These shape-shifting devices melt and re-form thanks to magnetic fields

Gallium plus magnetism equals something straight out of Terminator 2

gallery of images showing a Lego-like figure liquifying to escape from a prison

This Lego-like figurine escaped from prison Terminator 2–style thanks to a new composite of gallium and magnetic particles, which liquefies in the presence of a changing magnetic field and moves under the guidance of a permanent magnet.

Q. Wang et al/Matter 2023 (CC BY-SA)

Shape-shifting liquid metal robots might not be limited to science fiction anymore.