Jacob Wang Innovates Eco-Friendly Soft Robot for Drug Delivery

LOS ANGELES, June 22, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- XYZ Media, a prominent media organization intertwining educational initiatives with technological advancements, has showcased Jacob Wang, a student from Bullis Charter School in Los Altos, California, in its "Next Generation of Innovators" series. Wang's groundbreaking work involves the development of a self-actuated soft robot designed for drug delivery, eliminating the dependency on external power sources or electronics.

Jacob Wang, motivated by the increasing global demand for efficient and sustainable drug delivery systems, particularly in the context of an aging population and rising chronic conditions, stated, "One major challenge I wanted to overcome was the need to constantly charge the robot battery. I wondered if I could create a robot that moves without using any electricity." His innovation addresses the limitations of conventional pharmaceutical delivery methods, which include oral ingestion, injections, and inhalations that often prove invasive, imprecise, and slow.

The soft robot engineered by Wang operates on moisture-actuated mechanics, constructed from biodegradable materials such as agarose powder and dimethylformamide. It reacts to ambient humidity by swelling and contracting, enabling it to navigate and deliver payloads with targeted precision without any artificial power source. Wang's third-generation model incorporated hydromorphic principles and optimized design elements, enhancing its controlled locomotion capabilities.

Wang's research aligns with broader environmental sustainability goals, as it mitigates the need for electronic components that contribute to the escalating issue of global electronic waste. Traditional drug delivery robots typically rely on rigid structures and battery packs, whereas Wang's fully biodegradable design stands as a promising alternative for both medical and ecological innovations.

"I want to be a physicist because they explore the rules of the universe and allow for innovations that benefit humanity," Wang expressed. He aspires to delve into theoretical physics, focusing on mathematical theories that elucidate the interactions of physical objects, particularly in the realm of quantum mechanics.

Jordan Hayes, Director of Communications at XYZ Media, remarked, "Jacob’s work genuinely moved us. He took a complex problem and approached it with such thoughtfulness and creativity. It’s rare to see someone so young think this deeply about sustainability, health, and how engineering can make a difference in people’s lives."

Through the "Next Generation of Innovators" series, XYZ Media underscores its commitment to recognizing the achievements of young innovators applying scientific research to tackle societal challenges effectively. Founded in 2018, XYZ Media stands at the forefront of integrating educational initiatives with technological innovation, driving market trends and shaping the digital landscape. For more information on XYZ Media’s series, interested parties can contact Jordan Hayes at pr@xyzmediaco.com.

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