Core Concept - The article discusses a silent revolution in robotics, focusing on the integration of "mechanical metamaterials" to enhance robots' capabilities by allowing them to perceive, react, and adapt autonomously, merging central command with instinctive responses [1][4]. Group 1: Current Challenges in Robotics - Traditional robots operate on a "brain + body" model, where a central processor controls all functions, leading to limitations in flexibility and responsiveness [5][9]. - Current robotic systems are often heavy and rigid, making them unsuitable for delicate tasks that require safe interaction [6][9]. - The reliance on a central brain for every action creates bottlenecks, especially in unpredictable environments where rapid response is crucial [9][10]. Group 2: Mechanical Metamaterials - Mechanical metamaterials are defined as intelligent materials with programmable structures that can directly interpret and execute complex mechanical commands [7][11]. - The design principles of metamaterials include mechanics-inspired architectures, reconfigurable structures, and material-driven functionalities, which collectively enhance robots' physical capabilities [8][11][17]. Group 3: Innovations in Robotic Design - The first principle involves creating lightweight yet strong lattice structures that allow for adaptable flexibility and energy storage for rapid movements [11][12]. - The second principle utilizes origami and kirigami techniques to enable robots to dynamically change their shapes, enhancing their adaptability to various environments [13][15]. - The third principle integrates responsive materials that allow robots to sense and react to their surroundings, effectively merging sensory and motor functions [17][19]. Group 4: AI and Metamaterials - The integration of AI with metamaterials is seen as a key to overcoming current design challenges, allowing for efficient modeling and intelligent control of robotic systems [23][24]. - AI can assist in reverse engineering designs based on desired functionalities, improving the efficiency of creating complex metamaterial structures [24][26]. Group 5: Future Vision - The ultimate vision for metamaterial robots is a deep integration of embodied intelligence, where robots can operate more like biological entities, with distributed sensory and decision-making capabilities [27][28]. - Future robots are expected to function effectively in dynamic environments, with the ability to self-assemble and reconfigure into different forms as needed [28].