Nanowerk July 17, 2019
Using two-photon polymerization lithography researchers at the Georgia Institute of Technology have designed and 3D printed micro-bristle-bots consisting of a piezoelectric actuator glued onto a polymer body. The actuator generates vibration and is powered externally, a piezoelectric shaker beneath the surface on which the robots move, from an ultrasound/sonar source, or even from a tiny acoustic speaker. The springy legs go up and down, propelling the micro-bot forward. Each robot can be designed to respond to different vibration frequencies depending on leg size, diameter, design and overall geometry. The amplitude of the vibrations controls the speed at which the micro-bots move. Swarms of micro-bristle-bots might work together to sense environmental changes, move materials – or perhaps one day repair injuries inside the human body…read more. TECHNICAL ARTICLE
A micro-bristle-bot is shown next to a U.S. penny for size comparison. Video Credit: Allison Carter, Georgia Tech