Scientists have created a bizarre magnetic slime that can be remotely controlled via a magnetic field, New Scientist reports. The robot can navigate narrow passages, grasp objects and fix broken circuits.
It could be deployed inside the body to perform tasks such as retrieving objects swallowed by accident.
The robot was made by researchers at the Chinese University of Hong Kong, who mixed strong neodymium magnets with borax, a common detergent. The slime is coated in silicon which makes sure the slime isn't toxic to the human body.
In a test, the research team was able to retrieve a battery in a model stomach. The magnetic goo, the researchers say, can be manipulated into a number of different shapes.