This study explores the emergence of diffusive kinks in dissipative kirigami, a type of mechanical metamaterial. Kinks, which define boundaries between distinct material configurations, have been shown to underpin functionalities such as logic, shape-changing, and locomotion in mechanical metamaterials. However, these kinks typically propagate due to inertia or external loads. The researchers discovered that in purely dissipative kirigami, kinks can also propagate through a sequence of snapping instabilities, mimicking the slow sequential folding observed in biological systems like Mimosa Pudica. The study involves creating kirigami structures that change shape depending on the stretching speed. When stretched rapidly and then allowed to relax, the viscoelastic kirigami can snap from one texture to another, leading to the emergence of a propagating diffusive kink. This kink propagates at a constant speed and can be harnessed for basic machine-like functionalities, such as sensing, dynamic shape morphing, and object manipulation. The researchers used a combination of computational modeling and experimental validation to demonstrate the formation and propagation of diffusive kinks. They also showed that these kinks can be used to create kirigami machines that perform tasks such as transporting objects, manipulating objects in non-time-reversal cycles, and generating cyclic motion. The findings suggest that diffusive kinks could be a powerful tool for designing soft robots and other dynamic systems.This study explores the emergence of diffusive kinks in dissipative kirigami, a type of mechanical metamaterial. Kinks, which define boundaries between distinct material configurations, have been shown to underpin functionalities such as logic, shape-changing, and locomotion in mechanical metamaterials. However, these kinks typically propagate due to inertia or external loads. The researchers discovered that in purely dissipative kirigami, kinks can also propagate through a sequence of snapping instabilities, mimicking the slow sequential folding observed in biological systems like Mimosa Pudica. The study involves creating kirigami structures that change shape depending on the stretching speed. When stretched rapidly and then allowed to relax, the viscoelastic kirigami can snap from one texture to another, leading to the emergence of a propagating diffusive kink. This kink propagates at a constant speed and can be harnessed for basic machine-like functionalities, such as sensing, dynamic shape morphing, and object manipulation. The researchers used a combination of computational modeling and experimental validation to demonstrate the formation and propagation of diffusive kinks. They also showed that these kinks can be used to create kirigami machines that perform tasks such as transporting objects, manipulating objects in non-time-reversal cycles, and generating cyclic motion. The findings suggest that diffusive kinks could be a powerful tool for designing soft robots and other dynamic systems.