Bioinspired robot collectives that can act like solids or fluids on demand

https://www.eurekalert.org/news-releases/1073825

"mimics cell cooperation in embryonic tissue... supports 100s times own weight, yet at flip of switch flow freely to change form... internally regulate mechanical properties across space/ time... motorized gears, photoreceptors, rolling magnets.enable precise control over force fluctuations/ polarity... demonstrated robots forming pillars merginf into stable, load-bearing arch, also exhibiting fluidizing, closing defects... object manipulation, rigidifying into wrench exerting torque"