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Amsterdam Researchers Develop Learning Metamaterials That Evolve Autonomously

4/16/2026

Summary

Story summary

Researchers at the University of Amsterdam developed metamaterials that learn, change shape, and move autonomously using motorized hinges and microcontrollers.
The metamaterials learned to spell words and switch shapes through trial and error.
The study was published in Nature Physics, signaling a leap toward materials that mimic living systems and can evolve to perform tasks.
Future work will enhance adaptability in unpredictable environments and enable different locomotion gaits.

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Story summary

Researchers at the University of Amsterdam developed metamaterials that learn, change shape, and move autonomously using motorized hinges and microcontrollers.
The metamaterials learned to spell words and switch shapes through trial and error.
The study was published in Nature Physics, signaling a leap toward materials that mimic living systems and can evolve to perform tasks.
Future work will enhance adaptability in unpredictable environments and enable different locomotion gaits.