Researchers in China develop 'shape-shifting' robot inspired by the TERMINATOR

Liquid metal robots that can change their form and repair from damage just like the androids of the Terminator movies could soon become a reality.

Researchers in China have developed a palm-sized prototype inspired by T-1000 from the science fiction franchise, albeit a lot less sinister.

The small, shape-shifting robot could be used to access environments that would be difficult for a human or fixed-shape bot to navigate, such as disaster zones.

The prototype, created by a team from the University of Science and Technology of China and the University of Wollongong in Australia is made of a small plastic wheel, a lithium battery, and drops of gallium, a soft silvery metal, according to the South China Morning Post.

According to the researchers, liquid metal alloys are uniquely suited for their high controllability, controllable surface voltage, and flexibility.

This could be useful for a wide range of applications, from military to medical.

Tiny robots could be used, for example, to deliver drugs through the body and directly attack tumor cells, the researchers told SCMP.

'In the future, we expect to develop further metal importing robots that could be used in special missions such as searching for and saving earthquake victims, since they can change shape to slide or make it through spaces humans can not get into, 'Tang Shiyang, from the University of Wollongong, told SCMP.

'We think liquid metal alloys could help with the development of self-reconfiguring robots that can change their own shape,' the researcher added.

In the prototype, the liquid metal has been changed into a tube that changes shape based on the voltage applied to it.

This, in turn, alters the center of gravity, and turns the plastic wheel.

The team published their work in the journal Advanced Materials this month, and is now planning to create a similar bot to Star Wars' BB-8.

They are also hoping to incorporate multiple wheels, and the ability to move into a three-dimensional environment, Tang told the South China Morning Post.