposit nickel on their bodies with local application of energy. The material can actively adapt it's structural properties through growth and removal of nickel in the space between robots. We demonstrate that electrodeposition of nickel on microscale electrodes is achievable, that adjacent growth fronts can be merged to form bonds between robots, and that electrodeposited nickel can be entirely removed from the electrodes. These results pave the way for a new breed of adaptable metallic metamaterial.