Korean researchers have announced the creation of a robot capable of self-destruction, leaving behind only an oily puddle.
The team has been working on soft robots – devices made of flexible materials that can move, regenerate, and grow like living organisms. Over the course of two years, they have developed materials that are strong enough for a fully functional robot, but can easily disintegrate when triggered by specific substances.
This technology could ensure that confidential data on robots used for observation, reconnaissance, and transportation does not fall into the wrong hands. These robots could also be used for search missions in hazardous or environmentally unfavorable areas.
min-ha OH, a graduate student at SELS National University and a participant in the project, explained, “We imitated the concept of death in the life cycle, where the robot can be destroyed.”
Previous models based on heat-resistant elastomers made from silicone were not suitable for self-destruction due to their resistance to heat, acids, and chemicals. The Korean scientists applied a substance to silicone resin that emits fluoride ions when exposed to ultraviolet light. When operators activate the built-in ultraviolet LEDs, the robot begins to break apart and transforms into an oily puddle in less than two hours.
“We have created a highly versatile and completely decomposable robot, and we have demonstrated its efficacy in controlled conditions,” said OH. “In certain situations where decommissioning is necessary, such as at the end of a mission, detecting enemies, or disposal, the robot can be subjected to ultraviolet light and decompose into an unrecognizable form.”
While self-destructive mechanisms are not a new concept in the world of technology, the development by Korean scientists opens new horizons in the field of cybersecurity and remote management.