Core Viewpoint - Cornell University's scientists have developed a soft robot designed to inject substances into plant leaves, significantly improving the precision and reducing damage compared to traditional methods [1][2][12]. Group 1: Challenges in Plant Injection - Traditional methods for injecting substances into plant leaves are inefficient and often cause significant damage, with injury rates reaching up to 113.8% [6][7]. - The leaf's defense mechanisms, such as small stomatal openings and hydrophobic surfaces, complicate the injection process [6][5]. Group 2: Soft Robot Design - The soft robot features a sandglass-shaped actuator that generates substantial force while minimizing lateral expansion, allowing for effective injection without causing excessive movement [10][11]. - The robot can exert a force of 168.47 ± 5.34 Newtons (approximately equivalent to 17 kg) and can extend 43.55 ± 3.1 mm, showcasing impressive performance in the field of soft actuators [11]. Group 3: Injection Method and Success Rate - The "stamping" injection method allows for a gentle application of liquid into the leaf, achieving an injection success rate of over 91% and significantly reducing damage to the plant [11][12]. - The injection area is 12 times larger than traditional methods, with damage rates as low as 3.6% for sunflower leaves and zero damage for cotton leaves [11][12]. Group 4: Innovative Applications - The AquaDust nanosensor can be injected into leaves to monitor water levels in real-time, providing a non-destructive method for assessing plant hydration [16][17]. - Genetic modification using Agrobacterium can be performed by injecting genes into leaves, allowing for visual tracking of gene expression through color changes [16][17]. Group 5: Future Implications for Agriculture - The research opens new avenues for soft robotics in agriculture, enabling precise care for individual plants and potentially revolutionizing agricultural practices [20][21]. - The cost of the device is approximately $155, which could decrease significantly with mass production, making it accessible for agricultural applications [20].

Core Viewpoint - The article highlights a significant breakthrough in underwater robotics with the development of a light-controlled artificial muscle system, which enhances the performance and flexibility of underwater robots by eliminating the need for cables and heavy power supplies [1][4]. Group 1: Technological Breakthrough - A South Korean research team has successfully developed a fully light-controlled artificial muscle system for underwater robots, showcasing superior power performance compared to biological muscles [1]. - The new actuator, based on photo-chemical responsive materials, allows for autonomous operation in underwater environments, paving the way for cable-free intelligent underwater equipment [1][4]. - The artificial muscle exhibits a contraction rate of 60% under UV light and can quickly recover when switched to visible light, enabling strong driving capabilities without any power supply [1][2]. Group 2: Performance Metrics - Experimental data indicates that the energy density of the new light-driven muscle reaches 15 kJ/m³, more than double that of mammalian skeletal muscle [2]. - The driving strain produced by this technology exceeds three times that of similar photo-chemical materials, maintaining stable performance even after hundreds of cycles [2]. Group 3: Application and Future Prospects - The prototype robot equipped with this artificial muscle demonstrates exceptional operational capabilities, including precise object manipulation and navigation through complex environments [4]. - The technology addresses energy supply challenges for underwater robots and introduces a new paradigm where smart materials serve as power units [4]. - The research team aims to advance industrial applications of this technology within three years, with potential uses in underwater exploration, marine engineering, and medical devices, expecting commercialization by 2030 [4]. Group 4: Industry Implications - This breakthrough signifies a new phase in soft robotics development, characterized by strong environmental adaptability, high driving efficiency, and superior system integration [4]. - The ongoing advancements in material science suggest that cable-free robots could play crucial roles in extreme environments such as deep space exploration and disaster rescue operations [4].