Active matter can be driven out of equilibrium by internal energy sources, allowing their independent movement

https://www.bristol.ac.uk/news/2025/february-/active-matter-breakthrough.html

"Janus colloid µm-sized particles suspended in liquid mixture, activated applying strong electric field... scattered colloid particles merge together forming 3D worm-like structures... predict/ control motion solely based on their lengths... design devices independently moving different parts of themselves, or particle swarms emerging under low-density conditions searching for target.... at higher densities, particles formed sheet-like and maze-like structures... drug delivery, self-healing materials"