Shape-shifting robots could soon be morphing their way from the realms of science fiction into reality. Researchers have developed a metal-based material that can alter its shape and can even heal after it is damaged, conjuring up images of the T-1000 from the Terminator films. The group behind the material said it could have a number of applications, such as for the wings of an aircraft which could change their shape and even flexible skin for robots. Scientists have developed a metal-based material which can alter its shape, combining the stiffness of a metal alloy with the flexibility of a soft, porous rubber foam. The new composite material (pictured) has a stiff scaffold structure which'melts away' when needed By combining a stiff metal with soft, porous rubber foam, the team was able to combine the properties from both into a new composite material which has a stiff scaffold structure that'melts away' when needed.