Advances in 3D Printing Technologies for Fabricating Magnetic Soft Microrobots

Abstract

Magnetic soft robots have garnered interest in recent years due to their various capabilities specifically in biomedical applications. These robots are fabricated by combining magnetic microparticles with soft elastomers to create composite materials, in order to achieve stimuli‐responsive properties. Such structures enable precise and remote actuation for controlled movement. Advancements are currently being made in many aspects of fabrication, such as sensor incorporation, actuation and navigation systems, and design optimization. This review provides a comprehensive summary of the fundamental principles of magnetism and common actuation techniques to help understand how these magnetic soft robots are designed and fabricated using 3D printing technology. Each fabrication technique outlines the general process, advantages, disadvantages, and capabilities such as resolution. Key applications for both biomedical and environmental areas are examined. Finally, current challenges and future research directions are outlined to advance the design and functionality of magnetic soft robots.