Researchers at Cornell University have made a groundbreaking advancement in the field of robotics by developing microscale robots that are less than 1 millimeter in size. These tiny robots are initially printed as a 2D hexagonal “metasheet,” but with a jolt of electricity, they can morph into preprogrammed 3D shapes and crawl. This innovative approach opens up new possibilities for the application of microscale robotics in various fields.
The versatility of these robots is attributed to a novel design based on kirigami, a technique similar to origami. Kirigami involves making slices in the material, allowing it to fold, expand, and move. This design enables the robots to perform complex movements and adapt to different environments, making them suitable for a wide range of applications.
Research and Development
The research team at Cornell University published their findings in a paper titled “Electronically Configurable Microscopic Metasheet Robots,” which was published on September 11 in the journal Nature Materials. The co-lead authors of the paper are postdoctoral researchers Qingkun Liu and Wei Wang. The project was led by Itai Cohen, a professor of physics at Cornell University.
Professor Cohen’s lab has a history of producing innovative microrobotic systems. Their previous work includes developing systems that can actuate their limbs, pump water using artificial cilia, and walk autonomously. This latest development builds on their previous research and represents a significant step forward in the field of microscale robotics.
Applications and Future Prospects
The potential applications of these microscale robots are vast. They could be used in medical procedures, such as targeted drug delivery, where their small size and ability to navigate complex environments would be highly advantageous. Additionally, they could be employed in environmental monitoring, where they could access hard-to-reach areas and collect data.
Looking forward, the researchers aim to further refine the design and functionality of these robots. By improving their ability to perform specific tasks and increasing their efficiency, the team hopes to expand the range of applications even further. This research represents a significant step towards the practical use of microscale robots in various industries.
Summary
- Cornell University researchers have developed microscale robots less than 1 millimeter in size.
- The robots are printed as 2D hexagonal “metasheets” and morph into 3D shapes with a jolt of electricity.
- The design is based on kirigami, allowing the robots to fold, expand, and move.
- The research was published in Nature Materials by Qingkun Liu, Wei Wang, and led by Professor Itai Cohen.
- Potential applications include medical procedures and environmental monitoring.
- Future research aims to refine the design and expand the range of applications.