Journal of Bionic Engineering (2025) 22:562–573 https://doi.org/10.1007/s42235-025-00650-7

Dual-responsive Tumbleweed-inspired Soft Robot Based on  Poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) and MoS2 for Targeted Drug Delivery in  Stomach 

Xiangyu Teng1  · Shuxuan Yu1  · Zezheng Qiao1  · Zhixing Ge2  · Wenguang Yang1

1 School of Electromechanical and Automotive Engineering,  Yantai University, Yantai 264005, China 

2 Department of Biomedical Engineering, National University  of Singapore, Singapore 999002, Singapore

Abstract 

In recent years, robots used for targeted drug delivery in the stomach have received extensive attention. Inspired by  tumbleweeds, we have designed a dual-responsive soft robot based on poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) and MoS2. Under the  action of an adjustable magnetic field, it can achieve steady motion at a frequency that allows it to move up to 35 mm/s,  demonstrating high flexibility and controllability. It can also roll along a predetermined path, traverse mazes, climb over  obstacles, among other functions. In addition, by harnessing the photothermal conversion effect of MoS2, the robot can  be opened and closed using light, enabling controlled drug release. Targeted drug delivery is achieved in a gastric model  using our designed soft robot, marking a significant clinical advancement expected to revolutionize future medical treatments and enhance the efficacy of drug therapy. 

Keywords Bioinspiration · Soft robot · Light-activated · Magnetically actuated · Targeted drug delivery