Shape memory alloys (SMAs) are smart materials that are widely used to create intelligent devices because of their high energy density, actuation strain, and biocompatibility characteristics. Given their unique properties, SMAs are found to have significant potential for implementation in many emerging applications in mobile robots, robotic hands, wearable devices, aerospace/automotive components, and biomedical devices. Here, the state-of-the-art of thermal and magnetic SMA actuators in terms of their constituent materials, form, and scaling effects are summarized, including their surface treatments and functionalities. The motion performance of various SMA architectures (wires, springs, smart soft composites, and knitted/woven actuators) is also analyzed. Based on the assessment, current challenges of SMAs that need to be addressed for their practical application are emphasized. Finally, how to advance SMAs by synergistically considering the effects of material, form, and scale is suggested.

In article number 1606580, Min-Woo Han and Sung-Hoon Ahn report soft morphing structures, in which loop-linked structures made from thermally responsive fibers allow the creation of three-dimensional morphologies, including flowers. Based on the design methodology of loop patterning, the proposed morphing structures enable three-dimensional volumetric transformation as well as bending, twisting, and torsional deformation, through functional fiber actuation.

A loop-linked structure, which is capable of morphing in various modes, including volumetric transformation, is developed based on knitting methods. Morphing flowers (a lily-like, a daffodil-like, gamopetalous, and a calla-like flower) are fabricated using loop patterning, and their blooming motion is demonstrated by controlling a current that selectively actuates the flowers petals.

Hierarchical nanostructures of TiO2 nanosheets on SnO2 nanotubes (SNT@TNS) are uniformly dispersed in an organized mesoporous (OM) TiO2 film with large pores, high porosity, and good interconnectivity. The solid-state dye sensitized solar cells (ssDSSCs) fabricated with 10 wt% SNT@TNS dispersed in a OM-TiO2 film show an energy conversion efficiency of 7.7% at 100 mW cm(-2) , which is one of the highest values for N719-based ssDSSCs and much larger than that of a randomly oriented TiO2 nanoparticles-based cell (4.0%).

Shape memory alloys (SMAs) are smart materials that are widely used to create intelligent devices because of their high energy density, actuation strain, and biocompatibility characteristics. Given their unique properties, SMAs are found to have significant potential for implementation in many emerging applications in mobile robots, robotic hands, wearable devices, aerospace/automotive components, and biomedical devices. Here, the state-of-the-art of thermal and magnetic SMA actuators in terms of their constituent materials, form, and scaling effects are summarized, including their surface treatments and functionalities. The motion performance of various SMA architectures (wires, springs, smart soft composites, and knitted/woven actuators) is also analyzed. Based on the assessment, current challenges of SMAs that need to be addressed for their practical application are emphasized. Finally, how to advance SMAs by synergistically considering the effects of material, form, and scale is suggested.

In article number 1606580, Min-Woo Han and Sung-Hoon Ahn report soft morphing structures, in which loop-linked structures made from thermally responsive fibers allow the creation of three-dimensional morphologies, including flowers. Based on the design methodology of loop patterning, the proposed morphing structures enable three-dimensional volumetric transformation as well as bending, twisting, and torsional deformation, through functional fiber actuation.

A loop-linked structure, which is capable of morphing in various modes, including volumetric transformation, is developed based on knitting methods. Morphing flowers (a lily-like, a daffodil-like, gamopetalous, and a calla-like flower) are fabricated using loop patterning, and their blooming motion is demonstrated by controlling a current that selectively actuates the flowers petals.

Hierarchical nanostructures of TiO2 nanosheets on SnO2 nanotubes (SNT@TNS) are uniformly dispersed in an organized mesoporous (OM) TiO2 film with large pores, high porosity, and good interconnectivity. The solid-state dye sensitized solar cells (ssDSSCs) fabricated with 10 wt% SNT@TNS dispersed in a OM-TiO2 film show an energy conversion efficiency of 7.7% at 100 mW cm(-2) , which is one of the highest values for N719-based ssDSSCs and much larger than that of a randomly oriented TiO2 nanoparticles-based cell (4.0%).

Abstract Metabolites play critical roles in modulating gut-microbe interactions and are closely related to health and disease consequences. One critical aspect of the gut-microbe interactions is spatial heterogeneity, particularly at the interface space between gut tissue and luminal contents, where a unique microhabitat of diverse microbial functions encounters the host tissues. Exploring the spatial heterogeneity of this interface enables insights into these gut-microbe interactions. Previous studies commonly investigated metabolome through tissue homogenization and bulk analysis, but these methods result in the loss of spatial information. In this project, we use high-resolution matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry imaging (MALDI-MSI) approaches to reveal the chemical spatial heterogeneity of colon tissue, luminal contents, and the tissue-lumen interface across multiple colonic regions. We applied a swiping technique to aid the preservation of luminal content integrity and used two MALDI matrices to cover a wide range of metabolites. The MALDI-MSI analyses revealed distinct patterns of metabolite spatial localization across the gut tissue-lumen interfaces, amongst which the interface-enriched features are of particular interest due to their possibly connection to the gut-microbe interactions. Overall, the rich spatial heterogeneity of metabolomic profiles across the gut tissue-lumen interfaces highlight the molecular participants in host-microbe interactions, providing new opportunities for examining host-microbiome-metabolome dynamics.

Abstract Advancements in information and communications technology and artificial intelligence have led to a new era of remote autonomous operation, enhancing the ability to recognize and manipulate objects in 3D space. Building upon the basic chemical autonomous experimental system, this study integrates mechanical specimens and measurement devices into an interoperable laboratory platform with a mobile manipulator. This study introduces a fully open-source hierarchical computational laboratory automation platform that enables researchers in remote locations to operate experimental devices and obtain results through high-level commands. A novel legacy equipment retrofitting methodology is proposed, in which legacy equipment is classified into three categories with their respective internet-of-things-based communication-enabling methodologies. The effectiveness of the proposed system is demonstrated through a detailed case study involving international remote laboratory education and experiment automation to measure the physical properties of additively manufactured specimens. The demonstration showed the SmartLab's successful conversion of an existing engineering laboratory to a remote and automated laboratory. An intercontinental remote material testing experimental class was successfully performed between Tanzania and Korea providing hands on experience to students. In addition, material property of additively manufactured parts is automatically experimented without human intervention where 90 specimens are automatically manufactured and tested. Results show that by using the SmartLab system, the efficiency of the experimental procedure can be significantly increased by processing specimens 2.5 times more than human researchers per day. The experimental results obtained with SmartLab is well aligned with previous research demonstrating the potential for automated research.

Abstract This paper offers a forward-looking perspective on the challenges and opportunities shaping the future of robotics, drawing insights from both established and emerging research. It addresses two pivotal dimensions: the complexities of manufacturing and the integration of intelligence within robotic systems. On the manufacturing front, key elements such as structural materials, manufacturing processes, assembly methodologies, sensors, actuators, and power systems are explored. Simultaneously, the paper evaluates the evolution of robotic intelligence, focusing on frameworks for autonomous levels, artificial intelligence (AI), digital twin technology, and the transformative potential of quantum computing. By analyzing these elements, the study examines their implications for the broader deployment and functionality of robots across industrial, service, missional, and ethical domains. This perspective highlights how emerging technologies and strategies can address key challenges to drive robotic evolution, offering a roadmap for researchers, engineers, and policymakers to accelerate intelligent, scalable, and versatile robotic systems.