A Naturally Inspired Extrusion‐Based Microfluidic Approach for Manufacturing Tailorable Magnetic Soft Continuum Microrobotic Devices

Soft materials play a crucial role in small‐scale robotic applications by closely mimicking the complex motion and morphing behavior of organisms. However, conventional fabrication methods face challenges in creating highly integrated small‐scale soft devices. In this study, microfluidics is leveraged to precisely control reaction‐diffusion (RD) processes to generate multifunctional and compartmentalized calcium‐cross‐linkable alginate‐based microfibers. Under RD conditions, sophisticated alginate‐based fibers are produced for magnetic soft continuum robotics applications with customizable features, such as geometry (compact or hollow), degree of cross‐linking, and the precise localization of magnetic nanoparticles (inside the core, surrounding the fiber, or on one side). This fine control allows for tuning the stiffness and magnetic responsiveness of the microfibers. Additionally, chemically cleavable regions within the fibers enable disassembly into smaller robotic units or roll‐up structures under a rotating magnetic field. These findings demonstrate the versatility of microfluidics in processing highly integrated small‐scale devices. Here, microfluidics is leveraged to precisely control reaction‐diffusion (RD) processes for generating multifunctional and compartmentalized alginate‐based microfibers. This nature‐inspired RD process allows for producing sophisticated fibers acting as magnetic soft continuum robots. The method allows for tailoring the stiffness and magnetic responsiveness of the microfibers via customizing the geometry, degree of cross‐linking, and spatial localization of magnetic nanoparticles.