n pass through narrow gaps, grow while adapting to the shape of its surrounding environment, and move regardless of whether the surface is slippery, sticky, or sloped,  said Ryu Jee-Hwan, a professor of civil and environmental engineering at KAIST and co-author of the study.

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Researchers see immediate benefits for elderly or disabled individuals needing daily assistance, but they also see other critical needs. The hands-free system could streamline process times for workers stepping into semiconductor clean rooms or allow first responders to rapidly suit up in personal protective equipment (PPE) during chemical or hazardous emergencies.

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Ryu noted that while artificial intelligence software often dominates current engineering headlines, this project highlights the essential role of physical design.

 It's a clear example of how mechanical innovation can solve complex real-world challenges directly,  Ryu said.