Microsurgeon (2 of 2) (IMAGE) Massachusetts Institute of Technology Caption The new robot consists of two layers of structural material sandwiching a material that shrinks when heated. A pattern of slits in the outer layers determines how the robot will fold when the middle layer contracts. Credit Melanie Gonick/MIT Usage Restrictions Credit information must be included. License Licensed content Disclaimer: AAAS and EurekAlert! are not responsible for the accuracy of news releases posted to EurekAlert! by contributing institutions or for the use of any information through the EurekAlert system.